If Tuesday’s Palm Desert City Council meeting taught us anything, it’s that we can change the course of history through a combination of protests and speaking up.
And when speaking up is done two minutes at a time, it allows for a wide variety of perspectives and stories that touch and move those who hear them.
It was apparent that the many comments over those long hours in the Palm Desert City Council chambers changed hearts and minds. But I certainly was not holding out hope as the last speaker came to the podium.
While there were many moments of cheerful joy, tearful pain also permeated the exchanges and I felt them deeply. I shared in the comradery as I stood in the galley with my fellow citizens who stood up to this MAGA-inspired bout of insanity.
I had made my way home as the sun set and debate began. I listened to comments from the car, then watched from my patio on Zoom, listening intently to each council member. And still it was a guessing game. But then one by one, the dominoes fell. Joe Pradetto’s mission to wipe out Pride month recognition and more broadly D.E.I. was going down!
I’ll give some credit to old Joe, who told KESQ, “I am not disappointed that the resolution went down the way it did. I stood on my policy principles and the way the government should involve itself with the residents but I also learned that the government does have a role in social issues and that celebrating pride is more than about celebrating individual identities. It’s about the hard-fought fight for equal rights and that is very American.”
As Rob Reiner said “Silence in the face of authoritarianism is complicity. Speaking out as a patriotic act. Democracy does not defend itself. It requires participation, vigilance, and courage from ordinary people.
And that’s what we did on Tuesday at Palm Desert City Hall.
But for some, winning this battle is not enough. There’s still a call for boycotts and even to stop referring to our tourist Mecca as “Greater Palm Springs”. Narrow minds have narrow thoughts. And when we push beyond what is reasonable, resentment grows. So enough with the pitchforks and torches.
Vic Yepello said it best:
“The mayor and the city council, by a 4-1 vote, did the right thing by listening to 50 people for 4 1/2 hours state their feelings and their ideals.
A boycott at this time will harm all the businesses in Palm Desert, including the many gay owned businesses.
And a boycott of Palm Desert at this time would be sending the wrong message from our community. We won. Let’s enjoy the afterglow.”
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Manilow: A Gift of Love VII
Barry Manilow brings A Gift of Love VII to the McCallum Theatre this Friday & Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 7 pm. Audiences can expect a heartwarming mix of Manilow’s greatest hits and festive favorites, plus surprise appearances that have previously included snow, Santa Claus, and children’s choirs. Premium Gold and Platinum tickets offer exclusive perks like post-show receptions and photo ops with Barry. Get tickets
Palm Springs Retro Market
Step into vintage paradise at the Palm Springs Retro Market, happening Sunday, December 21 from 10 am–4 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This free-entry event features curated vintage sellers offering everything from Mid Century Modern and Art Deco to Hawaiiana, antique glassware, and bohemian treasures. Enjoy music, food trucks, a full bar, and free onsite parking while browsing vintage clothing, jewelry, and art. Don’t miss the charity raffle benefiting The Center’s Community Food Bank, with drawings at 11 am and 2 pm. More info
The Nutcracker
CK Dance Company celebrates its 29th anniversary with The Nutcracker at the Annenberg Theater, offering two enchanting performances: Saturday, December 20 from 7–9 pm and Sunday, December 21 at 1 pm. This award-winning production brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet to life with dazzling choreography and family-friendly magic. A beloved holiday tradition in Palm Springs, the show has captivated over 35,000 attendees and continues to delight audiences of all ages with its festive spirit and classical elegance. Get tickets
Christmas Mammaries with Billy L’Amour
Christmas Mammaries! lights up the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Sunday, December 21 with two performances, a 3 pm matinee and a 7 pm evening performance, each delivering a live‑singing drag holiday extravaganza packed with wit, warmth, and high‑octane glamour. Led by Billy L’Amour with direction by Robert Johanson, this spirited revue dives into the joy, chaos, and beautifully messy magic of the season. Get tickets
Dear Evan Hansen
CVRep presents the regional premiere of Dear Evan Hansen for a powerful run through Sunday, December 21. This award-winning musical—honored with six Tonys, a Grammy, and an Olivier—tells the deeply moving story of Evan Hansen, a teenager thrust into the spotlight after a tragic event. The show explores identity, connection, and the human need to be seen. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, says “It is one of those wonderful productions where all the ingredients, i.e. the direction, cast, set and the material itself all blend together seamlessly to produce a dynamic and moving theatre experience.” Read his full review. – Get tickets
Dog Sees God
The Bent presents Dog Sees God at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, running through December 21. This bold, unauthorized play reimagines familiar childhood comic strip characters as troubled teens navigating real-life issues—from substance abuse and sexuality to bullying and rebellion. Darkly funny and unexpectedly heartfelt, Dog Sees God offers a raw, relevant look at adolescence through a lens of cultural nostalgia and emotional truth. Get tickets
Annie
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Annie, running through Sunday, December 21. This heartwarming musical follows the spirited orphan Annie and her dog Sandy as they search for family and hope. With beloved songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” the production offers a joyful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages this holiday season. Get tickets
Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus – BELLS, BRASS & SASS
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates the season with Bells, Brass & Sass for three SOLD OUT performances, on Friday & Saturday, December 19 & 20 at 7 pm, and Sunday, December 21 at 2 pm at the newly restored Plaza Theatre. This festive spectacular features over 100 voices, a 14-piece orchestra, and a mix of holiday classics and contemporary hits—from Elf The Musical to Cher, Kelly Clarkson, and the Weathergirls, plus sleighbells, handbells, and guest performances. Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations as the Community Food Bank Team will be collecting curbside to support families in need this holiday season. More info
Razzle Dazzle Christmas Show
Step into the holiday spirit with Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue’s Christmas Show at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Friday, December 19 at 7 pm. Hosted by Bonnie G. with Joe Savant, and featuring performances by Sonia Reavis and Thom Vindiola and Robert Ollis on piano, this show delivers a truly memorable evening filled with Broadway magic and Christmas cheer. Get tickets
Holidays at the Tram
Celebrate the season at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with special holiday hours from Saturday, December 20 through Sunday, January 4, with the first tram up at 8 am and last tram down at 9:30 pm. On both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the Pines Café offers a Ride ’n’ Dine holiday meal featuring turkey, ham, or vegetarian lasagna. For a fine‑dining experience on Christmas Day, Peaks Restaurant presents a special prix fixe menu with selections such as roasted duck, pan‑seared salmon, or filet mignon. Reservations are recommended for Peaks Restaurant.
Best of Desert Voting Round
The Desert Sun’s Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards Voting Round runs now through Sunday, December 28. The top nominees in each category now compete for your daily votes to determine the winners. Please vote KGAY! When casting your ballot, choose “DJ Mod Girl” (our Modgirl Kellee McQuinn) for Entertainment & Leisure – People: Radio Personality/Show, and select KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM for Entertainment & Leisure – Radio Station (Local). Cast votes in 25 or more categories for a chance to win a $250 gift card! More info
Magic of Lights
The holiday season sparkles once again as Magic of Lights returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio through Wednesday, December 31. Families can enjoy a twinkling drive‑through light display and the enchanting Holiday Village powered by IID. Now in its fourth year, this beloved tradition transforms the Coachella Valley into a breathtaking winter wonderland, shining brightly under the desert stars. Get tickets
For all events go to GayDesertGuide.com
