Billy Porter overshared. His performance at The Plaza Theater this week marked the first time he had been back on stage since an infection nearly killed the 56 year old actor. And boy did we hear about it.
Friends’ review of the show vary wildly. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but some with Broadway in their blood were gushing about the show. It was clear Porter was struggling vocally during a few numbers and had to sit down a spell during others. The encore was certainly inspiring and drew the crowd to their feet.
But we also had to sit through a Grey’s Anatomy lecture chronicling the start-to-nearly-finish of his illness. The story seemed to last an interminable amount of time.
And it got me to thinking about those who overshare — especially on social media. I’ve read more than my fair share of wince-worthy posts from friends, relatives and even those in my orbit with whom I have little contact. Somehow the algorithm feeds me a steady stream of hospital bedridden selfies with thousand word diatribes on their medical journey.
It’s not that I don’t want to know if someone I care about is having struggles and may need some comfort, support or help with their recovery. Of course I want to have a cliffnotes version. But please spare me the gorey details.
Maybe it’s my fear of needles and general wincing at bloody scenes in horror movies. I don’t faint at the sight of blood, but I’m just a squeamish kinda guy. So reading the deets on a catheter gone wild or a body part damaged and made whole just isn’t what I want to scroll through.
The condensed version of Porter’s journey was told on The Today Show. I could have understood if he had shared that shorter version, though in reading the transcript it was still too graphic and detailed for my liking.
Oversharers don’t always realize they are doing so. According to a research study at Penn State, “People don’t always remember what they share on social media, which could be a really big problem,” says lead author Jooyoung Lee, a doctoral student of information sciences and technology, as Fast Company reports.
Here’s a suggestion. There’s a little setting called “Post Audience” that allows you to share to the world, with a group of friends or to “Only Me”. The latter might be the best choice so you have the satisfaction of telling your story, without sharing the drama with the world. You can always go back and share a sanitized version later. Or not.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Desert Legends – Legendary Women’s Weekend
Desert Legends returns from Thursday–Sunday, April 2–5 for a Legendary Women’s Weekend filled with celebration, connection, and community. Guests can enjoy a lively mix of meet‑and‑greets, music, comedy, golf and pickleball tournaments, pool parties, watch parties, and a Saturday night concert featuring Corday with special guests, along with the Desert Legends Award presentation honoring Sweet Baby J’ai. With events ranging from breakfast bingo to late‑night dancing, the weekend offers an exciting lineup designed to bring women together through play, performance, and shared experiences. See our event listing for the packed, weekend-long schedule: More info
Easter Events
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Easter Ride N Breakfast serves a sky-high feast at the Pines Café. Following the sunrise service at the Tramway, guests enjoy a delicious breakfast on Sunday from 6:45–10 am.
- Streetbar’s Easter Bonnet & Costume Contest invites participants to don their most creative headgear for a festive competition at Streetbar on Sunday at 2 pm, featuring prizes for the first, second, and third-place winners.
- Hunters – Studio 54 Easter Sunday Services brings a disco dream to life on Sunday from 1–9 pm. Experience Pulp Vixen live from 3–5 pm while DJ Aylex Song spins legendary hits all day long.
- Vanity’s Gospel Brunch Easter Edition features host Trinity the Tuck and a lineup of iconic queens. This high-energy celebration takes place at one eleven bar on Sunday at 12 pm.
- Easter Sunday Sundown Service showcases Vanity’s Drag King Challenge, a fierce competition where glamour meets grit. Witness next-level creativity as kings are crowned at one eleven bar on Sunday at 8 pm.
SAT: Self‑Advocacy in Healthcare Conference
The HIV+ Aging Research Project (HARP) hosts its second annual Self‑Advocacy in Healthcare Conference on Saturday, April 4 from 9 am–3 pm at the Mizell Center, offering a vital half‑day symposium designed to help community members navigate the often‑confusing healthcare landscape in the Coachella Valley. Open to both HARP clients and the public, this empowering event provides practical tools, guidance, and insights to help attendees advocate for themselves and others with confidence and clarity. More info
SAT: Flagging in the Desert
Flagging in the Desert brings its colorful, high‑energy community gathering back to Wellness Park on Saturday, April 4. The day begins with a free introductory flagging class at 10:30 am, followed by an afternoon of music from DJ Roland Belmares as colorful flags fill the park. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, relax in the shade, and enjoy the movement, music, and camaraderie. This free event welcomes donations benefiting Leather Order of the Desert and its community‑focused programs. More info
SAT: Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, April 4 at 8 pm. A Grammy winner with 25 million albums sold and 17 Top 40 singles, he’s the voice behind enduring favorites like “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart” and “Human Touch.” With his new album Automatic and a devoted fan base spanning generations, the concert offers a chance to experience a true pop‑rock icon live in Rancho Mirage. Get tickets
SAT: House Party PS: Glitz & Glam
REAF House Party PS: Glitz & Glam brings a SOLD-OUT mix of performance, style, and community spirit to the Rancho Mirage home of Steve Campbell and Rock Hall on Saturday, April 4 from 5–8 pm. Benefiting the AIDS Memorial Installation in Downtown Park and Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs, the evening will feature appearances by Broadway’s David Burnham, Billy L’Amour, Sherie Ray Parker as Bette Midler, and emcee Bella da Ball, with DJ Galaxy providing the soundtrack that drives the party’s energy from start to finish. Guests will enjoy cocktails, wines, appetizers, a silent auction, gogo dancers from Desert Studs, and a Glitz & Glam costume contest judged by Camerone Parker, all in Summer Chic, Sparkle and Shine attire. More info
FRI–SAT: Beehive: The 1960s Musical Celebration
The rockin’ production of Beehive: The 1960s Musical Celebration runs through April 4 at Desert Theatreworks. This show is a groovy tribute to the powerhouse women vocalists of the 1960s, featuring chart-topping hits from legends like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Janis Joplin. Six talented performers take the audience on a nostalgic journey with 40 favorites, including “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” More info
FRI–SUN: Hadestown
Welcome to the underworld for a mythic tale like no other! The acclaimed production of Hadestown at the McCallum Theatre runs Friday–Sunday, April 3–5. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this haunting work intertwines the stories of dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice with King Hades and Persephone. This hopeful theatrical experience is guaranteed to grab the heart and never let go. More info
SUN: Queer Women’s Tea Dance
Get ready to dance the afternoon away at the Queer Women’s Tea Dance, set for Sunday, April 5 from 3–6 pm at Hunters Nightclub. This lively first-Sunday-of-the-month gathering features the ultimate party band, Pulp Vixen, providing the perfect soundtrack for socializing. It is a fantastic opportunity for the community to connect and celebrate in a welcoming environment filled with music and fun. Grab your dancing shoes and head over! More info
Western Xposure Spring
Western Xposure returns to CCBC Resort from Thursday–Sunday, April 2–5 for four days of sun‑soaked, clothing‑optional fun designed for bears and the men who love them. With all‑day pool parties featuring DJs Carrera, Bulldog, E. Feld, Evil JP, and BodyRolls, plus free BBQ lunches, trails, play spaces, hot tubs, and a relaxed “choose your adventure” vibe, this body‑ and sex‑positive gathering invites guests to unwind, explore, and recharge in a judgment‑free desert oasis. Get tickets
SAT: John Legend
Prepare for a night of soulful melodies as John Legend takes the stage at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, April 4 from 8–10 pm. The 13-time Grammy-winning artist will perform intimate renditions of his greatest hits, including favorites like “All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” and “Tonight.” Between songs,Legend will weave together beautiful music with fascinating and unexpected stories from his life and 20-plus-year career. More info
FRI–SAT: ICED – Frozen Borders, Burning Hope
Experience a thought-provoking world premiere as ICED – Frozen Borders, Burning Hope takes the stage Thursday–Saturday, April 2–4 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This gripping dark comedy by local playwright Patricia West-Del Ruth follows the disappearance of a young asylum seeker, challenging a guard to face the moral cost of a broken system. The production features a stellar ensemble including Judith Chapman, Yo Younger, and Charles Herrera, with atmospheric effects by Nick Wass. More info
