Fourteen years ago, I had the kernel of an idea for Gay Desert Guide. Palm Springs Life was my client and our company was training publications and radio stations on how to move from their traditional-media-first approach to embrace “Interactive” which encompassed websites, social media and email marketing.
That spring, our company was sold and I was downsized. Palm Springs Life became a consulting client for me as I went out on my own. The summer of 2012, I worked alongside their staff to help drag them (kicking and screaming as I like to remember) into the digital age. Both editorial and sales were entrenched in presenting and selling print first. The website was an afterthought.
We changed all that. And I got the idea to expand The Guide, Palm Springs Life’s monthly free publication, with LGBT content. Pubs like Bottom Line had gone out of business. I knew that an online guide for our community would work here.
The powers that be said “If you think it’s such a good idea, go ahead and start it yourself!” After my consulting time ended, I took my business plan and on January 1, 2013 moved from West Hollywood to my Palmer & Krisel mid-century condo in Palm Springs.
From my dining room table, I began creating GayDesertGuide. On Labor Day weekend, 2013, I flipped the switch, issued a press release and started the website you see today. Bianca Rae was kind enough to do a story on me for Newschannel 3 and I’ve added it here.
While the site has changed and evolved over our 12 year history, we’ve stayed true to our mission of informing the LGBTQ+ community about what to do and where to go when visiting or living here. (Thanks to Alex McCune my first employee and listings editor who worked beside me to get this started!)
We’re relaunching the site later this month and combining it with KGAYPalmSprings.com. I’m hoping our 13th year will be lucky for us during a particularly challenging time in our history. We still collaborate with Palm Springs Life and many other local media companies to help get the word out. The company has grown to over 20 people who help keep the train on the tracks and has now expanded to include KGAY, KMEE 103.1 MeTVFM and OMGPSP, our digital marketing arm.
It’s been my honor to help promote this great destination and be a part of the Coachella Valley community. Thanks to all our readers, listeners and especially our advertisers for
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Broadway in the Desert with Levi Kreis
Tony Award winner Levi Kreis brings his Broadway brilliance to Palm Desert for Broadway in the Desert on Saturday, August 30 from 6–8 pm at the Spiritual Center of the Desert. Known for electrifying performances, Kreis promises an evening of music and heart. With a strong LGBTQ+ community and welcoming vibe, the Center sets the perfect stage for this soulful celebration. VIP cocktail reception begins at 5 pm. Get tickets
The Purple Room’s 12th Season Opens
Michael Holmes’ Purple Room kicks off its 12th sensational season with two sold-out nights of Lucie Arnaz, whose musical storytelling has wowed audiences nationwide. Then on Sunday, August 31, The Judy Show! returns in full technicolor—a hysterical parody packed with classic standards, outrageous comedy, and a whirlwind of beloved icons. Check out The Purple Room’s fabulous weeknight entertainment and up next weekend it’s Elvis: The Early Years (Sep 5) and Brenna Whitaker (Sep 6). Get tickets
Labor Day Beats
Labor Day Weekend heats up with three high-energy sets from crowd favorites. Modgirl spins Friday, August 29 from 10 pm–1:30 am at The Red Barn in Palm Desert, while DJ Ray Rhodes—fresh off Out on the Mountain—takes you higher at Hunters Nightclub on Friday, August 29 from 9 pm–2 am. Then on Sunday, August 31 at 1 pm, DJ Galaxy brings poolside vibes to the Labor Day Swim Social at Arrive Hotel.
Cathedral City 100th Anniversary Celebration
Cathedral City invites the community to a special 100th Anniversary Celebration: Honoring Our First Land Marker on Saturday, August 30 from 11 am–1 pm at Mary Pickford Theatre. Guests will enjoy the premiere of Cathedral City: Built by Grit and Grace, a short film chronicling the city’s transformation, followed by a screening of the 1963 classic Palm Springs Weekend, filmed locally at the Desert Palms Inn. Attendees will receive commemorative items and light refreshments while connecting with neighbors and local leaders to honor the city’s rich heritage. More info
The Commodores
Get ready to groove with one of Motown’s most iconic bands when The Commodores hit the stage on Saturday, August 30 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. With a legacy of timeless funk, soul, and R&B, their Greatest Hits Tour brings timeless energy and crowd favorites like “Brick House” and “Easy” to life in one electrifying night. Get tickets
#WorkersOverBillionaires Labor Day Weekend Demonstration
On Sunday, August 31 from 9–10 am, community members and labor allies will gather at Highway 111 & Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert for #WorkersOverBillionaires—a rally to honor union workers and resist corporate overreach. Building on the momentum of May Day, this action calls for collective strength against policies that prioritize billionaires over working families. Attendees will stand in solidarity to demand equity, dignity, and a future shaped by the people. More info
Labor Day Weekend at the Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will offer extended hours for Labor Day Weekend from Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1, with earlier morning departures and later evening returns to accommodate holiday visitors. Sunday, August 31 marks the final day of the season for guided nature walks led by Mt. San Jacinto State Park volunteers, featuring two easy trails beginning at 11 am and 1:30 pm. No registration is required, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain’s scenic beauty before summer winds down.
Richard Marx
Experience the enduring voice behind countless romantic anthems when Richard Marx performs live on Friday, August 29 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. From classic ballads to masterful songwriting, this special evening invites fans to reconnect with a soundtrack that has defined generations. Get tickets
Nominate KGAY and Local Favorites for Best of Coachella Valley
CV Independent’s Best of Coachella Valley 2025–2026 is now open for nominations—and it’s time to spotlight the voices and vibes that make our community shine. Cast your vote for your favorites! We suggest, of course: KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 and 103.1 MeTV FM in Life in the Valley > Best Radio Station, John Taylor and Patrick Evans in Life in the Valley > Best Local Radio Personality, and our dynamic DJ trio—DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and Modgirl—in Arts > Best Local DJ. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, August 29, so get your nominations in today!
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, August 29
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, August 30
LGBTQIA Higher Powered OA Meeting | 11:30 am at Sunny Dunes Clubhouse
Solar Sessions at Royal Sun Palm Springs | 12–6 pm
Country Dance Saturdays: Goin Hamm Line Dance w/Jim Drew | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, August 31
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
For all events go to GayDesertGuide.com
