Gay Desert Guide: Week of Apr 14, 2025

X (Twitter) first flexed its anti-LGBTQ muscles on July 4th. That’s the day when @GayDesertGuide and hundreds of @ILoveGay profiles were canceled by Musk’s minions.

When our partners at Pink Media reached out to their contacts at the social media giant, they were told that the bans came from high up in the company and that there was no reversal. So since then, we’ve “shied away from” the platform for our other media property @KGAY1065.

So when I read about Meta’s ban of an advertisement promoting the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music’s upcoming season celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, I wasn’t surprised. Zuckerberg is Trump’s bitch — and our community is feeling the brunt.

We’ve had posts of ours “questioned” and pulled down in the past few months. We typically have been able to appease the Meta gods and get our posts through. But we’re questioning our continued use of the platform to promote the hundreds of businesses that support us. It’s called “Social +”.

You see as part of our marketing plan for local businesses, we typically post once per month on their behalf so that you know who to support. Those posts may appear in your feeds or be seen in Facebook Groups. We’re now looking at alternatives as we consider Meta to no longer be a friendly platform to the community.

That has wide-ranging implications. If X and Facebook are off limits, how do our popular local groups like Gay Men of Palm Springs and our Hot Deals and Cool Events pages get out our messages?

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis

TUE: “Crawler” Dedication Ceremony

Palm Springs will celebrate World Art Day with a special dedication ceremony for “Crawler,” a striking sculpture by renowned artist Ryan Campbell. Join the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Arts Commission on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:30 am in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum, to mark this exciting addition to the city’s public art collection and cultural heritage. City leaders, including Mayor Ron deHarte, will be part of this memorable event. More info

TUE/WED: Legends of Country

Experience the magic of Legends of Country at the McCallum Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 15 & 16 at 7 pm. This world-class tribute show features stunning performances honoring Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Reba McEntire, and Kenny Rogers, with each tribute artist using their natural voice to bring these icons to life. For a limited time, enjoy 30% off select seats with promo code APRIL30—just enter it in the black navigation bar before selecting your seats! Get tickets

WED: Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair

The Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair, held on Wednesday, April 16 from 8:30 am–12:30 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center, offers an invaluable opportunity for local businesses to connect with public agencies. Attendees can learn how to navigate the procurement process and meet decision-makers from various departments, opening doors to partnerships in areas like landscaping, security, marketing, and more. Participating agencies include cities across the Coachella Valley and Riverside County, making this event an essential resource for local vendors. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. More info

WED: The Center Women’s Social

Connect and unwind at The Center Women’s Social on Wednesday, April 16 from 5:30–7 pm, held this month at the Hyatt Palm Springs. Held every 3rd Wednesday of the month, this welcoming event is perfect for building meaningful connections, making new friends, and enjoying a fun, engaging evening. More info

WED: Palm Springs Walk of the Stars Honors Helen Hunt Jackson

On Wednesday, April 16 at 3 pm, the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars will honor Helen Hunt Jackson, a renowned poet, novelist, and advocate for Native American rights. Celebrated for her groundbreaking works, including A Century of Dishonor and Ramona, Jackson brought national attention to Native American struggles and inspired the long-running Ramona Pageant in Southern California. Her star recognizes her literary achievements and enduring legacy of justice, continuing to influence writers and activists to this day. More info

THU: The Desert Symphony – Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band Tusk

Experience the magic of Fleetwood Mac as Tusk, the ultimate tribute band, joins The Desert Symphony on Thursday, April 17 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre. Known for their uncanny sound and chemistry reminiscent of Christine, John, Lindsey, and Stevie, Tusk delivers an extraordinary evening of music and nostalgia. Get tickets

THU: Glow with Pride at The Living Desert

Celebrate LGBTQ+ joy at Glow with Pride on Thursday, April 17 from 6:30–10 pm at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Join KGAY 106.5/92.1 for a night that’s more than a celebration: Glow With Pride is a wildly defiant reminder that when people try to make you invisible, GLOW BRIGHTER! Enjoy mesmerizing lanterns, interactive installations, after-hours animal encounters, specialty cocktails, and dancing with music by KGAY’s Modgirl. Shine bright and embrace the magic of Pride Night in this unforgettable setting. Get tickets

FRI: Wear Red! Eat Chocolate! Join Joey!

Join Joey English, the “Voice of the Desert,” for an engaging evening of conversation on Friday, April 18 from 5:30–6:30 pm, presented by the Historical Society of Palm Desert. Known as Joey Chocolate, this talented publisher, performer, and emcee will share her love for the Coachella Valley, along with delightful anecdotes about the celebrities she knows in this unique chance to connect with one of the desert’s most cherished personalities. More info

THEATRE

Falsettos

Experience the powerful and poignant musical drama Falsettos, presented by Dezart Performs from April 18–27. This Tony Award-winning masterpiece by William Finn and James Lapine explores the complexities of love, family, and relationships with humor and heartache. Following Marvin as he navigates life after leaving his wife and son for his lover Whizzer, the story delves into themes of growth, acceptance, and resilience, set against the backdrop of baseball, bar mitzvahs, and the AIDS crisis. Get tickets

Beyond Therapy

Join Desert Ensemble Theatre for Beyond Therapy, running April 18–27. This witty 1981 comedy follows Bruce and Prudence, two neurotic urbanites navigating the chaos of modern romance with the dubious guidance of their eccentric therapists. Packed with unexpected twists and laugh-out-loud surprises, Christopher Durang’s play offers a hilariously unpredictable exploration of love and sanity. Get tickets