“Meet the Palm Springs Radio Station Mixing Pleasure and Politics”, the Fodor’s headline reads. This article published over the weekend has quite the different tone from the one appearing in The New York Times just over a year ago.
Back then, we had a Democratic president and life was pretty good. When Erik Piepenburg interviewed us just before Christmas 2023, we focused on the music and how we entertain our audience worldwide. Erik aptly highlighted our community connections and how the KGAY music selection transcends generations.
Today, we’re talking about whether or not we’ll survive as an FCC-regulated radio station. “We’re well aware that we could be erased,” (John) Taylor says. “GAY is in our call letters. The federal government regulates radio through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), so we are well aware of the risk of being turned off by the current administration. We could be erased with everything else LGTBQ+ that the current administration seems want to erase.”
That’s not just hyperbole. The new FCC chair is calling for all the major broadcast networks to be investigated for the coverage of the Kilmar Abrego Garcia controversy. And if you watched 60 Minutes last night, you got an earful from Scott Pelley about Paramount’s bending to the will of the Trump administration.
We’re going to need your support in the coming days. Today, I’m announcing a campaign to help fund our worldwide streaming efforts and community service. We’re calling it, “Support Your Station: KGAY’s Fund Drive”. We are planning on on-air appeal in May to help us keep doing what we do.
This wasn’t what I wanted to do. But as a public benefit corporation putting purpose over profit, we’ve been incurring debt for our worldwide streaming service and local broadcasts. Soon, I’ll tell you more about how KGAY listeners can step up to help. For now, enjoy the Fodor’s article about our story so nicely written by Tierney Finster.
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!
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TUE: Forging Forward
Join The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Palm Springs for the next installment of the Community Convening series, “Forging Forward” on Tuesday, April 29, from 5–6:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This important event will provide updates on HRC’s strategies in response to actions by the new Administration, with a focus on schools, workplaces, policy, and politics. Featuring insights from John Gruber, Director of National Campaigns, and Zack Hasychak, Senior Director of Events & Activations, the evening includes a town hall-style Q&A hosted by Brian O’Connor, a local HRC leader. RSVP encouraged. More info
TUE/WED: Gladys in Wonderland
Catch Gladys in Wonderland at Desert Theatreworks on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29–30 at 7:30 pm. This witty and heartfelt play by Rosemary Frisino Toohey follows 87-year-old Gladys, whose stubborn refusal to depart the mortal world leaves even Death baffled. As her cheerful grim reaper tries to guide her toward the afterlife, Gladys encounters a parade of comically nitpicking friends, relatives, and a glimpse into nursing home life—all making the great unknown surprisingly appealing. Get tickets
TUE: Boost LGBTQ+ and Allies Mixer
The Boost LGBTQ+ and Allies Mixer is Tuesday, April 29, from 7–9 pm at V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar. Co-sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign and connected to the renowned Boost Conference – the largest global gathering for after-school and expanded learning professionals – this mixer offers a fantastic opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to connect and network. More info
WED: Keisha D Benefit Concert with Ron Pass & Vanity Halston
Join one eleven bar for a Benefit Show supporting Keisha D on Wednesday, April 30, from 7-9 pm. Hosted by the fabulous Ron Pass and Vanity Halston, this exciting event features your favorite Palm Springs entertainers, including Billy L’Amour, Colton Ford, Nikki Dickinson, Mark Richards, and more surprises. Enjoy an evening of incredible performances while contributing to a great cause, as all show proceeds go directly to Keisha D’s support fund. More info
THU-SUN: Shag House Tours
Step into the vibrant world of The Shag House with immersive tours from May 1–4. Join the Tiki Tour with hourly experiences from 9 am–1 pm, or embrace the evening ambiance with the Twilight Tour on May 1 and 2, with tours starting at 5 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm. Designed by artist Shag (Josh Agle), this meticulously restored mid century modern home blends Desert Modern architecture with his signature style, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in Palm Springs’ Little Beverly Hills neighborhood. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore a life-size Shag painting! On Saturday at 4 pm, there’s a guided tour with the artist himself. Get tickets
THU: FNX Red-Carpet Gala & Concert
Join the FNX Red-Carpet Gala & Concert on Thursday, May 1 from 6–11 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage. Celebrate the launch of the FNX App, the first Native American streaming platform, with VIP catering by award-winning chef Sean Sherman, plus performances from The Halluci Nation, JR Redwater, ShanDien Sonwai LaRance, and the Electric Turquoise Dance Troupe. Get tickets
THU: Saving Nature Film Fest
The Saving Nature Film Festival will take place on Thursday, May 1 with programs at 12:30 pm, 2:15 pm and 4:15 pm, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The festival features thought-provoking films highlighting the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Passes start at $25, with all ticket sales benefiting Oswit Land Trust. The festival includes the world premiere of Saving Wildlife – One Acre at a Time, a short film by Oswit Land Trust, and other films focused on environmental justice and wildlife rescue. Get tickets
FRI: Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens
Enjoy cinematic magic under the stars at Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens, returning in May with three exciting outdoor screenings! The free series kicks off on Friday, May 2 at 7:30 pm with Spy Kids, followed by Hook on May 9, and The Goonies on May 16. Gates open at 6 pm, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics for a cozy movie night. More info
Desert X
Time is becoming limited to explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley, in its final two weeks, now through May 11. This outdoor art exhibition features installations across several valley cities that reflect on the desert’s deep time evolutions and intertwine ancestral wisdom with contemporary visions. Check out descriptions of all the pieces and photos from the installations [here]. The Desert X 2025 Hub is hosted at the Thompson Palm Springs. Printed programs and field guides will be available for pickup at the Hub during open hours or at the front desk throughout the exhibition. Hub hours are Fridays from 2–5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–5 pm. More info
THEATRE
Other Desert Cities
Experience the gripping drama of Other Desert Cities, presented by CVRep from April 23–May 4. Set in a Palm Springs manor, this Pulitzer Prize finalist unravels a family’s devastating secret when a young woman arrives with her explosive memoir. With stinging wit and sharp insight, this acclaimed production promises to captivate audiences. Stephen Radosh, our theatre reviewer, says the play is “a deeply-engaging exploration of family, secrets, and how our past can shape our future!” Read his review and Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, April 29
Movies in the Park: The Secret of NIMH | 7 pm at Palm Springs Downtown Park
Wednesday, April 30
Coachella Chamber Local Mixer & Mini Business Expo | 5–7 pm at Coachella Branch Library
The Patty Cakes Talk Show | 7 pm at The Center for Spiritual Living
Friday, May 2
Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network Golf Classic | Woodhaven Country Club
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
United for Good Fundraiser for United Way | 6–9 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
The Cured: The Cure Tribute Experience | 8 pm at The Show
Saturday, May 3
The Property (Israel/Poland) – One-time only movie screening | 10 am at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Kentucky Derby | 2 pm at 360 Sports, Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, and Cathedral city
Country Dance Saturdays: Showstopper Line Dance with Kyle Young | 7 pm at Step by Step
Note: due to an unforeseen underground gas leak, The Purple Room Supper Club was forced to be closed through Monday, April 28. They apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope to see you again starting Tuesday, April 29! Check out upcoming Purple Room Shows, including the Marvelous Marilyn Maye, May 8–10.
