Gay Desert Guide: Week of Jul 15, 2024 Palm Springs LGBTQ

In 1980, Dr. Ruth Westheimer spoke to the New York Broadcasters Assocation and it set in motion a course of events that changed her life – and many others – forever. A woman radio station general manager heard her plea for quality sex education. Within weeks, she was on the air with her show, Sexually Speaking.

I was a young program director in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and our NBC network offered her Sunday night call in show to us. After some convincing of our conservative Catholic boss, Dr. Ruth was talking frankly about sex. (He was in bed when it aired, luckily!) I helped bring her to a radio conference and had the opportunnity to meet her.

She passed last week, but her impact on millions of lives cannot be underestimated. As a questioning 20-something, it was a real (sexual) awakening. Today, we can talk freely about sex on the radio and it doesn’t have to be buried on Sunday nights. Progress indeed…

To bad that when we talk about the LGBTQ+ community on X, formerly Twitter, we get censored!

(In the ongoing saga over our being banned from X, formerly Twitter, here’s a piece that The Advocate wrote this week. No word from X….)

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

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Living Out Art Walk

Celebrate art and community at the Living Out Art Walk on Wednesday, July 17 and Wednesday, August 14, from 5–7 pm. This free event showcases over 300 works by 42 LGBTQ+ Coachella Valley artists, offering an up-close look at Palm Spring’s new “it” address. Mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, enjoy refreshing cocktails by Alice B, and discover the vibrant artistic landscape of the Coachella Valley in an evening of artistic expression and connection. More info

2024 Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards Nominations

Communitys Choice Awards Best of Desert 2024

The Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards are back for 2024! Join in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations with your nominations, including our two radio stations: KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 FM, as well as 103.1 MeTV FM. Don’t forget our on-air personalities John Taylor (KGAY) and Patrick Evans (MeTV FM) as well as DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and DJ Modgirl. The categories to look for are:

Entertainment & Leisure > Radio Station – Local
Entertainment & Leisure – People > Radio Personality/Show
Entertainment & Leisure – People > DJ – Event/Wedding

We know we have the best audience in the valley and appreciate your support! Nominations are open through July 31. Nominate Today

The Center Women’s Social

The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert presents their monthly Women’s Social on Wednesday, July 17 from 5:30–7 pm at Palm Springs Bottle Shop (located inside Market Market). Palm Springs Bottle Shop is a Queer, Black, and Women-owned spirits, beer, wine, and specialty food shop that focuses on selling products from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Women entrepreneurs and producers. Look forward to connection, friendship, and a tasty happy hour! More info

Annual Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mixer

The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce presents their annual Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mixer on Thursday, July 18 from 5–7 pm. Experience the Tramway– featuring the world’s largest rotating tram car– while journeying to the Tram’s Mountain Station, located at an elevation of 8,516 feet atop Mt. San Jacinto, where you’ll find refreshing Alpine forests and a temperature that’s 30 degrees cooler than the desert floor. The event features multiple food stations provided by Peaks Restaurant, half-price alcoholic beverages, and free parking with valid ID or printed mixer reservation. Advance ticket purchase required. More info

Palm Springs Summer Camp

Palm Springs faves Deven Green, Handsome Ned and Skyler Gentry have an all-new outrageous summer show that is guaranteed to take your mind off the heat and put it back in the gutter, where it belongs! At Palm Springs Summer Camp on Thursday, July 18 from 7–8:30 pm there will be games, prizes, raunchy songs and comedy bits, “psychic readings” with the audience and even a talking deer! Complimentary beverages and snacks with admission. Get tickets

Douglas Roegiers

Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents Douglas Roegiers on Thursday, July 18 at 7 pm. Roegiers, a tribute artist and entertainer, embodies Frank Sinatra’s swing and his resonant baritone and stage presence have earned him accolades. He merges classics with reimagined modern hits, creating captivating performances. Get tickets

Pink Belt, A Documentary

Filmmaker John McCrite brings a sneak preview of a stunning human rights documentary Pink Belt, on Friday, July 19 at 5 pm at the Mary Pickford Theatre. Pink Belt is a feature documentary about Aparna Rajawat, India’s sixteen-time women’s martial arts national champion, teaching other women and young girls self-defense. Her message of female empowerment is changing India one village at a time. This screening will benefit the relocation of the Museum of Ancient Wonders and the formation of the LGBTQ+ World History Museum to Palm Springs. Meet John McCrite and Aparna Rajawat by purchasing a VIP ticket. Get tickets

Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage

The annual Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage, taking place Friday, July 19–Wednesday, July 31, is a chance to enjoy your favorite restaurants and enjoy great specials during the slower summer months, while helping out the non-profits selling the program wristbands. Taste of Summer 2024 will only be active for a week and a half instead of four weeks, so make a plan to take advantage of deals at Ben & Jerry’s, Brandini Toffee, Enzo’s Bistro & Bar, Las Casuelas Nuevas, Pinzimini, Si Bon, State Fare and The Edge at the Ritz-Carlton, Willie’s Modern Fare, and many more. See our event listing for links to all the details: More info