Gay Desert Guide: Week of Jul 8, 2024

X is making a concerted, top-level effort to silence the LGBTQ+ community! That’s a strong statement, but ironically, on July 4th, hundreds of X accounts were suspended in one fell swoop.

@GayDesertGuide fell victim to the ban, as did hundreds of the #ILoveGay accounts, including #ILoveGayPalmSprings. We work closely with Pink Media, and Founder Matt Skallerud has been investigating.

It’s ironic that on July 4th, X would choose to do these blanket suspensions and deletions of accounts that bring our people together. We’re working on a response and also appealing, but so far it’s not helped.

You’ll hear more and read more in the coming days. I take these suspensions seriously as a shot across the bow. It should also be a wake up call that there are people that want to silence us – permanently. This election couldn’t be more important for our democracy and our freedoms – including the freedom of speech.

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 be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis

Virtual ShortFest @Home Pass

Though ShortFest may have wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, you will be able to stream a selection of award-winning and audience favorite short films from this year’s festival with the ShortFest @Home Pass, allowing you full access to the Virtual ShortFest, from Wednesday, July 10–Sunday, July 14. Crank up the AC, get cozy, and get your pass!

DBA Networking Mixer at Cicada Fine Art

The Desert Business Association (DBA) presents their next Networking Mixer on Monday, July 8 from 5:30–7 pm at Cicada Fine Art. Nestled in the heart of the Palm Springs Uptown Design District, Cicada Fine Art is thrilled to bring the beauty of contemporary art to the Coachella Valley. Immerse yourself in a world of creativity, featuring a diverse collection of both established and emerging artists. The DBA will also be holding their raffle to support LGBTQ Youth Education Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities. More info

OutBook Club

The OutBook Book Club, supported by the Palm Springs Public Library, meets this week on Wednesday, July 10 from 6–8 pm (though usually the first week of the month). The evening starts with a social mixer followed by book discussion. Selections are chosen by group members and highlight a mix of new LGBTQ+ releases and influential classics. This month’s selection is Biography of X by Catherine Lacey. Next up will be Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir by Paul Monette (August 7). More info

Community Leadership Council: Be the Change

The Palm Springs Community Leadership Council (CLC) presents an All-Boards Mixer – “Be the Change” on Wednesday, July 10 from 5:30–7 pm at the Hilton Palm Springs. Established in May 2018, the Palm Springs LGBTQ Community Leadership Council has involved 60 organizations, facilitating collaboration, information exchange, and leadership for the betterment of the LGBTQ community in Palm Springs. More info

“Big Gay Roadtrip” Arrives, Presents Bears of a Certain Age

Left of Str8 Podcasts’ “Big Gay Roadtrip 3” kicked off from Youngstown, Ohio on July 3, and will arrive in Palm Springs on Tuesday, July 9 for a month-long residency of live celebrity panel interviews [Learn more]. In addition to live podcasts and streaming, two major fundraising events while in Palm Springs will support the LGBTQ Center of the Desert in Palm Springs, among others. On Wednesday, July 10, it will be Bears of a Certain Age from 5–9 pm at Hunters Nightclub, featuring a celebrity meet and greet with Queen Sir Jet, Jason Stuart, and a “Mystery Guest.” More info

CVRep Summer Cabaret Series

Glamour is on stage at CVRep this week in their Summer Cabaret Series: On Wednesday, July 10 at 7 pm, Deven Green and Handsome Ned take the stage, playing their versions of your favorite songs from the 1920s to today, peppered with fascinating and funny stories. Deven Green (via Canada) is an award-winning comedic chanteuse (NYTimes Top Ten), known for portraying the satirical character, Betty Bowers. Ned Douglas (via Britain) is a platinum-album musical director who has worked with Mick Jagger, Annie Lennox, and Stevie Nicks, to name a few. Together, they are magical. Get tickets

On Thursday, July 11 at 7 pm, stage legend Broadway Barbara will make her CVRep debut following a string of raucous, sold-out performances in Palm Springs, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Australia. This definitive Broadway Barbara experience is packed to the gills with songs, stories, and even a Fosse dance move or two. You won’t believe your eyes (or ears) as Barbara over-shares her way through a whirlwind tour of her life and career, with ribald show biz tales and comedic interpretations of classic Broadway tunes. Get tickets

National Pina Colada Day

Raise a glass! Wednesday, July 10 is National Piña Colada Day and Hunters Nightclub in the Arenas District is celebrating all day. This tropical cocktail blends rum, pineapple juice, and creamy coconut milk for a taste of paradise. Blended or shaken, garnished with a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry, it’s the perfect way to celebrate summer vibes! More info

Alice by Heart – A New Musical

Palm Springs Art Museum and Musical Theatre University partner once again to bring “art to life” with the regional premiere of the new musical Alice by Heart this Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, July 10, 12, 13 & 14 at the Annenberg Theatre. In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. Get tickets

GCVCC July Mixer at Desert Wildlife Center

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce July Mixer will be held Wednesday, July 10, from 5–7 pm at Desert Wildlife Center in Indio. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with networking, celebrating the business community in Indio. Free food and drinks will be offered at this fantastic opportunity for professionals and entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas, and forge valuable relationships in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Admission to the mixer is free, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance. More info

Cocktail Cinema: Edward Scissorhands

The Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs International Film Society present Cocktail Cinema, a film series whose theme this season will be films that shed light on the dark side of suburban living, revealing the hidden struggles and tribulations behind the facade of the perfectly manicured lawns and white picket fences. Screenings are on Thursdays at 6 pm at the Annenberg Theater (with a 5 pm movie-inspired cocktail hour in the Meyerman Garden). The series continues on Thursday, July 11 with Edward Scissorhands. The solitary life of an artificial man – who was incompletely constructed and has scissors for hands – is upended when he is taken in by a suburban family. Upcoming: the Academy Award winning film Parasite (7/25). Get tickets

Brass Brothers

The Carousel musical series at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents Brass Brothers on Thursday, July 11 at 7 pm. Watch as they light up the stage with their electrifying blend of blues, funky jazz, swing, reggae, and 60’s and 70’s R&B. Get tickets