Keith Haring and I share the same birth year – 1958. That was the first thing that struck me in seeing his exhibition at The Broad in Los Angeles over the weekend.
Haring’s life was ended by AIDS all too soon, but his contributions to our LGBTQ+ communities are immense. As a prolific 20 year old he wrote, “I am not a beginning. I am not an end. I am a link in a chain. The strength of which depends on my own contributions, as well as the contributions of those before and after me.”
Those words are worth remembering as we strive to swing the pendulum back from the threats we are facing.
This Saturday, we partner with the Palm Springs Art Museum — where Haring’s works were on display some 15 years ago — for a fundraiser we call the “Mid-Summer Dance Party”. DJ Modgirl will be spinning songs from the Haring era at the Architecture + Design museum space.
Haring held “Party of Life” birthday celebrations from 1984 to 1986 in New York City. Paradise Garage DJ Larry Levan and Haring’s boyfriend Juan Dubose deejayed the event and Madonna previewed her song “Like a Virgin” and performed “Dress You Up” wearing a Haring-and LA II-embellished pink leather suit.
What will you be wearing?
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Outfest Starts Thursday
The 41st Annual Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival (the biggest LGBTQ+ film festival in the world) takes place from Thursday, July 13 to Sunday, July 23 in different venues around Los Angeles. The festival will start with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, directed by Aitch Alberto, and end with Chasing Chasing Amy, directed by Sav Rodgers. There will be many events, workshops, masterclasses, and panels for both the community and filmmakers to participate in. These activities aim to create connections and promote the development of filmmakers, all while celebrating the queer experience. More info
Cocktail Cinema Summer Film Series: Moonlight
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents the “Cocktail Cinema” Summer Film Series during the museum’s Thursday Night Sessions with free admission from 5–9 pm. The series features films with iconic soundtracks that reflect their time and place, and each film will be paired with a specially crafted cocktail prepared by That’s The Spirit Mobile Bar. On Thursday, July 13 at 6 pm, the film will be Moonlight (2016). This Best Picture Oscar winner presents three stages in the life of the main character — his childhood, adolescence, and early adult life — and explores the difficulties he faces with his sexuality and identity. The film’s original score was composed by Nicholas Brittell, who applied chop-and-screw techniques from a genre of southern hip-hop remixed to orchestral music. Although the film begins at 6 pm, attendees are encouraged to get to the museum at 5 pm to purchase and enjoy one of the specialty drinks. Free event, registration required. More info
Recap: Season 8 RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Episode 10
Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto has your latest recap for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 8, Episode 10: The Letter L, as in lesbians, the subjects of this week’s makeover maxi challenge. Dante says “The queens must share the miracle of drag and transform them into fabulous drag queens. They look none too excited, but hey, they signed up!” He questions the premise but then notes this episode brought about “a smart conversation about the women’s childhood relationship to femininity and the reclamation of queer slurs, like dyke, [opening] up some meaningful space.” Find out who became the star of the show and which of the queens are going to the finale (yet there are two episodes remaining) when you read Dante’s full recap of Episode 10 [here].
Single Guys Mixer
Palm Springs Single Guys present their monthly social mixer on Thursday, July 13 from 5:30–7:30 pm in the VIP Lounge at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This free event is, according to organizers, “nothing too complicated, just a great group of single guys who are looking for connection.” Take a chance, step out of your comfort zone, and chat with some wonderful guys. More info
Boyz Night Out
On Friday, July 7—and every Friday night!— Zoso Fun presents Boyz Night Out at Hotel Zoso from 4–8 pm. This legendary pool party and happy hour is hosted by Snatch and features music from K-Gay’s own multi award-winning deejay Vincente Corrales as DJ Galaxy! Come and enjoy go-go boys, awesome drink specials, pop up drag events, PS Flaggers and more, and kick off the weekend! More info
Dive-In Movie: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Palm Desert Aquatic Center presents their Dive-In Movie Series, sponsored by Family YMCA of the Desert, this Friday, July 14 at 7:30 pm at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. The film will be Sonic the Hedgehog 2 The many amenities will be open including the slides, rock climbing wall, rope swing and more. Bring the kids, towels, a blanket and your swimsuits! More info
Idyllwild Arts Jazz in the Pines
Idyllwild Arts Academy presents the 29th year of its popular annual fundraiser, Jazz In The Pines, from July 3–15 on campus as well as select venues with an exciting lineup of live performances and workshops. This year’s Jazz In The Pines is curated once again by New York Times-featured jazz vocalist Rose Colella, who has performed at the festival for many years. Headliners include Grammy Award-Winning trumpeter John Daversa & Marshall Hawkins’ Seahawk MOJO, along with Euphoria Brass Band, Joshua White, Sherry Williams, Yve Evans, Rose Colella, Tom Hynes, Dan St. Marseille, Bob Boss, Frank Fontaine, Tina Raymond & The Idyllwild Arts All-Star Student Jazz Combo. Get tickets.
