Pride month is coming to a close during a most tumultuous year in our LGBTQ+ history. World Pride events in Washington, D.C. have mostly ended and the major Pride in California – San Francisco – will close out the month this weekend.
When I left my home state of Michigan in the 90s, you could count the number of June celebrations on one hand. My aunt sent me a 4 page insert from Lansing City Pulse, an Indy newspaper in the state’s capitol. It took that many pages to list ALL the Pride celebrations in the Great Lakes State. I was so pleased!
My hometown, Hastings, will have its celebration this weekend. It joins conservative Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Monroe County, Owosso, South Haven, Benton Harbor/St. Joe, Big Rapids, Port Huron DeWitt, Buchanan and Detroit suburb, Farmington, for a last hurrah of Pride Month.
You’ve likely never heard of many of these towns and cities. Like my hometown, they have always had LGBTQ+ identifying people in them. But it took decades of work by activitists, non-profits, civic leaders and allies to hatch so many celebrations at a time when our world needs them more than ever.
Multiply Michigan by 49 states and other territories and we can be quite proud of what our movement has accomplished. But we also know that extremists and the current administration have designs on disappearing us. So I’ll remind you of my favorite Pride Month saying from a t-shirt I own: “Pride is a MARCH, not a parade!” Let’s keep up the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON: Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo 2025
Explore the future of technology and creativity at Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo 2025 on Monday, June 23 from 8:30 am–5 pm at Palm Springs Convention Center. This one-day community learning experience delves into AI’s impact on daily life, business, and creativity, featuring inspiring keynote speakers like Baratunde Thurston (Life with Machines) and Rob Minkoff (The Lion King), plus interactive demos, expert panels, and networking opportunities. Get tickets
Starts TUE: Palm Springs International ShortFest
The Palm Springs International ShortFest runs Tuesday, June 24–Monday, June 30, and it’s one of North America’s largest showcases of short-form cinema! This Academy Award, BAFTA, and Goya-qualifying festival features hundreds of films from around the world, spanning genres like Animation, Documentary, and Live-Action. Enjoy curated film programs (such as the LGBTQ+ “Gayla!” see below), filmmaker Q&As, and unparalleled cinematic storytelling. Secure your passes or tickets now: Get tickets
TUE & THU: CVRep Summer Cabaret Series
The CVRep Summer Cabaret Series continues this week with two fantastic performances! Catch Alix Korey on Tuesday, June 24 at 7 pm, followed by Susan Edwards Martin on Thursday, June 26 at 7 pm. Enjoy these intimate evenings of live entertainment at CVRep in Cathedral City, part of the series running through July 31. Get tickets
WED: The Center Social
The June Center Social is on Wednesday, June 25 from 5:30–7pm at Toucans. Connect with friends, build new relationships, and enjoy a relaxed happy hour with great conversation and community vibes. Held every 4th Wednesday of the month, this gathering is the perfect way to unwind and engage. Don’t miss out—come be part of the fun! More info
THU: ShortFest – GAY!LA
Queer life takes the spotlight at “GAY!LA”, a vibrant ShortFest screening on Thursday, June 26 at 8 pm at Festival Theaters 5. This eclectic program celebrates LGBTQ+ stories in all their complexity—political, artistic, and deeply personal. From a revived lesbian photo tour to magical foxes, drag queens, and unexpected connections, each short film offers a fresh lens on identity and transformation. KGAY will be there, too, stop by our table and say hi! [Get tickets]. The iconic GAY!LA Party follows from 10 pm–12 am at Reforma, bringing filmmakers, artists, and allies together to dance, celebrate, and shine. It’s bold, it’s joyful, it’s the can’t-miss ShortFest bash where queer energy takes center stage. Party ticket sold separately: [Get tickets].
THU: GCVCC 1st Annual Membership Appreciation Mixer
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce invites members to the 1st Annual Membership Appreciation Mixer on Thursday, June 26 from 5–7 pm at Acrisure Arena’s exclusive Cîroc Lounge. This special event celebrates valued members with arena tours, a photo booth experience by Fuego, ticket giveaways, door prizes, and complimentary wine & light bites. More info
THU: San Bernardino Pride
San Bernardino Pride returns for another electrifying celebration, partnering with San Bernardino Parks and Recreation’s Sizzlin’ Summer Nights for an evening of community and entertainment. Taking place on Thursday, June 26 from 5–10 pm at Al Guhin Park, this vibrant event features high-energy performances from DJ Commodore and Levitating, a sensational Dua Lipa cover band. Guests can enjoy delicious food, exciting games, lively photo booths, and a variety of helpful resources—all in the spirit of unity and pride. More info
THU: Wayne Newton
Experience a special evening with Wayne Newton – Up Close and Personal on Thursday, June 26 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa! A true entertainment icon, Newton brings his legendary stage presence, hit songs like “Danke Schoen”, and personal stories from his record-setting Las Vegas career. Don’t miss this intimate performance from Mr. Entertainment himself. Get tickets
FRI: The Little Pageant That Could
CV Rep hosts the Palm Springs premiere of The Little Pageant That Could on Friday, June 27 from 7–9 pm, celebrating the legacy of L.A.’s longest-running drag benefit. Directed by John Carlos Frey, the evening includes a screening, performances by Mayhem Miller, a special appearance by Morgan McMichaels, and remarks from the director. A VIP reception hosted by Eight4Nine follows, offering guests an exclusive chance to mingle with cast, queens, and surprise guests. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, June 23
Monday Night Bingo with Bella da Ball | 7–9 pm at the Ace Hotel
Hot Spot Trivia with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Wednesday, June 25
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Thursday, June 26
VillageFest Street Fair | 7–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, June 27
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
BearUnion | 8 pm–4 am at Club 541
Saturday, June 28
Animal Samaritans Adoption Event | 11 am–1 pm at PetSmart in Palm Desert
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, June 29
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
