Obergefell is not a name that rolls off the tongue. But Jim Obergefell’s name ten years on is one for the LGBTQ history books. June 26 marked the 10 year anniversary of the Supreme Court handing down its Obergefell vs. Hodges ruling that states could not deny marriage to same-sex couples. His husband died before the ruling of ALS. It was because their Maryland marriage wasn’t going to be recognized in their home state of Ohio that the lawsuit came about. And their fight made “gay marriage” legal for all.
In an NPR Interview marking the landmark ruling, Obergefell reflected on today’s world: “…it’s terrifying to see all of these attacks on the queer community, especially the most marginalized and the most vulnerable part of our community, the trans community.”
He goes on to provide a glimpse of hope: “There are moments I’m incredibly scared about what the future holds. But then I remind myself, we have been through these things before. We’ve been through worse times as a community and what have we done? We have always raised our voices to say we exist, we are here. We’re not going to put up with that. And that’s what we will keep doing.”
In a small Guerneville storefront, Jim and his business partner, Matt Groves, have a small wine tasting room for their brand, “Equality Vines.” It’s always a stop-by for me when I attend Gay Wine Weekend coming up in Mid-July. I’ve got to meet and talk with Jim — when times were better. And I’m a wine club member to support their many charities.
We just lost the Supreme Court battle for transgender rights, a big blow to our community. Our vulnerable trans brothers and sisters are hurting and not feeling safe. And they may not survive, as Jim’s husband did not live, to see the reversal or softening of America on the trans issue. It may not be from an illness or disease, it may be self-inflicted as trans people decide they don’t want to fight.
Jim concludes with the story of why the fight meant so much to him: “I also think about this young woman at the University of Tennessee who told me that if it weren’t for marriage equality, if it weren’t for a lawsuit, if it weren’t for a Supreme Court decision, she would have committed suicide. And the fact that this one person told me that I know there are others who felt the same way, but she found a reason not to take her own life. She found a reason to keep living because she finally, as a closeted queer kid, saw a future that included her.”
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON: ShortFest “Best of Fest” Day
After a week packed with cinematic gems from around the globe, the Palm Springs International ShortFest wraps with Best of Fest—a final day of encore screenings spotlighting audience favorites and juried award winners. Happening today, Monday, June 30 from 11 am–8 pm, this celebratory showcase is your last chance to catch the standout short films from the festival. Get tickets
WED: Backstreet Art District Art Walk
Step into Palm Springs’ Backstreet Art District on Wednesday, July 2 from 5–7 pm for the free, rain-or-shine First Wednesday Art Walk. Wander through 13 working studios and galleries at 2600 S. Cherokee Way—behind The Estate Sale Co.—to discover original paintings, ceramics, photography, mixed media, jewelry, and more by locally and nationally recognized artists. More info
STARTS THU: All-American 4th of July Weekend
Independence Day in Palm Springs features a spectacular weekend of events! The festivities kick off on Thursday, July 3, with a family-friendly Kickoff Party at VillageFest from 7–10 pm, featuring games, crafts, activities, live music, and free snowcones. On Friday, July 4, dive into the holiday spirit with a Pool Party from 3–10 pm, catch the Power Baseball game at 6 pm (gates open 4:30 pm), and enjoy a concert by Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night at 7 pm. The evening culminates with dazzling fireworks at Sunrise Park at 9:15 pm sharp. The celebration continues on Saturday, July 5, with a Dive-In Movie screening of Captain America at the Swim Center; open swim starts at 6 pm and the movie begins at 7 pm. More info
FRI: Agua Caliente 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza Weekend
Celebrate Independence Day with a bang at the 11th Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza on Friday, July 4 at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage. Gates open at 3 pm for this free “Drive-In” experience, with games and giveaways starting at 7 pm and a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the sky at 9 pm. With 700 parking spots available on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s one of the Coachella Valley’s most festive and family-friendly traditions. Festivities and promotions continue all weekend across all three Agua Caliente Casinos. See all the details on our event listing: More info
FRI: Big Bear Lake 4th of July
Celebrate Independence Day under the stars at Big Bear Lake’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, July 4 from 7–10 pm! Enjoy a dazzling 30–40 minute show (8:45–9:15 pm) choreographed to music in one of SoCal’s most scenic mountain settings—free from the shore, the water, or a trail view. Want an elevated experience? Grab tickets to Above the Boom at Snow Summit for live entertainment, dinner, and panoramic views from 8,200 feet! More info
New Exhibit – Section 14: The Untold Story
Discover a vital and often overlooked chapter of local history at Section 14: The Untold Story, a new exhibit at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. This powerful presentation sheds light on one square mile of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation in downtown Palm Springs—its significance, struggles, and the Tribe’s enduring fight for sovereignty. Through personal stories, historical archives, and a moving short film, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reclaims their narrative on their own land. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, June 30
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, July 2
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Thursday, July 3
VillageFest Street Fair | 7–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Friday, July 4
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, July 5
Country Dance Saturdays: Double D Line Dance with Kyle Young | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, July 6
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
