Having watched “The Crown” during the pandemic was a great history lesson for me – albeit fictionalized. The story of the royals dating back nearly a century was captivating as much as titillating.
The weekend’s coronation of King Charles certainly brought back scenes from the Netflix series. I couldn’t help but picture Lady Diana riding in the gold carriage instead of Camilla. Nor could I put the “Camillagate” episode out of my head.
Locally, we’re making plans for the crowning of a different sort – tickets are on sale for October’s Leather Pride weekend. Many of our area bars participate by sending up a contestant for the weekend’s pageant. In just a few weeks, many in our leather community will make their way to Chicago for IML (International Mr. Leather) contest.
If Prince Harry wants to feel more welcome than he did at the coronation, maybe he should don a fetching leather outfit and join our celebration in October. He’s only two hundred kilometers away…
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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DBA Networking Mixer at BLACKBOOK
The Desert Business Association presents their next Networking Mixer on Monday, May 8 at 5:30 pm at BLACKBOOK in Palm Springs. BLACKBOOK serves up award-winning craft cocktails and classic American comfort food that was named Palm Springs’ best restaurant in 2020. The BLACKBOOK name was inspired by the Nevada Gaming Commission’s “black book” of excluded persons. BLACKBOOK was named as an acknowledgment that everyone has felt exclusion at one time or another. BLACKBOOK is an inclusion establishment where everyone is welcome. Join in for some great food, drinks, and networking! DBA will also have their regular raffle that supports their LGBTQ Youth Educational Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities, so bring an item to raffle, and some cash to buy tickets! More info
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
The Harvey Milk Coachella Valley Diversity Breakfast takes place on Thursday, May 11 from 8:30–11 am at the Palm Springs Convention Center, starting with coffee welcome and breakfast, and a program beginning at 9 am. Gather to honor Harvey Milk and celebrate his legacy as a political and community leader who stood for justice and equality across the intersections of oppression, self-identity, and self-determination. Proceeds from this event benefit Coachella Valley youth through Gay-Straight Alliance clubs and LGBTQ youth-related programs. Commissioner Nicole M. Ramirez, Queen Mother of the Americas International Imperial Court System U.S.A. – Canada – Mexico will receive this year’s Harvey B. Milk Legacy Award. Get tickets
Palm Springs Speaks: Author Dave Barry
The Friends of the Palm Springs Library will offer the next Palm Springs Speaks speaker for season four with an appearance by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, bestselling author, and humorist Dave Barry on Tuesday, May 9 from 7:30–9 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. A VIP Reception, which begins at 6 pm, will enable a limited number of attendees to have an exclusive photo opportunity with Barry on the stage and receive a copy of his “Swamp Stories” book. Get tickets
The Center’s May Women’s Social
Come meet other incredible women at The Center Women’s Social, presented by the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert on Wednesday, May 10 from 5:30–7 pm for a hosted reception at Impala. All LGBTQ+ women are welcomed! More info
Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the 2023 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival from Thursday–Sunday, May 11–14. Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader, Arthur Lyons, the popular Film Noir festival includes an eclectic mixture of prestigious and obscure black and white “B” movies from the classic film noir period. The Festival is known for unearthing and screening rare films, restored classics, and for the special appearances of the stars who were in them. Get tickets
CVRep Summer Cabaret Series
CVRep presents their Summer Cabaret Series on Thursdays at 7 pm, and this week, it’s Alan H. Green on Thursday, May 11. “Powerful voice,” “dynamic stage presence” and “incredible versatility” are all phrases used to describe this charismatic Broadway veteran. Green has appeared in hit shows such as Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, School of Rock, Sister Act and Play On! See our event listing to see the variety of talent lined up in this series: Get tickets
Palm Desert Concerts in the Park – Pat Benatar Tribute
The City of Palm Desert is bringing live music back to the Civic Center Park amphitheater with a series of free, weekly concerts throughout the month of May. On Thursday, May 11 from 7–8:30 pm, it’s a return performance from We Belong, celebrating Pat Benatar and her husband, guitar player Neil Giraldo. This dynamic duo began in 1979, and their power ballads continue to pack venues today. A fitting tribute, married musicians Debbie and Mike Sierras have performed together throughout Southern California for over three decades and are back in Palm Desert by popular demand. Pack your picnic baskets, or enjoy delicious culinary creations offered by a variety of food trucks parked by the amphitheater. More info
Medgar X’n James
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is excited to announce its collaboration with the Inner Circle Arts Society, a premier Black-owned arts group in Southern California, for the world premiere of Medgar X’n James on Friday and Saturday, May 12 & 13 at 7 pm. The original solo play, written by Inner Circle founder Joachim Moore, explores the lives and struggles of Medgar Evars, Malcolm X and James Baldwin. Get tickets
Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens
Sunnylands resumes its semiannual series of free outdoor movie nights, Films in the Gardens, with a selection of three culinary-themed movies presented in partnership with the Palm Springs Film Festival. On Friday, May 12 at 8 pm, they will show The Hundred-Foot Journey. The Kadam family leaves India for France where they open an Indian restaurant directly across the road from Madame Mallory’s (Helen Mirren) Michelin-starred eatery, sparking an intense rivalry. This year’s film series celebrates the 2022-2023 exhibition, A Place at the Table: Dining at Sunnylands. Next week: East Side Sushi on Friday, May 19. More info
