Gay Desert Guide: Week of Nov 18, 2024

Today’s front page headlines confirm the tumultuous Trump times we’re living in. LA Times: “Trump poses Threat to California’s Transgender protections, experts say” and The Desert Sun splashes on Page 1: “Transgender Americans worried”.

As we get ready to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance on Wednesday, we can announce that The Center will hold two community events to help us cope with all the chaos that is ensuing. Mike Thompson, CEO of The Center, appears with John Taylor on KGAY Monday morning to reveal the events – the first of which is set for next Monday, Nov. 25th. We’ll post all the details on our events calendar and on our socials.

Mike writes, “We’ve had to sit with the complexity of our emotions while also wondering “how in the world are we going to navigate this post-election world?!” My hope is that we’ll do what our community has done for decades – rise and respond together, in community.”

On the “business side”, I’ve been sifting through the myriad of comments sent after Friday’s blog. We are wrestling with how to properly provide guidance in our Gay Desert Guide business directory. We’re working on guidelines that better define how a business is vetted and displayed on the site and heard on KGAY radio.

It’s a firehose of concerning news and moral/business dilemmas to be sure. Mike’s reassuring words will be amplified and our community celebrated next Monday. Be sure to attend and stay vigilant. While it’s understandable we are shying away from the news of the day, it’s time to stand up and fight. And stay informed!

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

P.S. Our KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM has gone “all holiday music” as of today! It’s a nice distraction!

For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may reside!
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DBA Educational Workshops and Mixer

On Monday, November 18, Wiefels Funeral Services in Palm Springs will host both an Education Session and a DBA Networking Mixer. From 4–5:15 pm, business owners can attend two sessions focused on estate and business planning. Josh Arthur from J Arthur Law Firm will start the discussion with insights on personal estate planning to protect assets for heirs. Following this, Byron Hancock from Hancock Partners/LPL Financial will cover business succession planning, whether transitioning a business to heirs, partners, buyers, or closing it. The day will conclude with the DBA Networking Mixer at 5:30 pm, featuring tours of the Wiefels Funeral Home facility and an opportunity to learn about their services. More info

20th Annual Greater Palm Springs Summit

The 20th Annual Greater Palm Springs Summit takes place on Tuesday, November 19 at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage. Come for insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities for business leaders and those considering expansion in the region. The summit will kick off with breakfast and networking from 8–9 am, followed by a program from 9–11 am. Attendees will gain access to a revitalized annual report with up-to-date demographics and economic data, and learn about innovative business strategies aimed at boosting the economy of the Coachella Valley. More info

The Center Women’s Social at the Thompson Hotel

Get ready to unwind and connect at The Center Women’s Social, hosted at the stunning new Thompson Hotel in Palm Springs on Wednesday, November 20, from 5:30–7 pm. This monthly gathering is the perfect opportunity to forge new friendships, strengthen existing ones, and enjoy delightful conversations. As you mingle, savor the delicious offerings of the happy hour and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Thompson Hotel. More info

Palm Desert Library Grand Opening

The Grand Opening Celebration of the Palm Desert Library is on Wednesday, November 20, from 3–5:30 pm at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive. This exciting family-friendly event includes live performances, a scavenger hunt, fantastic giveaways, costumed characters, delicious snacks, and the chance to sign up for new library cards. More info

Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of transgender individuals who have lost their lives due to acts of anti-transgender violence. Established in 1999, TDoR serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by the transgender community. Jon the TDOR Candlelight Vigil in Palm Springs on on Wednesday, November 20 at 5 pm at City Hall with special guest speaker, TDoR co-founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith. Learn more

Hockey Fights Cancer

Wednesday, November 20 is Hockey Fights Cancer Night, with an exciting showdown between the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Colorado Eagles at 7 pm at Acrisure Arena. This event is part of a league-wide campaign led by the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players’ Association, and the American Hockey League, aimed at uniting the hockey community to support those affected by cancer. Special lavender jerseys will be worn, signed, and auctioned to benefit One Valley Foundation. Presented by Eisenhower Health Lucy Curci Cancer Center, this special evening promises thrilling hockey action while raising awareness and support for a worthy cause. Get tickets

Magic of Lights Returns

Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, is back from November 19–December 29 (Sun–Thurs 5:30–9 pm / Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm, bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays at the Empire Polo Club. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas, with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season depicted with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Get tickets

Q+ Art Fall Fundraising Dinner

The Palm Springs Art Museum presents the Q+ Art Fall Fundraising Dinner on Wednesday, November 20 from 6–9 pm for an unforgettable evening that starts with a cocktail hour and an exclusive tour of the exhibition “David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed.” You’ll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner while supporting the Q+ Art initiative, which highlights LGBTQ+ contributions to art and culture. The goal is to continuously build the collection and ensure LGBTQ+ artists are proudly represented in the museum galleries. Enjoy music by Sean Patrick, a renowned DJ who has shaped the auditory landscape for over 30 years, working with icons like Prince and David Bowie. Get tickets

American Moor

Desert Theatreworks presents a staged reading of American Moor by Keith Hamilton Cobb on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 19 & 20. A seasoned African-American actor auditioning for the role of William Shakespeare’s iconic Black hero, Othello, must respond to the dictates of a younger white director who presumes to understand how to maximize the Black character for believability. What could possibly go wrong? A poetic exploration of Shakespeare, race, and America, not necessarily in that order. Get tickets

Coming OUTdoors Hike + Mixer

Come for for a fun, friendly, and educational hike in Joshua Tree National Park with the Joshua Tree National Park Association staff at the Coming OUTdoors Hike + Mixer on Friday, November 22, at 4:30 pm! This leisurely activity covers less than 2 miles with little to no elevation gain, offering shade and seating along the way. Learn about the park’s native plants and animals, with a breathtaking panoramic view. Desert Institute staff naturalist Jon Norris will share his knowledge and stories from the park. After the hike, gather at the Yucca Valley visitor center for a mixer to connect with local folks and new friends from surrounding communities. More info

McCormick’s Auto Auction

McCormick’s presents their 77th Auto Auction this Friday–Sunday, November 22–24 at the Palm Springs Convention Center Outdoor Event Area. This family-owned and operated classic car auction house is based here in Palm Springs and produces 2 large classic car auctions per year. The auctions are open to the general public and dealers are also welcome. McCormick’s relentless dedication to excellence and integrity has produced one of the most prestigious, respected, and successful car auctions in America. More info