Another tragic LGBTQ+ nightclub shooting overshadows our Thanksgiving holiday week. I awoke to an overnight news alert from CNN with the news – and cried in the darkness. On the evening news (Yes, there’s still such a thing), ABC reported that the dark web celebrated and there are concerns about copycat incidents.
I hope not. Our police are beefing up patrols to keep the Arenas District and other places safe.
The weekend had been an eclectic mix of events – from Gay4Good’s cleanup of the wash to a fundraiser featuring the Arquette family celebrating our transgender community to our LGBTQ+ Desert Winds Freedom Band concert. It was another weekend of fun and purpose for our community. And then this happens…
We mourn with Colorado Springs and Club Q. As Dean Levine from Blackbook wrote today: “It is because moments like these why we continue to celebrate Pride every year. Our community does not run and hide. We celebrate and shine.”
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Readers of the Coachella Valley Independent and viewers of KESQ Channel 3 voted in the Best of Coachella Valley 2022-2023 poll, and we are dancing for joy because we are WINNERS! KGAY 106.5 and DJ Galaxy are both honored in the top spot in their categories for the fourth year running, and after three years of strong second-place honors, John Taylor took the top spot as Best Local Radio Personality this year! Please join us in congratulating our winners:
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Why Can’t the Trains Run on Time – A New Musical
The Palm Springs Cultural Center and Nunzio Sisto present the West Coast premiere of Why Can’t The Trains Run On Time • A New Musical, running select Mondays through December 19. This is an emotionally charged modern-day Musical about an artist learning to let go of his past and appreciate his present. It’s a timeless tale that anyone can relate to, and a lesson about life that speaks to everyone who sees it. A Juilliard graduate, Nunzio Sisto’s music has been compared to Sondheim for its rhythmic and harmonic complexities, and to Schwartz for its memorable melodies. Get tickets
JOGS Palm Springs Gem & Jewelry Show – Final Day
Shop for gems, minerals, fossils, and beads at the JOGS Palm Springs Gem & Jewelry Show on its final day today: Monday, November 21, from 10 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center. You will meet jewelry artists and designers, top gem & diamond dealers, jewelry manufacturers, gemstone miners, wholesalers, and jewelry liquidators. This is perfect timing to buy presents for you and your loved ones before the busy holiday season with great selections and trendsetters from the direct source. Get tickets
Holiday Stress Support Group
The Center presents a Holiday Stress Support Group every Monday from November 14 through December 5. This group is an in-person drop-in therapeutic support group for those experiencing holiday stress and will be facilitated by Tim Rogers, MFT Trainee, from 7–8 pm. More info
Strong Words – Grown-Up Stories for Adventurous Audiences
Join Among Friends for Strong Words on Tuesday, November 22 from 6:30–8:30 pm. Master of Ceremony Larry Dean Harris presents himself and 5 other storytellers speaking about their own personal lives. The stellar lineup includes: Brett Paesel from LA, coming in to tell the most amazing story. Local legend Tom Grissinger will keep you on your toes with his personal account, plus two newbies to town George Livengood and Russell Poe. And for a return story Eddie Kreg Anderson, Director of Among Friends, promises to entertain with his wild life story. Get tickets
Queer and Trans* Youth Night Hike
The Center Coachella presents Queer & Trans* Youth Night Hike on Tuesday, November 22 from 5–8:30 pm at La Quinta Cove. Queer and Trans* youth, ages 13-22, are encouraged to participate in this night hike, with meeting spots at The Center Coachella & at the Indio Teen Center at 5 pm. More info
The Monthly Center Social
Join in on the 4th Wednesday of each month for The LGBTQ Center of the Desert’s social mixer of fun, community, and happy hour. The November Center Social is on Wednesday, November 23 from 5:30–7 pm at Chill Bar. Tell your friends because all are welcome. See you soon! More info