Marriage Equality is back on the ballot. This time it should be an easy layup for enshrining the repeal of Prop 8 into our state constitution. That’s unlike the 2008 election that literally snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. It was that election when Barack Obama won the White House and we lost the battle for marriage equality.
Geoff Kors and I first got acquainted during that period. He was executive director of EQCA, which was instrumental in leading the fight. While we had disagreements on strategy and tactics surrounding ‘No on 8’, I got to know and respect Geoff.
Fast forward to Saturday when EQCA celebrated 25 years of service with an all-star lineup including Rep. Nancy Pelosi and former Senator Barbara Boxer at the Riviera. Geoff was recognized for his leadership during thst period. EQCA’s work has been leading the nation for all these years.
We welcome Geoff and his husband, James Williamson, back to Palm Springs. Geoff’s service to our communities — both LGGTQ+ and Palm Springs — is exemplary. I’m glad to have them back among us in time for Palm Springs Pride. Now onto Pride week activities!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
KGAY’s T-Shirt Swap: “Tees for Tests”
Stop by Tac/Quila on Friday, November 1, from 3–5 pm for the Tees for Tests event with KGAY’s John Taylor. Donate $25 or more to PS Test and receive a stylish “Be You Say KGAY” tee shirt, a perfect fit for Palm Springs Pride weekend! Bring your gently used shirts to contribute to our clothing drive. Let’s make a difference together, and look great doing it. More info
Palm Springs Pride: Modgirl’s Big Bang Blast Off
Don’t miss a Big Bang Blast-Off to Pride weekend with Modgirl, bringing her cosmic experience and electrifying performance to the Palm Springs Pride Main Stage at 8 pm on Friday, November 1, presented by KGAY 106.5 /92.1 and Gay Desert Guide. More info
Thursday: KGAY Weekend Kickoff Celebration at PSP
KGAY 106.5 & 92.3 and Palm Springs International Airport get the fun started early, on Thursday, October 31 from 2–5 pm. Locals and travelers alike are invited to experience the excitement with live music from Modgirl and delightful dining and shopping options offered by PSP. Stop by the KGAY table to say “hi” and pick up a sticker! No need to catch a flight: you can book your boarding pass any day of the week and go explore all PSP has to offer all year long at flypsp.com/stayandplay.com – More info
Neon Trees Headline Día de la Reina at Palm Springs Pride
Get ready for a spooky and fabulous night at Día de la Reina, an official event of Palm Springs Pride. Neon Trees will headline this free block party celebration on Thursday, October 31 from 5–10:30 pm in the Arenas District. Join in for a night of music, dancing, and celebrating the Queens and Kings of Palm Springs. More info
Palm Springs State of the City
Catch the inside scoop and be the first to hear exciting updates at the annual Palm Springs State of the City on Wednesday, October 30, at the Annenberg Theater. It starts with a cocktail reception at 5 pm. Then at 6 pm, a special performance by the Musical Theatre University before Mayor Bernstein delivers the State of the City. More info
Tom of Finland and Selected Shorts
See a special screening of Tom of Finland on Wednesday, October 30 from 5–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This biographical drama explores the life and work of Tom of Finland, a groundbreaking figure in 20th-century LGBTQ+ culture. The evening also includes a preview of the upcoming documentary “House of Leather” and a screening of “State of Mind,” a film that explores the power exchange in BDSM/leather/fetish/kink. Get tickets
For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday
Desert Theatreworks presents a staged reading of For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday by Sarah Ruhl. This poignant play explores a family’s journey through grief and reminiscence. Witness the power of storytelling as characters grapple with their father’s death and share their unique perspectives on life, love, and the allure of childhood. The performances take place on Tuesday & Wednesday, October 29 & 30, at 7:30 pm. Get tickets
VillageFest Halloween Spook-tacular
Celebrate in style at VillageFest‘s annual Halloween Spook-tacular on Thursday, October 31 from 6–10 pm with a costume contest for all ages, trick-or-treating with VillageFest vendors and downtown merchants, and local heroes from the Palm Springs Police and Fire Departments with exciting carnival games and pumpkin painting. SunLine Transit will be offering a “Haunted Bus” experience on the Palm Canyon and Tahquitz Canyon routes. More info
Hugs for Pride 2024
Hugs for Pride 2024 is a fundraiser for Free Mom Hugs on Wednesday, October 30 at 5:30 pm at The Riviera, featuring keynote speaker Sara Cunningham, founder. Hosted by the talented Paige Turner, this event will be filled with entertainment and fun. Join in and show your support for this important cause. More info
The Center Opens New Community Food Bank
The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert is hosting a Ribbon Cutting & Open House for their new Community Food Bank on Friday, November 1, from 4:30–6 pm. Join them at 2901 East Alejo Road in Palm Springs to celebrate this exciting milestone and learn more about how you can support this valuable resource for the community. Food donations are appreciated, and catering will be provided by EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge.
Sunnylands Celebrates Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos
Join Sunnylands for a special celebration of Día de los Muertos from Wednesday, October 30–Sunday, November 3. Explore the gardens adorned with colorful papel picado, art installations, and ofrendas (altars). Enjoy special programming, including a nighttime viewing on Friday, a free health clinic, family workshops, and a screening of the movie Coco. See our event listing for all the details: More info
Dina Martina Halloweena!
Join Dina Martina for a laugh-out-loud performance, Dina Martina Halloweena! at Revolution Stage Company during Palm Springs Pride Weekend. This comedic drag queen, known for her unique blend of tragedy and humor, has been hailed as “divinely funny” and “the most original drag performer in America today.” Catch Dina Martina on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, November 1–3, at 9:30 pm, 10:30 pm, and 5 pm, respectively. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, October 28
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber Lunch Club | 12 pm at Eight4Nine
Cabaret Riot Competition Series | 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company
Tuesday, October 29
Volunteer for Will Rollins for Congress | 10 am–Noon in Palm Springs
8-Week Acceptance Commitment Therapy Group Begins | 6–7:30 pm at Mizell Center
Friday, November 1
Everclear | 8 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
Country Dance Fridays: Phoenix Circle Line Dance with Kyle Young | 7 pm at Step by Step
Mid-Century Moderns | 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company
Wednesday, October 30
The Dirty Show 3.0 Halloween Special | 7–8:30 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Thursday, October 31
Witch Please! w/Billy L’Amour, Deven Green & Handsome Ned | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
After Dark Halloween Bash with Zowie Bowie | 8 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
Friday, November 1
Dian Hanson Book Signing | 5–7 pm at Just Fabulous
Pride Yoga Easy Flow to Renew | 5:30 pm at Power Yoga Palm Springs
Idol Worship: An Evening with Mink Stole & Peaches Christ | Nov. 1 & 2 at 7:30 pm at Hilton Palm Springs
Saturday, November 2
Desert Hot Springs: A City Founded on Water | 11 am–2 pm at Historic Rock House
Flagging in the Desert w/DJ Casey Alva | 11:30 am–3:30 pm at Ruth Hardy Park
Sunday, November 3
Palm Springs Vintage Market | 7 am–2 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Pride on the Rooftop Party + Parade Viewing | 9 am–2 pm at Flannery Exchange
