Brad Fuhr

Coming Out Day started in 1988, when I was not yet out of the closet myself at age 30. I didn’t know about such a day until many years later.

I marvel at how youth today have fluidity in their sexuality, allowing experimentation and expression that leads them to be who they are meant to be.

I have two transgender nieces – brothers at birth – and saw one of them at a family reunion last week back in Michigan. We all have our coming out stories and strifes that shaped our lives. As gay, lesbian or bisexual, arguably our journey is a bit easier than those in the trans community.

That was apparent when I watched an episode of Fearless: How 10 LGBT Activists Made It Better featuring criminal defense attorney Mia Yamamoto. She reflects on how coming out as transgender impacted her life and career, why being transgender is more “in your face” than being gay.

My friend Ross W. von Metzke from It Gets Better is hosting a pre-Pride Happy Hour in support of the organization’s work to uplift, empower and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe – reaching them BEFORE they’re in crisis on October 17th. I wanted to mention it today as we prepare to celebrate National Coming Out Day on Friday.

As we make our way toward Palm Springs Pride, let’s find ways to celebrate, uplift and support all the good that’s happening locally for LGBTQ+ youth, adults and seniors. We’re truly blessed to live in #ILoveGayPalmSprings!

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


Randy Rainbow Live on Tour

Randy Rainbow for President

Get ready for a night of laughter and musical satire as Randy Rainbow brings his “Randy Rainbow for President Tour” to the McCallum Theatre on Friday and Saturday, October 11 & 12 at 7:30 pm. Known for his hilarious political parodies and viral video song spoofs, Randy Rainbow is a four-time Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, singer, and New York Times best-selling author. His live show promises to be a delightful mix of his most popular video parodies, original songs, and interactive audience moments, all accompanied by live Broadway musicians. Get tickets

kgay logo

Celebrate the grand opening of The McCallum Theatre’s 2024–25 season with KGAY’s John Taylor broadcasting Out & About before the Randy Rainbow show on Friday, October 11! Ticketholders to Randy Rainbow’s opening night show are invited to chill on the outside patio and enjoy drinks and cocktails at the bar with tunes by DJ Galaxy from 5:30–7:30 pm. Come celebrate with KGAY and spin the KGAY Prize Wheel to win amazing prizes! Get tickets


Out on the Walk

Circa IMAGE Out on the Walk Website

The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert present Out on the Walk: Celebrating LGBT Honorees on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars on Tuesday, October 8 from 5:30–7 pm on Zoom. Part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2024, the event will feature a virtual stroll down the Walk of Stars, a presentation on the honorees, and will explore the history of the Walk of Stars and the recent efforts to identify LGBT honorees. More info


An Evening in Support of Lisa Middleton

Lisa Middleton crop

Join in An Evening in Support of Lisa Middleton on Monday, October 7 from 4–6 pm at Living Out Palm Springs. Hosted by Loren Ostrow and Living Out Palm Springs – Elegant Communities for Active LGBTQ Adults, this is an opportunity to show your appreciation and support for Lisa Middleton in her run for State Senate! More info


“Pieced Together” Opening Reception

PIeced Together

Mark Pellegrino presents “Pieced Together” at Artworks Gallery, with an Opening Reception on Wednesday, October 9 from 4–7 pm. The show features the collage work of Dianne Ferree, Samuel Flemming Lewis, and Marco Franchina. Pop-up hours will also be held Thursday–Sunday, October 10–13. More info


NVISION Latino Film & Music Festival

NVISION Logo Orange

Palm Springs Art Museum celebrates its partnership with The Official Latino Film Festival with its relaunch as the NVISION Latino Film & Music Festival celebrating its 10th anniversary, Thursday–Saturday, October 10–12. Enjoy film screenings, engaging panels, and special presentations at the Annenberg Theater and Regal Cinemas, plus cocktail receptions in the beautiful Meyerman Garden, nightlife programming at Reforma. Get tickets


National Coming Out Day is Friday

National Coming Out Day, observed annually on October 11, celebrates the courage and significance of coming out as LGBTQ+. Established in 1988 by activists Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary, the date commemorates the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This day encourages individuals to live openly and authentically, fostering greater visibility and acceptance within society. It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the importance of embracing one’s true self! More info


Firebirds 2024-25 Season Home Opener

Firebirds 24/25 Season / Home Opener

The Coachella Valley Firebirds kick off their 2024-25 season at Acrisure Arena on Friday, October 11 against the Bakersfield Condors, starting at 7 pm. Becoming a Firebirds Season Ticket Member is the best way to guarantee your seat! Get tickets


ALSO THIS WEEK

Monday, October 7
Cabaret Riot
competition series | 7–9 pm at Revolution Stage Company

Tuesday, October 8
Rancho Mirage Candidates Forum | 5:30 pm at RM Library & Observatory

Wednesday, October 9
The Voice of the Divine: Demystifying the Tarot
| 5:30 at Mizell Center
The Dirty Show 3.0 – Triple the Penetration with Skyler Gentry | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery

Thursday, October 10
Rancho Mirage State of the City | 11 am– 1 pm at Omni Rancho Las Palmas
Healing Rainbows Open House | 4–6 pm
Joshua Tree Music Festival | October 10–13 at Joshua Tree Lake Campground
Free Thursdays at the Palm Springs Art Museum | 5–8 pm
Eric Clapton w/Special Guest Jimmie Vaughan
| 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena

Friday, October 11
Just Food for Dogs Pantry Grand Opening
| 10 am–6 pm Friday & Saturday
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Two-Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step

Saturday, October 12
Who’s Afraid of Red, White and Blue? | 4–7 pm at The Lofts Art District
Jay Leno
| 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage

Sunday, October 13
Evening Under the Stars
benefiting AAP – Food Samaritans | 5:30–8:30 pm

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