On Friday, we memorialized William “Bijou” Perez and those who have gone before. Today we highlight those who make a difference in our community contemporaneously. They are the people who will be presented “Pride Honors” awards this week by Palm Springs Pride CEO Ron deHarte.
Among the honorees is our KGAY Palm Springs morning host John Taylor, and I’m so proud of John’s contributions to #ILoveGayPalmSprings! Each day, John spends countless hours after his radio show interviewing newsmakers, gadflies, drag queens, movie stars, divas and friends in the ‘gayborhood’. He then meticulously edits those interviews into bite-sized segments that air on KGAY.
John and I have known each other well before being ‘out’ on the radio was in. We belonged to a group of LGBTQ+ radio and music business peeps that was started by our program director and afternoon host Chris Shebel. (It’s a story for another day – but a fascinating one that got us to KGAY!) John’s knowledge of current events, pop culture and the world keep the morning show humming along. He’s this year’s Spirit of Pride Award recipient.
There are seven honorees for Pride Honors. Most have had their time in the spotlight on John’s KGAY 106.5/92.1morning show. I especially want to recognize the Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride this year honoring Andrew and Cathy Mills. They show up and stand up for our community! Pride is just a month away, and there’s much more to celebrate in the weeks ahead.
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
2024 Pride Honors Awards (Congrats to our own John Taylor!)
The 2024 Coachella Valley PRIDE Honors Awards will recognize individuals for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community on Wednesday, October 2 from 5:30–7:30 pm at the Palm Springs Hilton. KGAY’s own Morning Show host John Taylor is being honored with the Spirit of Pride Award! [Get tickets] Here are the other honorees:
- Community Leadership: Jasmine Sullivan Waits
- Arts & Culture: Marconi Calindas-Cafege
- Advocate of the Year: DAP Health
- Volunteer of the Year: DeAnn Hopings
- Business of Pride: Shannon Anderson
- Friend of Pride: Andrew & Kathy Mills
HOT DEAL: Pride Under the Pines VIP Party Bus Tickets
Who doesn’t want a HOT DEAL? Get ready to ride in style to Pride Under The Pines on Saturday, October 5 on the KGAY Party Bus with John Taylor! For just $80 (half off the regular price of $160), you’ll enjoy roundtrip transportation, a VIP package with access to the free VIP bar, and an exclusive meet & greet with headlining artists. Plus, your ticket includes a movie pass to see Hairspray and an open bar. Seats are limited, so visit our HOT DEALS page to claim your spot on the KGAY Party Bus (One ticket per customer at this special price). Get Your Deal
Best of Desert Community’s Choice Voting Ends Monday
The Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards voting round is about to close! Join in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations with your vote. We are proud to have scored several nominations: Vote for your favorites, including our two radio stations: KGAY 106.5 and 103.1 MeTV FM. Don’t forget our on-air personalities John Taylor (KGAY 106.5 FM) and Patrick Evans (103.1 MeTV FM) as well as DJ Galaxy and Modgirl. The categories to look for are:
- Entertainment & Leisure > Radio Station – Local
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > Radio Personality/Show
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > DJ – Event/Wedding
We know we have the best audience in the valley and appreciate your support! Voting is open through Monday, September 30. VOTE Today!
Cabaret Riot
Revolution Stage Company presents Cabaret Riot, a thrilling cabaret competition running every Monday night from September 30 to October 28. Each week, local performers will deliver captivating acts, judged by celebrity guests from Palm Springs. However, the audience holds the ultimate power, voting to decide which artists advance to the finals. The top performers will compete on October 28 for the grand prize—a headlining cabaret show at RSC. Get tickets
Premium Bourbon Tasting and Barrel Reveal
Join Master Distiller Donnis Todd at The Purple Room on Monday, September 30 from 6–8 pm for an exclusive Garrison Brothers Premium Bourbon Tasting and Barrel Reveal event. Attendees will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres while learning about the history and craftsmanship of Texas’ first legal distillery. Todd will unveil a unique single barrel bourbon available only at The Purple Room. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the most respected bourbon brands and discover new, limited releases. Get tickets
Tuesday is VP Debate Night
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faces off with Ohio Senator JD Vance on Tuesday, October 1 at 6 pm (Pacific), taking place in New York City. CBS News is the host of this one-and-only planned Vice Presidential debate, moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan of CBS’ “Face the Nation,” so it will be aired and streamed on CBS and simulcast on several other networks as well. More info
Gameday Men’s Health Grand Opening w/John Taylor
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 will be Out and About with John Taylor at Gameday Men’s Health on Thursday, October 3 from 4–6 pm for their Grand Opening. Gameday Men’s Health is a new upscale clinic offering private treatments for men, including TRT, peptides, and ED treatments. More info
National Night Out Rancho Mirage
Join the community at Rancho Mirage Community Park on Tuesday, October 1 from 5:30–8:30 pm for the National Night Out Police Community Partnership event. This fun-filled evening offers activities for all ages, including jumpers, a live DJ, games, giveaways, and food trucks. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet and thank the emergency service professionals who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. More info
Kee Gallery Artwalk: Modville
Kee Gallery is opening October’s Art Walk on Wednesday, October 2 from 5–7 pm with an innovative show by two guest artists: photographer Deb Smith and felt architecture artist Linda Santiman. Their show will open up at Kee Gallery during the monthly Backstreet Art Walk. The show will be a unique mixture of modernism photography and modernism 3-D scenes captured in felt. More info
Flourishing in Retirement
Flourishing in Retirement, hosted by The LGBTQ Community enter of the Desert, is designed to help individuals create a fulfilling and intentional retirement. This interactive series of 4 weekly workshops, starting on Thursday, October 3, and running through October 24, will cover various aspects of successful retirement, including wellness, community, learning, and legacy. Participants will explore recent research, identify core values, and develop a personalized blueprint for their retirement. The sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Kevin Nourse, an experienced executive and retirement coach. More info
For all events go to the GayDesertGuide.com
