We got up close and personal with two people this week who are very different parts of the front lines. The amazing stamina of Sen. Cory Booker put a lump in my throat as my parents and I watched the last hour on MSNBC. His record setting 25-hour, 5 minute speech railing on the tRump administration made me proud to be an American.
Booker’s marathon garnered more than 350 million TikTok “likes” and puts him in the national spotlight as s front-runner for 2028. We need more in the legislative branch who will be brave and stand up to the tyranny of the current administration.
Another on the frontlines each day is NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, who was the featured speaker at Palm Springs Speaks. In a well-concepted Q & A by Kathy Strong, we got a look at Kelly not only as a correspondent and host (of All Things Considered), but also her struggles of being a working mom with two teenage boys.
On the subject of NPR and CPB defunding, she detailed the week’s hearings and tRump tweets, and was sanguine about it all. “My job, the only thing I can do, is to make sure that the debate is formed by facts and by truth. I want to add as many facts as I can so that when it comes for Congress to vote and members of the public to weigh in, they are informed.”
And Booker’s peeling back the layers of the onion laid bare the terrible harm that has been done in just under 75 days was brilliantly planned and deftly delivered.
It will take much more — like Saturday’s rally at Palm Springs City Hall — to turn the tide. But that’s what we do in a democracy. And as long as we have breath left to fight (and are not incarcerated nor disappeared), we can help change hearts and minds. Not just for the LGBTQ+ issues we have fought for for so long, but for the soul of our nation.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Desert Legends Weekend
Desert Legends 2025, an elevated experience for Lesbians 40+, takes place all weekend and offers an exciting lineup of activities. Hosted primarily at Hotel Zoso, this event features a pickleball tournament at Mission Hills Country Club, a sold-out golf tournament at Indian Canyons, and pool parties with synchronized swimmers, DJ sets, and fun competitions. Friday afternoon after the golf tournament, KGAY’s John Taylor will auction off a 7-night getaway for two to Mexico, with destination options of Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, or Mazatlán. Guests can also enjoy live concerts, a 70s-themed dance party, tattoo contests, and the Champagne Motown Brunch featuring The Starlets. Additional highlights include cocktail mixers, NCAA watch parties, and a relaxing spa day to conclude the weekend. Proceeds from select events benefit The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Visit our event listing for all the specific details: Get tickets
Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now!
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Broadway classic Hairspray with Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now! on Saturday, April 5 from 5:30–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Taking the stage are Tony winner Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony nominees Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy, reuniting as the original Tracy, Penny, and Amber for the first time in two decades. This unforgettable evening blends Broadway hits, personal stories, and laughter, showcasing the trio’s incredible journeys from rising stars to fully bloomed divas. Get tickets
Opera in the Park
Experience the magic of Opera in the Park on Sunday, April 6 at 5 pm at Sunrise Park in Palm Springs. This beloved annual event features six talented opera professionals performing arias, duets, and ensembles in a breathtaking outdoor setting. Bring a picnic or pre-order dinner to enjoy during this free celebration of opera, which draws thousands of attendees from across Southern California. More info
Palm Springs Vintage Market
Discover unique vintage treasures at the Palm Springs Vintage Market on Sunday, April 6 from 7 am–2 pm, located next to the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. This iconic market draws locals, visitors, and design enthusiasts in search of retro finds and timeless gems. Open the first Sunday of the month from October through May, it’s a totally unique shopping experience in the heart of Palm Springs! More info
Interior Illusions Outlet Parking Lot Sale
Don’t miss the Interior Illusions Outlet Parking Lot Sale on Saturday & Sunday, April 5 & 6, from 10 am–5 pm, featuring deeply discounted designer furniture. Highlighting the event, KGAY’s morning show host John Taylor will be “Out and About” onsite Saturday from 11 am–1 pm, so stop by and say hi! Known for transforming spaces with luxury interior design, Interior Illusions invites you to explore their curated selections and unbeatable deals during this end-of-season sale. More info
The Rocket Man Show
Prepare for an electrifying evening with The Rocket Man Show on Friday, April 4 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. Featuring Scotsman Rus Anderson—handpicked by Elton John himself as his official ‘70s body double—this dazzling tribute captures the flamboyance, talent, and energy of the legendary performer. With colorful costumes, incredible piano skills, and a setlist of Elton’s greatest hits, this show guarantees a spectacular celebration of music and showmanship. Get tickets
Faux Fur Ball 2025
Faux Fur Ball 2025, presented by Silvercrest, will take place on Saturday, April 5 from 6–10 pm, at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This sold-out event, themed “A Night of Glitz & Glamour,” raises vital funds for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and Desert Wildlife Center. Attendees can look forward to an elegant evening featuring a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting this essential organization. More info
Western Xposure Spring 2025
Get ready for Western Xposure Spring 2025, happening April 3–6 at CCBC Resort in Cathedral City. This all-day, four-day event features Bear Naked Pool Parties, vendor fairs, live DJ sets, and themed evening events like Ease It In and Night Rider. With free lunch BBQs, social mixers, and plenty of fun surprises, it’s the ultimate gay resort experience. Get tickets
Water to Wine Event
Join the Water to Wine event on Saturday, April 5 from 6–8:30 pm, at the Temple Isaiah Ballroom in Palm Springs, benefiting River of Hope faith community. This signature fundraiser features live and silent auctions showcasing exceptional wines, artwork, dining experiences, gift certificates, unique gifts, and home décor. More info
WIN PASSES to COACHELLA!
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 is giving away two VIP passes to Weekend One of the Coachella Music Festival! From now through Sunday, April 6, you can enter to win at any of the 17 participating locations. These locations span Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, and La Quinta; it’s like a scavenger hunt offering plenty of opportunities to enter for your chance to experience Coachella in style. Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to attend one of the biggest music festivals in the world! Learn more on the KGAY Contest Page
THEATRE
The Diary of Anne Frank
Desert Theatreworks presents a powerful new adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank at the Blackbox Theater, running April 4–13. This production weaves survivor accounts with excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary, presenting a modern, emotionally charged portrayal of the Nazi era. Set in a hidden attic where eight individuals seek refuge, this adaptation captures their daily struggles and celebrates Anne’s enduring message of resilience and hope. Get tickets
The Cake
Join The Bent Theatre Company for their production of The Cake from April 4–12, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This heartfelt and timely dramatic comedy, written by Tony-nominated playwright Bekah Brunstetter and directed by Kudra Wagner, tells the story of Della, a conservative North Carolina baker, who faces a moral dilemma when Jen, someone she loves like a daughter, asks her to bake a cake for her lesbian wedding. Get tickets
Victor/Victoria
Palm Canyon Theatre presents their production of Victor/Victoria, running from March 14–April 6. Victoria Grant finds stardom by masquerading as “Count Victor Grazinski,” a man performing as a female impersonator. When macho businessman King Marchan develops feelings for “Victor,” and Victoria reciprocates, it sparks a whirlwind of complications. Get tickets
Desert X
Explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley now through May 11. This outdoor art exhibition delves into the nonlinear narratives of time, with installations across several valley cities that reflect on the desert’s deep time evolutions and intertwine ancestral wisdom with contemporary visions. Check out descriptions of all the pieces and photos from the installations [here]. The Desert X 2025 Hub is hosted at the Thompson Palm Springs. Hub visitors can chat with knowledgeable volunteers, browse merchandise, and enjoy a meal or cocktail at Lola Rose before heading to the exhibition. Printed programs and field guides will be available for pickup at the Hub during open hours or at the front desk throughout the exhibition. Hub hours are Fridays from 2–5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–5 pm. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Friday, April 4
Put Your Best Shoe Forward | 11 am–2 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
ArtWalk and Vintage Car Cruise Night on El Paseo | 4– 7 pm
Superbloom and New Show | 5–7 pm at Desert Art Center
Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue | 7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Good Good Show – Stand Up Comedy | 8 pm at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs
Chris Botti – Jazz Trumpet | Fri. & Sat. Apr 4 & 5 at the McCallum Theatre
Saturday, April 5
Shoe Drive for Coachella Valley Has Sole | 9 am–1:30 pm at The Living Desert
Country Dance Saturdays: High Class Line Dance Lesson with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Comedian Colin Quinn | 8 pm at The Show
Bear Union | 9 am–4 am at CCBC Resort
Sunday, April 6
Tamarisk Neighborhood Walking Tour | 9 am & 4 pm in Rancho Mirage
For all events go to GayDesertGuide.com
