Monday’s From Resilience to Action gathering will take on greater importance after two late-breaking news items. Thursday, the Title IX protections put in place by the Biden administration were overturned by a red state federal judge. And Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg announced the end of fact checking on his platforms.
Our trans community continues to be hard-hit by these news items, but actually all of us in the LGBTQ+ community are at risk. The chipping away of rights, freedoms and hard fought battles in the hearts and minds of our allies are happening on a daily basis. I invite you to register for Monday’s session as we can learn how to move from “shock and awe” to advocacy and action.
And i would be remiss not to acknowledge the horrific fire events that are impacting so many in Southern California. There have already been many “refugees” that are coming to Greater Palm Springs – either to their second homes or to hotels, vacation rentals or homes of friends – to escape. I’m helping out in a small way and hope that you’ll consider making the offer to house or help those who have been impacted.
Three of the fires have occurred in places that I loved. I knew the areas well from my many years in the City of Angels. Landmarks, hiking trails, shopping and dining spots are all gone.
Ally Jamie Lee Curtis was flying to New York for TV appearances when the fires broke out. Her home was spared thus far. In a sweeping interview on MSNBC last night, she covered much of what I’ve talked about this morning. I hope you’ll watch the full interview. But I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from the interview. Curtis says, “In recovery, we have a saying: Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Just don’t say it mean!”
Let’s be kind to each other. These are very trying times…
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Pride Night at Acrisure Arena
Celebrate Pride Night on Saturday, January 11, as the Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Chicago Wolves at Acrisure Arena at 6 pm. Presented by Silvercrest, this inclusive event promises a welcoming atmosphere for all. Enjoy exciting pre-game plaza events, a Pride Logo Blanket Giveaway, and more! Come support The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert while cheering on the Firebirds as they heat up the ice. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the organization. Get tickets
World Desert Day at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is celebrating World Desert Day on Saturday, January 11 from 9 am–1 pm. Guests can learn about desert plants and animals through special guided tours, animal connections, and scavenger hunts. This event also features desert-themed cocktails, specialty food items, and a desert plant sale. Get tickets
This Weekend at The McCallum
Friday, January 10: Join the John Pizzarelli Trio at 8 pm for a night of jazz and the Great American Songbook, featuring music by legends like Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, and more. Get tickets
Saturday, January 11: Experience the high-energy performance of Charo at 8 pm, with her award-winning Flamenco guitar playing. The evening also features comedian and musician Gary Mule Deer, known for his unique blend of comedy and music. Get tickets
Sunday, January 12: Enjoy Mozart & Friends at 3 pm, where Jeffrey Siegel will present masterpieces by Mozart and other influential composers like Haydn and Beethoven, offering fascinating stories and beautiful music. Get tickets
10-Minute Play Festival
Revolution Stage Company is hosting its 2nd Annual 10-Minute Play Festival this weekend. Enjoy twelve original short plays over two days. You can choose to see Group One on Saturday, January 11 at 2 pm and Sunday, January 12 at 5:30 pm, or Group Two on Saturday, January 11 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 12 at 2 pm. See our event listing for details on playwrights and titles included in each group: Get tickets
THRIVE: A Path to Well-Being
The L-Fund is hosting its 1st Annual THRIVE event on Saturday, January 11, from 10 am–2 pm at the Annenberg Health Sciences Building in Eisenhower Medical Center. This free event, designed for cis, trans, and queer-identifying lesbians, aims to empower attendees on their journey to a healthier, more vibrant life. It features expert workshops, insightful discussions, and opportunities to connect with resources and exhibitors. Registration is required. More info
Brothers of the Desert Monthly Meeting
Join the Brothers of the Desert Monthly Meeting on Saturday, January 11, from 11 am–noon at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. This in-person gathering on the 3rd floor offers members a chance to discuss recent and upcoming events, share organizational updates, celebrate achievements, and connect with new and existing members. It’s a great opportunity for networking and building community. More info
LEZ Party: Bring on 2025!
Palm Springs Promote invites you to the “LEZ Party” on Sunday, January 12 from 3–7 pm at Low Desert Restaurant & Bar in Smoketree Plaza. Celebrate the start of the new year with a guest DJ spinning tunes, delicious food, and crafted cocktails. Sip, savor, dance and groove while supporting DAP Health with a $10 cash door fee. More info
Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025 wraps up with a final weekend of screenings at multiple theaters across the valley, followed by Monday’s Best of Fest. The festival features over 160 films from more than 70 countries; it’s a fantastic way to experience a diverse range of films from around the world, connect with filmmakers and stars, and immerse yourself in the year’s top offerings! Browse the Festival’s Film/Event Finder to filter by LGBTQ, Gay, and Lesbian titles (and many more). Get tickets
California Desert Plein Air Festival
From January 9–February 2, the California Desert Plein Air Festival will take place at the Artists Center in Palm Desert. This three-week event celebrates the tradition of painting the California desert landscape en plein air. The festival opens with four days of paint-outs at scenic locations such as Coachella Valley, Box Canyon, the Salton Sea, and the Mojave Desert. Over 80 artists will paint on site and submit their canvases for exhibition and judging. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, January 10
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Two Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, January 11
SŌL Barre Studio Open House | 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Comedy Workshop with Mina Hartong | Sat & Sun 1:30–4:30 pm at PS Library
Opening of “Dots, Knots, Relics” (Modern textiles) | 5–8 pm at Rubine Red Gallery
One Vision of Queen feat. Marc Martel | 8 pm at The Show
Sunday, January 12
Vedic Astrology Master Class | 3–5 pm at Khaga Yoga Palm Springs