
A Race to the End! President Biden is working fast and furious to both burnish his image and protect our country as he leaves office.
In a wide-ranging interview with Lawrence O’Donnell, he got an opportunity to look back and talk about how he put policy over politics – likely to the detriment of getting credit for how much was accomplished.
Today, Biden pushed through the Equal Rights Amendment as ratified, and more actions are expected before Monday.
We are all nervous — many scared — about what’s ahead. I keep remembering the mantra to watch what “they” do, not what “they” say. The rhetoric has been extreme and upsetting to our LGBTQ community, and it will continue. Let’s see what exactly gets passed, challenged in court and is ultimately implemented.
The inauguration will feature The Village People, whose leader made some terrible remarks and threats on social media. His claim that “Y.M.C.A.” should not be a gay anthem and was never written with any known “gay” behavior in mind rings hollow. KGAY Program Director Chris Shebel made the decision to remove all songs by The Village People from the KGAY playlist. You can read the story and see the video as reported by our partners at the Coachella Valley Independent here.
Come Monday, there will be a new sheriff in town with the inmates running the asylum. Let’s circle the wagons and do our best to persevere. See you at The People’s Rally!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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People’s Rally Palm Springs
The People’s Rally Palm Springs, a political gathering scheduled for Saturday, January 18 from 10 am–12 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park, aims to unite individuals who believe in defending their rights and shaping their future. The event seeks to mobilize those who support bodily autonomy, access to education and healthcare, free speech, and a just economy. The organizers emphasize that this rally is about demonstrating the power of the people and inspiring continued resistance and change. More info
Varla Jean: The Errors Tour
Catch Varla Jean: The Errors Tour on Friday & Saturday, January 17 & 18, at 7 pm at Toucans. It was a Cruel Summer, but that can’t keep a good diva down! What does she do? She “Shakes it Off” and faster than you can say “Ticketmaster site crash,” Varla Jean has swiftly tailored The Errors Tour for her fans, The Mermies. Everyone’s favorite ditzy diva takes you through her catalogue of hilarious hits and egregious errors in a show jam-packed with classic bits, giant wigs, over-taxed costumes, and new songs. Get tickets
Yappy Hour & Donations for LA Fire Victims
Join Animal Samaritans and Boozehounds Palm Springs for Yappy Hour on Friday, January 17, from 4– 6 pm, where they will be collecting donations for Los Angeles fire victims. Bring supply donations and enjoy free Yappy Hour admission and delicious tacos from the Taco Bar. All monetary donations during the event will benefit the Pasadena Humane Society, supporting animals displaced by the fires. See our listing for specific supplies needed for both humans and pets. More info
Spring Awakening
Revolution Stage Company presents Spring Awakening from January 14–30. This groundbreaking rock musical, based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play, captures the turbulent journey of adolescence with unflinching honesty. Set in late 19th-century Germany, it tells the poignant story of teenagers grappling with sexual awakening, societal expectations, and identity. With powerful performances and a haunting score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, featuring unforgettable songs like “Mama Who Bore Me” and “The Bitch of Living,” this production speaks to the heart of growing up. Get tickets
Fat Ham
Dezart Performs presents Fat Ham from January 17–26 at the Pearl McManus Theater. Fat Ham is about a Black, queer discovery of self, softness, and resilience. Your typical Southern family cookout just got anything but. Juicy gets a visit from his father’s ghost seeking revenge for his death by his brother – now married to his mother! Sound familiar? Get tickets
Legally Blonde The Musical
Desert Theatreworks presents Legally Blonde The Musical from January 17–February 9. Follow Elle Woods as she takes on Harvard Law, fueled by the desire to win back her ex-boyfriend. With infectious energy and catchy tunes, the show captures Elle’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Along the way, she faces challenges from peers, professors, and her former flame, but with the help of newfound friends, she proves her resilience and determination. Get tickets
The Skivvies: ICONIQUE!
Internationally acclaimed undie-rock stars, The Skivvies, return to the Purple Room with ICONIQUE! on Friday & Saturday, January 17 & 18. Serving their outrageous comedy-pop, genre-hopping mashups, the show will also feature surprise special guests. Broadway’s Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley not only strip down musical arrangements to cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica, and drums, they also strip down to their undergarments as they sing and play. Expect big voices and big laughs. Dinner at 6, Show at 8 pm. Get tickets
A Very Sordid Wedding
Palm Canyon Theatre presents A Very Sordid Wedding from January 17–26. It’s 2015, seventeen years after Sordid Lives and Peggy’s unfortunate death, after tripping over G.W.’s wooden legs, and life has now moved on for the residents of Winters, Texas. A Very Sordid Wedding explores the questions, bigotry and the fallout of what happens when gay marriage comes to communities and families that are not quite ready to accept it. Get tickets
Broadway’s Best in the West: Norm Lewis
Broadway’s Best in the West at the Palm Springs Cultural Center features Norm Lewis on Saturday, January 18 at 7 pm. A nominee for Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and SAG Awards, Lewis has recently starred in the national tour of “A Soldier’s Play” and the West End’s “Love Never Dies.” He has also appeared in Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods,” the FX series “Pose,” and NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!” alongside John Legend. Upcoming in the Best in the West series: Stephanie J. Block (2/15) and Max Von Essen (3/15). Get tickets
Tina Turner Tribute at The Gardens
The Gardens on El Paseo 27th Annual Concert Series kicks off on Saturday, January 18 at 4 pm with Always Tina (Tina Turner Tribute), benefiting the Bianca Rae Foundation. Reserve your tickets now and wine down on the Center Lawn, Saturday evenings to support your community. Upcoming benefit shows include: Huey Lewis Tribute (1/25), Billy Joel Tribute (2/1), Journey Tribute (2/8), Rolling Stones Tribute (2/15), John Stanley King Band (2/22), Jimmy Buffett Tribute (3/1), and Rod Stewart Tribute (3/8). Get tickets
The American Express® PGA WEST 2025
The American Express® PGA WEST 2025 takes place this weekend at La Quinta Country Club. The tournament features top golfers like Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, and Tom Kim. The evening entertainment will include standout performances by GRAMMY Award-winners Little Big Town on Friday, January 17 and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees JOURNEY on Saturday, January 18. Fans can look forward to exceptional golf, unforgettable fan experiences and show-stopping entertainment. Get tickets
This Week at the McCallum Theatre
On Friday and Saturday, January 17 and 18, the McCallum Theatre presents Paul Anka, one of music’s most successful singer/songwriters, as he delivers his legendary hits at 8 pm. On Sunday, January 19, at 3 pm, celebrate the 80th birthday of renowned Brazilian singer/songwriter Ivan Lins with a tribute concert by the Pacific Jazz Orchestra. Get tickets
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Celebration
On Sunday, January 19, there will be a Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Celebration at 2 pm at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church at 47535 Highway 74 in Palm Desert. The theme is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365.” More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, January 17
Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue | 7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Country Dance Fridays: LAST FRIDAY NIGHT Beginner East Coast Swing with Lise Baadh | 7 pm at Step by Step (Moves to Saturdays starting Jan 25)
Saturday, January 18
Palm Springs Art Festival | 10 am–4 pm (Saturday & Sunday) at Francis Stevens Park
Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience | 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage