We’re still X’ed off X. If you’ve been following the story, X, formerly Twitter, has silenced hundreds of LGBTQ+ profiles, including @GayDesertGuide, @ILoveGayPalmSprings, @ILoveGayCatCity – even the LGBTQ profile for Visit Britain.
As I stated in multiple interviews, while it’s a free speech issue, there’s no First Amendment protections and no recourse. X continues to host and allow all kinds of porn and hate speech, but profiles that lift up and promote our community have been censored for no apparent reason.
Luckily, no one can censor or ban hashtags. So #ILoveGayPalmSprings, #ILoveGayCatCity and hundreds of others can still be used in your posts across any social media platform. It was the accounts that brought these groups together – much like Facebook groups – and those were banned on X.
Hashtags are universally misused — and overused — as most people don’t fully understand how they work. We created a handy guide to hashtags, and it’s worth downloading the PDF if you want to make your posts more effective.
I’ve been asked if we are boycotting the platform. The answer is no, for now. I’d like to try to work within the system to get the profiles restored. The chances of that are about the same as snow in July in Palm Springs, I’m afraid….
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 be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
“Summer School” Wine Tasting
Palm Springs Bottle Shop and Palm Springs Wine Tasting present Summer School Wine Classes, for a series of Sunday afternoons taught by Sommelier Adam Leemon. Enjoy learning while tasting in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Each week is a standalone class, or join in for the entire series. On Sunday, July 14 from 2–3:30 pm, the first class will cover “Wine 101.” Future topics include: “Old World vs. New World,” “Grapes & Regions,” and “Natural Wine.” Palm Springs Bottle Shop focuses on brands created and led by Women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ winemakers. Get tickets
Satin & Lace: A Burlesque Show
Rose Tint Productions presents Satin & Lace, a lesbian burlesque show set to take you on the journey of a lifetime on Friday, July 12 at 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company. Come for a night of glamour, seduction, sirens, spiders, pirates and more as talented performers dazzle you with their skills and sensuality in a mesmerizing display of burlesque artistry. Sit back, relax, and be transported to a world of feathers, glitz and allure. Get tickets
Flashback Friday Pool Party + Comedy Night
Hotel Zoso presents their Flashback Friday Pool Party on Friday, July 12 from 6–9 pm. Dive into a night of nostalgia with the best jams from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s for an unforgettable evening of fun, music, and poolside vibes. Grab a drink and get your groove on as the DJ spins your favorite throwback hits that will take you back in time. Free event, RSVP requested. More info
After the pool party, check out the new Hotel Zoso Comedy Night on Friday, July 12 at 9 pm. Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this unforgettable evening of hilarious, stand-up comedians that will have you rolling in your seat. Get tickets
Hot Summer Nights at CCBC
CCBC Resort presents a Hot Summer Nights promotion on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 pm, featuring $23 night passes to take advantage of our hot desert nights! This clothing-optional resort for gay men in Cathedral City features pools, a nude beach, and on-site dining. More info
2024 Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards Nominations
The Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards are back for 2024! Join in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations with your nominations, including our two radio stations: KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 FM, as well as 103.1 MeTV FM. Don’t forget our on-air personalities John Taylor (KGAY) and Patrick Evans (MeTV FM) as well as DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and DJ 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! Nominations are open through July 31. Nominate Today
Happy Hour for a Star
Come support the fundraising for Tristan Rogers to receive a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on Sunday, July 14 from 4:30–6 pm at Wildest Restaurant and Bar in Palm Desert. Australian-American actor Rogers is best known for two iconic roles: He’s charmed audiences for decades as Robert Scorpio on the soap opera General Hospital, and brought his voice to Jake, the adventurous mouse, in Disney’s The Rescuers Down Under. Enjoy an evening of wine, appetizers, music, fashion, silent auction and fun in support of this star! More info
Bye Bye Birdie
Palm Canyon Theatre presents the musical Bye Bye Birdie from July 5–14. Set in the 1950s, this story is reminiscent of the King of Rock. A songwriter finds himself in trouble when the rock-and-roll teen hearthrob he writes for, Conrad Birdie, is drafted into the Army. As a publicity stunt to record and sell one more hit record before he is sent overseas, a televised farewell is planned with Birdie set to kiss a preselected All-American girl. Get tickets
Dive in Movie: Jaws
The Palm Desert Aquatic Center presents Jaws, a more grown-up offering than the usual fare for their Dive-In Movie Series this week on Friday, July 12 at 7:30 pm. Select pool areas will be open, and slides and splash playground will be open. Snacks, refreshments and treats will be on sale. With limited seating poolside, guests are encouraged to bring towels for the grass areas. No outside chairs/furniture, food or beverages are allowed. More info
Stuft Pizza 10th Anniversary
Stuft Pizza is celebrating its 10th Anniversary at the Palm Desert location on Friday, July 12 with an all-day $10 menu and fun giveaways. The business will be recognized at a special celebration at 4 pm, when the City of Palm Desert and the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce honor Stuft for their legacy and community service. The daylong celebration rocks on through the evening when The John Stanley King Band will perform live from 6:30–9:30 pm. More info
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing you the full Star Wars Saga in epic big-screen glory, unfolding one film at a time, every Summer Saturday at 6 pm with a pre-show and cocktails starting at 5 pm. This Saturday, July 13, the series continues with Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Get tickets
Virtual ShortFest @Home Pass
Though ShortFest may have wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, you will be able to stream a selection of award-winning and audience favorite short films from this year’s festival with the ShortFest @Home Pass, allowing you full access to the Virtual ShortFest, through Sunday, July 14. Crank up the AC, get cozy, and get your pass!
Ask a Gay Doc: Trichophyton & Monkeypox
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 8, John and Dr. Corzano discuss a new sexually transmitted fungal infection in MSM communities, and a rise in the incidence of Monkeypox. Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
Alice by Heart – A New Musical
Palm Springs Art Museum and Musical Theatre University partner once again to bring “art to life” with the regional premiere of the new musical Alice by Heart this Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, July 12, 13 & 14 (Sunday matinee) at the Annenberg Theatre. In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. Get tickets
Check out all events on the GayDesertGuide.com