Dismantling DEI. It just hit home and our bottom line as we were canceled on Thursday from promoting Visit Lauderdale and their LGBTQ+ travel initiatives.
We have partnered with Visit Lauderdale for many years and you may note that they were major sponsors of Palm Springs Pride. While I cannot confirm whether or not that sponsorship is affected, we were given notice to immediately stop all advertising for the destination.
I have reached out to their PR representatives, but as of this writing have not received a response. In a telephone conversation, the reason given had to do with a legislative mandate in the state canceling all D.E.I. related initiatives with fines and penalties for non-compliance. While it’s a loss of revenue for us, it’s also another “death by a thousand cuts” that both the Trump administration and red states are foisting on us.
The other big news this week was the loss of PBS and NPR funding to the tune of over $1 billion dollars. While we are not a public station, we have many friends who do work for their network of stations around the country. $1 billion is a lot to make up in listener and viewer contributions.
We recently had a successful campaign for listeners to #SupportOurStation in order to continue our worldwide streaming services. Losses of revenue from advertisers like Visit Lauderdale are just another validation for what we did to make up for losses. Our tourism-driven economy is in flux and advertising is one of the first cuts a business makes. We hope that this trend doesn’t hold as season starts soon in Palm Springs. I want to remain optimistic in a sea of pessimistic news.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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DJ Galaxy’s 50th Birthday Weekend
Get ready to celebrate DJ Galaxy’s 50th Birthday Weekend! Kicking off the festivities, join DJ Galaxy for a special set on KGAY’s Retro Lunch on Friday, July 18, from 12–1 pm. Later that day, from 4–9 pm, head to Hunters Nightclub for Fur Friday, also featuring DJ Galaxy. The ALL OUT Summer Dance Party takes place on Saturday, July 19 from 7–10 pm at the hot new event space, The 4707. Come dressed in your favorite decades look from the 70s, 80s, 90s, or 2000s and enter the best-dressed contest, with beats by Lollipoppers aka DJ Galaxy! [Get tickets]. Concluding the weekend, Oscar’s World Famous Sunday T-Dance on Sunday, July 20 from 3–7 pm, will have Galaxy back on the turntables, spinning Peace, Pride & Love. All three events feature a food drive benefiting The Center’s Community Food Bank, a testament to Galaxy’s community spirit! More info
San Diego Pride
Celebrate “Unbreakable Pride, Unshakeable Power” at San Diego Pride 2025, the region’s largest civic event and one of the biggest Prides in the U.S. The free parade steps off Saturday, July 19 from 10 am–3 pm in Hillcrest, drawing over 250,000 supporters along a 1.5-mile route. Then, head to Marston Point in Balboa Park for a two-day festival, July 19–20, featuring four stages and more than 100 performers—including Kehlani, Kim Petras, and a dazzling drag extravaganza. Get tickets
Broadway’s Bad Guys: A Cabaret of Mischief
Step into the shadows of musical theatre at Broadway’s Bad Guys, a one-night-only cabaret starring Erik Scott Romney on Friday, July 18 at 7:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. With powerhouse vocals and wicked charm, Romney brings Broadway’s most infamous villains to life—from Jekyll to the Emcee from Cabaret—backed by the dynamic duo of Chip Prince and Bob Marino. Part of the Cabaret À La Carte series, this moody, mischievous revue includes themed cocktails and desserts for a truly immersive night of music and mayhem. (During nearby construction, there’s ample parking across the street at the High School). Get tickets
Nola at Escena Grand Opening
Step into modern desert luxury at the Nola at Escena Grand Opening on Saturday, July 19 from 10 am–2 pm at Escena Golf Club. Explore stunning new single-story home designs in a sleek golf course community, complete with open floor plans, private pools, and elegant architecture—all nestled in scenic Palm Springs. KGAY’s John Taylor will be there, Out and About from 10 am–Noon! Discover your dream home in this stylish, sun-kissed enclave. More info
Gay Wine Weekend
Guests will sip, swirl, and shine at Gay Wine Weekend, returning July 18–20 for three dazzling days of LGBTQ+ celebration in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley and Healdsburg. With new venues, world-class wine, VIP parties, winery tours, a poolside soiree, and the iconic Twilight T-Dance, this unforgettable weekend benefits Face to Face, Sonoma County’s HIV/AIDS Network. Get tickets
Falsettos
Don’t miss Falsettos at Palm Canyon Theatre, running July 11–20, a witty and poignant musical that explores Jewish identity, gender roles, and gay life in the 1970s and ’80s. Centered on Marvin’s journey to reconcile love, family, and self, this Tony-winning show blends humor and heart in a deeply human story of transformation and chosen family. A must-see for fans of bold, emotionally rich theatre. Get tickets
Chris Isaak
Experience the timeless voice of Chris Isaak live on Saturday, July 19 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage. With a career spanning four decades and hits like “Wicked Game,” this GRAMMY-nominated icon will bring his signature blend of blues, rock, and romance. Get tickets
Palm Springs Burlesque Night
Turn up the heat at Palm Springs Burlesque Night: Sizzling Summer Edition on Saturday, July 19 from 8–10 pm at Hotel Zoso. Presented by Dirty Little Secrets Burlesque, California’s longest-running troupe, this gender-fluid celebration brings together dazzling showgirls, showboys, and everyone in between for a night of sultry striptease, sharp comedy, and unapologetic glam in the heart of downtown. Get tickets
Palm Springs Library Closing Party
Join the Palm Springs Public Library for a festive send-off at its Renovation Celebration and Closing Party on Saturday, July 19 from 2–4 pm at 300 S. Sunrise Way. Enjoy ice cream, face painting, live broadcasts, and the unveiling of a time capsule as the library prepares to relocate to its temporary home at Rimrock Plaza. The current location will remain open until Friday, August 8 with the new site reopening on Monday, August 25. Come celebrate this exciting new chapter! More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, July 18
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, July 19
Animal Samaritans Adoption Event | 11 am–1 pm at Petco in Palm Desert
The Totally Ridiculous Gameshow! | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Waltz with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, July 20
LGBTQIA Higher Powered OA Meeting | 11:30 am at Sunny Dunes Clubhouse
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
Monday, July 21
Kickin’ It For Pride LGBT Kickball Meetup | 6:15–8:15 pm at Adulka Park, Riverside
For all events go to GayDesertGuide.com
