Gnats are known for their short attention span, as the saying goes. But my brain is hurting as I fight to pay attention to the many distractions that befall me in a typical news cycle these days.
And that’s the point of the tRump administration’s “shock and awe” campaigns to distract us. Every constituency is under attack — right now it’s our immigrant population. Last weekend, it was a trans athlete competing in track and field.
There’s been attacks on our seniors to take away benefits and cause chaos at Social Security Administration offices (that didn’t go so well for them!). Veterans benefits had their turn in the crosshairs. So have the arts as he gutted The Kennedy Center and moved out all World Pride events and fired the board.
And the list goes on and on and on.
We can all come together this weekend to protest in a focused way for “No Kings Day”. You need to show up! The protests are scheduled for three valley cities as you’ll read below. The numbers have ramped up to over 2,000 nationwide. But there will be no protest in Washington, D.C.
According to organizers, “Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”
Our protests won’t need to hire “seat fillers” as they are doing in D.C. for that obscene display of sycophancy he was trying to achieve. We’ll have all colors of our rainbow, all stripes of our former military and all skin colors coming together in a show of might.
You’ll not want to have to answer for where you “weren’t” on No Kings Day. So show up and be counted. Our democracy is on the line and tag, you’re it.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Big Gay BBQ in the Arenas District
Get ready to usher in summer at the biggest and most fabulous BIG Gay BBQ in the Arenas District! This free community event brings delicious BBQ, beverages, live music, and fun backyard games. Join the festivities on Saturday, June 14 from 3–10 pm and Sunday, June 15 from 3–7 pm. Live music from Radio Ready will be on stage both days and KGAY’s Modgirl will be featured on Sunday from 3–4:30 pm and don’t forget to stop by the KGAY booth to say hi! Come with friends, enjoy the finger-lickin’ food from various vendors, and you’ll also have the opportunity to make a contribution and support Palm Springs Pride, which in the current political climate needs your support even more. More info
No Kings Mass Protests
Join a national movement on Saturday, June 14 for the NO KINGS National Day of Action. This mass mobilization is a response to increasing authoritarianism, taking to the streets with around 2,000 locally-organized events nationwide to say “no thrones, no crowns, no kings.” Gather at Downtown Palm Springs Park from 6–8 pm to be part of building a movement and making history [More info]. – Additionally, there will be No Kings protests in both Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City from 9–10 am on Saturday. Beyond the Coachella Valley: Visit nokings.org and search the map to find an event near you!
Father’s Day Fundraiser at Toucans
Calling all Daddies! Celebrate Father’s Day in style at Toucans this Sunday from 1–3 pm, hosted by the fabulous Marina Mac and Ted Guice. Stick around for a barbecue at 3 pm, and don’t miss the raffles and auction featuring incredible prizes—including a Big Wheel Jeep Tour, a 90-minute massage, and even dinner with a go-go boy at 849! The Grand Prize Raffle is a 50/50 split, so one lucky winner takes home half of the funds raised. This event supports H+ARP (HIV + Aging Research Project), helping to fill a critical funding gap—so come out, have fun, and make a difference. More info
Father’s Day Celebration: Madd Men in the Pool
Celebrate Father’s Day in style at Madd Men in the Pool on Sunday, June 15 from 11 am–1 pm at The Shag House! Indulge in brunch bites by On The Mark, sip on Old Fashioneds, Whiskey Sours, Vodka Lemonade, and Mimosas, and soak up the vintage vibes. Whether you’re making a splash or just enjoying the fashion-forward poolside scene, this one-of-a-kind celebration guarantees good times and great company. Get tickets
Pride Month Festivals & Parades
Pride Live! Hollywood takes center stage from June 11–29, with a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ storytelling, exclusive screenings, lively conversations, rooftop parties, dance parties, and family-friendly events. Further north, Sacramento Pride is set for June 14 & 15, on Capitol Mall, with a Pride March on Sunday, June 15 at 11 am. The 55th annual San Francisco Pride Celebration, themed “Queer Joy is Resistance” is June 28 & 29 at Civic Center, culminating in the renowned Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29 at 10 am. And next month, mark your calendars for San Diego Pride, San Diego’s biggest celebration of diversity and inclusion, at Balboa Park on July 19 & 20!
Big Bear Village Wine Walk
The Village Wine Walk returns to Big Bear Lake on Saturday, June 14, offering an afternoon of wine, snacks, and shopping. Check-in starts at Copper Q at 2:30 pm with the Wine Walk lasting from 3:30–7 pm. Guests can explore local shops while savoring hand-selected wines and bites along the way. Whether you’re indulging in the full experience or enjoying the food-only option, this beloved event is the perfect way to sip, stroll, and celebrate in the heart of The Village. Get tickets
Brothers of the Desert Members & Allies Lunch
Join Brothers of the Desert for the Members and Allies Lunch on Saturday, June 14 from 12:30–1:30 pm at Play Lounge Cafe! Connect over great food and conversation after the Members’ Meeting in a welcoming and inclusive space. Both members and allies are invited—just RSVP with David by Friday, June 13 to secure your spot. More info
“SHE IS” Women’s Conference
Join the 2nd Annual “SHE IS” Women’s Conference, a free event on Saturday, June 14 from 10 am–3 pm (doors at 9 am) at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs. This empowering day is open to women living with HIV across the gender spectrum, those affected by HIV, and caregivers and providers of HIV services. Come for a day filled with inspiration, connection, and the opportunity to share experiences. More info
HRC Palm Springs Bowling for Equality
Strike for equality at HRC Palm Springs Bowling for Equality! Join friends, advocates, and allies at Palm Springs Lanes on Sunday, June 15 from 2:30–4:30 pm for a fun-filled afternoon of bowling, camaraderie, and activism. Assemble your team or let them match you up, wear your most stylish bowling shirt, and compete for top scores and best attire awards—all while supporting HRC’s mission for LGBTQ+ equality. More info
The Fab Four – USA Meets the Beatles 60th Anniversary
Experience the magic of Beatlemania with The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute, live at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, June 14 at 8 pm. Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of USA Meets The Beatles, this Emmy Award-winning tribute band delivers uncanny, note-for-note renditions of classics and features three costume changes representing every Beatles era. Get tickets
War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast
Aliens have landed—again! Experience the hilarious, fast-paced radio-play comedy War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast on Sunday, June 15 from 2–4 pm at Desert TheatreWorks. Live sound effects, vintage flair, and a clever radio-show-within-a-radio-show bring Orson Welles’ legendary broadcast to life. Don’t miss this nostalgic, out-of-this-world theatrical adventure: Get tickets
Safe in the Streets: Community Mixer and Safety Talk
Join neighbors for Safe in the Streets, a free community mixer and safety talk at the Palm Canyon Mobile Club Clubhouse on Friday, June 13 from 5–6:30 pm. This timely event will feature presentations from Officer Brook Edney of the Palm Springs Police Department and Brent Heinze from the Safety Blows campaign, offering practical guidance on public safety amidst rising targeted violence. Beyond valuable insights, attendees can connect with fellow community members over complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment. More info
Private Tours of The Shag House
Step into The Shag House for a private tour with Brandon, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a life-size Shag painting! Explore every vibrant, retro-inspired corner at your own pace—just you and your guests, no crowds. Select a date from now through Sunday, June 15 and experience the magic behind the green gates in this fully immersive space! Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, June 13
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Frozen Pool Party Skate | 6:30–8 pm at Berger Foundation Iceplex at Acrisure Arena
It’s Me, CHARLIE! Cabaret Edition | 7–9 pm at Revolution Stage Company
Saturday, June 14
The Time It Takes (Italy/France) One-time film screening | 10 am at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Animal Samaritans Adoption Event | 11 am–1 pm at Petco in Palm Desert
Martinis & Bellinis Garden Cocktail and Tea Party Benefit | 3–5 pm at Cache Estate, Indio
Beyond the Pages – The Day Before I Died | 4–6 pm at Coachella Library
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Two Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Freda Payne | 7–9 pm at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs
Sat & Sun, June 14 & 15
Sacramento Pride | Pride March Sunday at 11 am at Southside Park
Sunday, June 15
Family + at the Palm Springs Art Museum | 12–4 pm
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
