Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Jun 27-29, 2025

The newspapers were late today. So my morning routine at Living Out was disrupted: grab an early morning cup of Coachella Valley Coffee from the lounge, have MeTV reruns on in the background and prepare myself for a deep dive into the print editions of he New York Times, Los Angeles Times and The Desert Sun. By the end of my first cup, the news cycle has me head-shaking and my stomach upset.

So today, I pulled up my trusty Apple News feed to a story I had missed. The Onion took out a full page ad in Sunday’s New York Times with a scathing Onion ‘Editorial’ titled, “Congress, Now More Than Ever, Our Nation Needs Your Cowardice”.

The Onion has been a go-to for some of the best satire of all times since the 1980s. Among my favorite headlines: “Denver Optometrist Not Sure Why He Has a Gay Cult Following“, “Area Man Passionate Defender of What He Imagines Constitution to Be“, and “Kitten Thinks of Nothing but Murder All Day“

The Onion’s CEO, Bryce P. Tetraeder, sent copies to all members of Congress with an open letter well worth the read. Here’s an excerpt:

…our country is slipping smoothly into the warm bath of authoritarianism and oligarchy. I wish I could take credit for this, and I will. But much of the praise must go to Congress and its cowardice. I ask you to stay the course and allow The Onion’s strong, steady arm to point the way. Your capitulation will be justly rewarded with glowing press coverage and the opportunity to borrow our paperboys to do with as you wish.
Bryce P. Tetraeder, Global Tetrahedron CEO

The fake editorial ends with a Fourth of July call to inaction by Congress: “This coming Independence Day, don’t wave the Stars and Stripes, that enduring symbol of liberty and rebellion. Instead, wave the white flag of surrender.”

In these times of having to keep up with the terrible things the administration is saying or doing, I’m glad to have The Onion back in my life — and my news feed.

We have a great weekend of events for you in my blog below. ShortFest has some real.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

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Palm Springs International ShortFest

The Palm Springs International ShortFest runs all weekend, and it’s one of North America’s largest showcases of short-form cinema! This Academy Award, BAFTA, and Goya-qualifying festival features hundreds of films from around the world, spanning genres like Animation, Documentary, and Live-Action. Enjoy curated film programs, filmmaker Q&As, and unparalleled cinematic storytelling. Best of Fest returns Monday, June 30 with a full day of audience favorites and award-winning ShortFest films from 11 am–8 pm. Secure your passes or tickets now: Get tickets

Pepper Mashay on the 25th Anniversary of Queer As Folk

Pepper Mashay brings her signature energy to one eleven bar on Sunday, June 29 from 8–10 pm, celebrating 25 years of Queer as Folk with electrifying performances of her dance-floor anthems. Hosted by The Filmmakers’ Gallery, this high-energy event promises a night of music, community, and celebration. Get tickets

Living Out Palm Springs Stonewall Day + Art Walk

Living Out Palm Springs commemorates Stonewall Day with a special celebration honoring LGBTQ+ pioneers Carl Bean, Connie Norman, Phyllis Lyon, and Dell Martin by naming their residential neighborhoods after them. The public is invited to attend starting at 2 pm; this meaningful event features an on-site Art Walk showcasing over 300 original works by LGBTQ+ artists from the Coachella Valley and beyond. Attendees can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, explore the rotating art exhibit, and connect with the community in a space dedicated to inclusivity and creativity. More info

San Francisco Pride

San Francisco Pride is Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29 with the theme “Queer Joy is Resistance.” The Civic Center will have a weekend full of live performances, community spaces, and an LGBTQ+ street fair featuring over 300 artists and exhibitors. On Sunday at 10 am, the iconic Pride Parade takes over Market Street, uniting over 250 contingents in a dazzling display of solidarity and celebration. More info – Also: Pride Live! Hollywood concludes their month-long celebration of events on Sunday, 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!

Little Monster’s Burlesque: A Tribute to Lady Gaga

Get ready to unleash your inner monster at Little Monster’s Burlesque: A Lady Gaga Tribute on Saturday, June 28 from 8–10 pm at Hotel Zoso. Experience a glamorous, high-energy celebration of Gaga’s iconic fashion, fierce anthems, and unapologetic self-love with sultry performances, dazzling confidence, and glitter galore. Doors open at 7 pm—come bold, proud, and fabulous for a night where everyone shines. Get tickets

80s Fest: Loverboy, The Smithereens, and Vixen

Get ready for a throwback to the ultimate ’80s rock era at 80s Fest on Saturday, June 28 at 6 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa! Loverboy will fire up the crowd with their anthems like “Working for the Weekend”, while The Smithereens deliver their classic high-energy rock sound, and Vixen—the pioneering all-female hard rock band—takes the stage with their signature power. From classic anthems to powerhouse performances, this lineup is pure nostalgia and high-energy excitement. Get tickets

Ethical Cataract Care Pledge Signing

Join Desert Vision Center for the Ethical Cataract Care Pledge Signing on Saturday, June 28 from 10–11:30 am at Hotel Paseo. Led by Dr. Keith Tokuhara, this empowering event sheds light on hidden referral kickbacks in cataract surgery—helping LGBTQ+ seniors and allies make informed healthcare choices. Don’t miss the moving “Wall of Ethics” with live pledge signings and portraits, celebrating transparency, dignity, and health with heart. More info

The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play

Step into the roaring twenties with The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play on Sunday, June 29 from 2–4 pm at Desert TheatreWorks! This 1940s-style radio broadcast brings Fitzgerald’s timeless tale to life with vintage charm, live sound effects, and a talented ensemble. Don’t miss this one-night-only event filled with champagne dreams, jazz-age intrigue, and the thrill of chasing the American Dream. Get tickets

The Little Pageant That Could

CVRep hosts the Palm Springs premiere of The Little Pageant That Could on Friday, June 27 from 7–9 pm, celebrating the legacy of L.A.’s longest-running drag benefit. Directed by John Carlos Frey, the evening includes a screening, performance by Mayhem Miller, a special appearance by Morgan McMichaels, and remarks from the director. A VIP reception hosted by Eight4Nine follows, offering guests an exclusive chance to mingle with cast, queens, and surprise guests. Get tickets