“Tenderful” is a new word I learned Thursday at the Senior Inspiration Awards. It means you’re ten times wonderful – “one” derful…
The word came from honoree Father Charlie Ara, a man of the cloth who had performed weddings at the Playboy Mansion and at the Vatican. His story of community service – and that of others who give their time – was a reminder to me of how life can continue to have purpose after retirement.
Or, like Palm Springs Honoree Lynn Hammond, you can turn your vocation into one that helps non-profits. She donates her catering services to charities so that they have more revenue for services. (Can you say “cheese puff”??) And in between, she volunteers at many LGBTQ+ organizations. She’s a true ally, and a good friend. Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein presented her award.
I always make it a point to thank volunteers when attending the many events and activities at which they serve. Whether young or old, volunteers usually have a “why” to go along with their presence. Ask them, and they may tell you a “tenderful” story.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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White Party Palm Springs
White Party Global presents White Party Palm Springs this Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, March 29, 30, & 31 and the celebration goes on, rain or shine! When have we ever let a little rain stop us from a party? To paraphrase Gaga and Ari, “We’d rather be dry, but at least we’re alive!” Headliner Ava Max will be on stage at Sunday’s T-Dance at the Convention Center, plus there are parties at host hotel The Saguaro and Margaritaville Resort with hot bodies modeling swimwear from THK Male and lots of Beatbox beverages to keep you refreshed. KGAY will be broadcasting live from the Sunday afternoon festivities, and we can’t dish the dirt here, but there will be surprises at the T-Dance! See our event listing for the times/locations all White Party events: Get tickets
Trans Pride 2024 – Empower and Employ
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center presents Trans Pride 2024 “Empower and Employ” on Saturday, March 30 from 11 am–4 pm, at the Palm Springs Pavilion (moved indoors due to weather conditions, it was previously scheduled for Frances Stevens Park). Come and connect with like-minded individuals, discover resources, and learn from inspiring speakers. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities or simply want to show your support, this in-person event is the perfect place to be. Come together, celebrate diversity, and create a more inclusive future for your community [More info]. Sunday, March 31 is the International Trans Day of Visibility and HRC.org has a page with more information and resources [here].
Melissa Etheridge – I’m Not Broken Tour
Grammy Award-winning rockstar and activist Melissa Etheridge will bring her I’m Not Broken Tour to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, March 30 at 8 pm. Need we say more? Melissa Etheridge is not only a rock music icon, but an LGBTQ trailblazer. Don’t miss this chance to see her perform live. Get tickets
Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
Humanitarians of all stripes are in for an electrifying evening at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday, March 30 as DAP Health presents the 30th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (AKA The Chase). DAP is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a performance from internationally heralded solid gold hitmaker Barry Manilow. The evening pays tribute to DAP Health’s long legacy of protecting and expanding health care access for the most vulnerable, and recognizes nine honorees who represent every community member who has helped fulfill DAP Health’s mission. See our event listing for honorees and more details: More info
Transgender Day of Visibility
Transgender day of Visibility comes to the Eastern Coachella Valley on Saturday, March 30 from 12–4 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert in Coachella. This year, it is brought to you by the newly formed Transgender Resource, Advocacy and Network Service in partnership with original host organization, Trans Community Project. More info
Cheeky Charity’s Sassy Soiree
Cheeky Charity’s Sassy Soiree will take place in a private home on Friday, March 29 from 6–8 pm, capping off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Enjoy an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres (catered by the culinary wizard Andy Church), entertainment (including a live body painting exhibit, drag shows) as well as a butt-centric silent auction with art by Aaron Jay Young, Tysen Knight, and more. The evening will be hosted by Alexander Rodriguez and funds raised will go towards colorectal and anal cancer research, awareness & helping people who are at high-risk but without insurance to obtain free or subsidized screenings. Get tickets
KGAY & The Coachella Valley Firebirds
Congratulations to the Coachella Valley Firebirds for clinching their spot in the American Hockey League playoffs, we are looking forward to KGAY Night at the Firebirds on Wednesday, April 10 at 7 pm! Pre-game events start at 5:30 pm on the plaza with music from KGAY’s DJ Galaxy; enjoy $5 beers, cheer on the Firebirds against the Ontario Reign and watch KGAY’s John Taylor and your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr ride the Zamboni machine! Get your discounted tickets today with our exclusive KGAY Night offer: Get tickets
Glow in the Park at The Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens presents Glow in the Park on select nights through April 28. Step into a magical world of lights with more than a hundred Chinese lanterns hand crafted by artisans. Glow in the Park showcases the wonders of wildlife from across the globe and throughout time, featuring larger-than-life displays inspired by the beauty of nature, dozens of interactive installations, fantastic photo ops, and, of course, the fan-favorite “magic” smoke bubbles. Also: don’t miss the opportunity to light up your taste buds with specialty Asian-inspired dishes, American-style family favorites, and wonderfully wild themed cocktails. Note: Adults-Only night is Thursday, April 11. Get tickets
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- Mean Girls the Musical – Friday–Sunday, March 29–31
- Lang Lang | Wed. Apr 3
- Kathy Griffin – My Life on the PTSD-List | Thu. Apr 4
- Clint Holmes – Between the Moon and New York City | Fri. Apr 5
- The Four Phantoms | Sat. Apr 6
- Andrew Evans – Travel: A Bridge to Enlightenment | Sun. Apr 7
- See the full schedule for April at the McCallum on our event listing
Karen Mason at The Purple Room
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Karen Mason: Kander & Ebb And All That Jazz on Friday and Saturday, March 29 & 30 (dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm). As one of the original stars of the off-Broadway production of And The World Goes ‘Round, Mason has a personal connection to these legends and their music. A night of unforgettable stories, laughter, and music, Including “Ring Them Bells,” “My Coloring Book,” and “Go Back Home.” This new show highlights Mason’s vocal prowess, charisma, and overall versatility. Her storytelling is as stellar as her vocals. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, March 29
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–2 pm at Rancho Mirage Community Park
Broadway and Beyond: Kevin Chamberlin in Conversation with Corey Roskin | 6 pm at Mizell Center (5:30 reception)
Maggie Magalita touring production | 6 pm at Coachella Library
Country Dance Fridays | 7–9:30 pm at Dance Ranch
The Secret Garden Immersive Musical Production | 7 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum (Plus: March 30, 31)
Saturday, March 30
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at The Palm Springs Cultural Center
Maggie Magalita touring production | 1 pm & 6 pm at Coachella Library
Sunday, March 31
Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at Hwy 111 and El Paseo
Screwball Sundays: Harvey | 3 pm at The Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Woman in the Mirror
Revolution Stage Company presents the California premiere of The Woman in the Mirror, a dark comedy about navigating Alzheimer’s with love, laughter, and wine, playing Tuesdays through Sundays, March 10–31. The play is adapted from Dayna Steele’s best-selling book Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine. Steele takes audiences on an inspirational journey filled with laughter, wit, and the resilience required when facing extraordinary and unexpected circumstances. Get tickets
Parts of Pippi: A Bawdy Benefit
Join Pippi Lovestocking for her triumphant return to the stage on Saturday, March 30 (reception at 6 pm, show at 7 pm) at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Hosted by Peaches Christ with special guests, including a comedy set by Pippi, this event is a fundraiser for the upcoming documentary film, Parts of Pippi, about the life of Pippi Lovestocking. This event Includes a rare screening of Filthy Gorgeous: The Trannyshack Story, whose directors, Sean Mullens and Deena Davenport, will also be in attendance. Get tickets.
