Gay Desert Guide Weekend: May 16-18, 2025

Shann Carr made me cry this morning. And it wasn’t because she was promoting burials for Kasey at Wiefels Mortuary either.

When KGAY started in 2019, Shann and John Taylor were the morning team we selected to get the station off the ground. For the first year, she and John made us laugh, think and entertain us on the radio.

So when we asked her to endorse our #SupportYourStation drive which started this morning, she gave it her all and recorded heartfelt appeals for your contributions. You’ll hear them this week when you tune in.

That’s right, KGAY is in a bit of a pickle. Our streaming costs combined with a reduction in advertising revenue due to the current political climate is spelling trouble. While we not in immediate danger of going away, it’s time for us to go the way of public radio, the CV Independent and The Palm Springs Post — we need your support.

We are potentially under scrutiny with the FCC too. The big broadcast networks have had to defend edits to their programs a la 60 Minutes, threats to having their licenses revoked for reporting on ICE activity in San Francisco, and a removal of funding for NPR and PBS. It has a chilling effect on the rest of us.

So for the next seven days, we’re going to politely ask for you to Support Your Station – KGAY! If those of you who stream KGAY worldwide can help out with a one-time or monthly contribution, it will go a long way to make sure we stay proud and strong on your radio. We’re not looking for big dollar donations, and in fact your dollars are not tax-deductible. Think of it like a subscription to Hulu – or an OF page. Except we can’t swear or show skin. Tune in to KGAYPalmSprings.com on on the air and help #SupportYourStation today.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis #SupportYourStation

Joshua Tree Music Festival

Experience the 23rd Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival through Sunday, May 18, at Joshua Tree Lake Campground. This four-day, family-friendly event features an eclectic lineup of music across three stages, yoga, workshops, immersive art, and silent disco into the early hours. Explore the Healing Oasis, and vibrant visual art against the stunning desert backdrop. KGAY is a proud sponsor of the Queer Salon, a safe space for QTBIPOCC and LGBTQIAA+ fabulousness and uplift, and we’ll be there on Saturday from 10 am–4 pm, stop by and say hi! Visitors can camp under the stars or enjoy nearby lodging for this celebration of community and creativity. Get tickets

Teenage Wasteland: Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen

Actor and storyteller David Dean Bottrell brings his acclaimed solo show Teenage Wasteland: Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen to Revolution Stage Company on Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 pm. Fresh off a successful New York run, Bottrell (Modern Family, Frasier) delivers five hilariously raw and heartfelt tales from his early adolescence, packed with awkward moments and unforgettable life lessons. Having earned awards for his exceptional storytelling, he now returns to Palm Springs for an evening of laughter and nostalgia. Get tickets

HUMP! Film Festival

Celebrate 20 years of bold creativity and sexual expression at the 2025 HUMP! Film Festival, coming to Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, May 17 at 6:30 and 9:30 pm. This acclaimed festival showcases homemade, five-minute-or-less erotic films, highlighting authentic, diverse, and playful storytelling often overlooked by mainstream media. From hilariously risqué to delightfully kinky, HUMP! continues to spark conversations about sexuality, art, and freedom of expression. Get tickets

Inaugural Pride Equality Walk Announced

The first-ever Pride Equality Walk will hosted by Palm Springs Pride on Saturday, October 25, 2025. This powerful event will unite advocates, allies, and community members in a stand for LGBTQ+ visibility, rights, and equality. Presented by Silvercrest, the walk highlights Palm Springs’ legacy of inclusion while amplifying voices for justice and social change. If you’re interested in joining the Pride Equality Walk and staying updated, you can sign up for more information at pspride.org/walk.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Experience the legendary Jesus Christ Superstar at the McCallum Theatre, Friday–Sunday, May 16–18, with showtimes on Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm & 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. This iconic musical, told entirely through song, offers a compelling take on universally known events through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, exploring the personal struggles and relationships of Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, and others. Featuring the timeless rock score with hits like “Superstar” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” this production has captivated audiences for decades. Get tic k ets

The Inheritance Part I

Experience the powerful storytelling of The Inheritance, presented by THE BENT at the Palm Springs Cultural Center from May 9–26. This award-winning play by Matthew Lopez delves into the lives of three generations of gay men navigating love, loss, and identity in a changing America. Directed by Steve Rosenbaum and inspired by E.M. Forster’s Howards End, the performance promises an evening of drama and reflection. Get tickets

Forever Plaid

Step into a musical time warp with Forever Plaid at Palm Canyon Theatre, running May 9–18. This charming, nostalgia-filled production follows the Plaids as they return from the afterlife for one last shot at musical glory, blending witty banter and flawless harmonies with beloved hits from the 1950s. Don’t miss this delightful journey into classic doo-wop and heartfelt storytelling. Get tickets

IDAHOBIT and World Pride

Saturday, May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), dedicated to raising awareness and fostering solidarity. This year’s theme, “The Power of Communities,” celebrates the strength, diversity, and resilience of LGBTQIA+ people and allies worldwide. Commemorating the 1990 World Health Organization decision to declassify homosexuality as a disease, IDAHOBIT continues to spotlight the fight against discrimination and the push for collective liberation. More info

WorldPride 2025 in Washington, DC marks the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital, bringing together a global community for a vibrant showcase of culture, history, and activism. Spanning from May 17 to June 8, the event will feature music, film, and artistic exhibitions, set against iconic backdrops like the National Mall and Embassy Row. More info

Long Beach Pride

Celebrate love and inclusivity at the 42nd annual Long Beach Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 17–18. This year’s theme, “The Power of Community,” highlights the strength, diversity, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ family. Enjoy incredible live music, immersive art installations, cultural showcases, interactive activities, family-friendly zones, and the iconic Pride Parade on Sunday, free for all to attend. (Festival tickets start at $35). More info

Lez Party! End of Spring Bash

Join the fun at Lez Party! End of Spring Bash on Sunday, May 18 from 3–7 pm at Low Desert Modern Mexican Restaurant. Celebrate the season with an exciting afternoon of entertainment, featuring live music by the powerhouse Pulp Vixen Duo, whose dynamic vocals and nonstop hits will keep the energy high. Sip on refreshing drink specials, hit the dance floor, and try your luck with exciting giveaways—all while supporting a meaningful cause, as net proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House. More info

Tag Team Weekend

Tag Team by BearUnion returns May 16–18 for a weekend of pool parties, music, and community at CCBC Resort. Enjoy the Bear Naked Pool Party with DJs Ted E. Roxspin and Marcos Moreno, plus all-day filming locations, bar service, and special events like the Bottoms Up Swimsuit Party and BearUnion/CumUnion. Whether you’re relaxing poolside or joining the festivities, it’s a weekend of fun and connection. Get tickets

Desert Wildlife Center Grand Opening

Celebrate the Grand Opening of the Desert Wildlife Center on Saturday, May 17 from 9–11 am in Indio. Operated by Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies, the center will provide rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation for sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds, with plans to expand to reptiles and mammals. Tour the facility before it officially opens and learn how you can support wildlife conservation in the Coachella Valley. RSVP today: Learn m ore

CommUNITY in Recovery Spring Gala

Celebrate resilience and unity at the CommUNITY in Recovery Spring Gala on Sunday, May 18 from 5–10 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Hosted by Sunny Dunes Inc., this major fundraiser supports the LGBTQ+ recovery community, fostering connection and healing through fellowship and 12-step meetings. Held in a welcoming and inspiring setting, this gala highlights the vital role of recovery spaces while raising awareness for those seeking support. Get tickets

Jason Mraz

Experience Jason Mraz live at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday, May 16 at 8 pm. Known for his soulful sound and empowering lyrics, Mraz’s recent journey of self-discovery, including his bisexuality, adds new depth to his artistry. Performing hits and pop-infused tracks from his latest album Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, he invites listeners to join his inspiring exploration of love, identity, and life’s infinite possibilities. Get tickets

Chicago at the Palm Springs Art Museum

Step into the glitz and glamour of Chicago at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Friday, May 16 at 7 pm. Presented by David Green’s Musical Theatre University, this immersive production transforms the museum’s gallery into a roaring 1920s speakeasy, bringing Broadway’s longest-running musical to life. Get tickets

Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens

Enjoy cinematic magic under the stars at Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens, wrapping up Friday, May 16 with The Goonies. Gates open at 6 pm, with movie starting at 7:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics for a cozy movie night. More info