Talk about British royalty! I had the pleasure of spending some time with UK journalists who are visiting Palm Springs on a “Fam” trip. Visit Palm Springs regularly hosts media in all its forms in order to generate positive press as we maintain our world-famous brand.
After drinks at the Trixie Motel, the group dined at Mr. Lyons. The conversation turned to the USA’s perception in the world and the times we are living in. Our group included Lewis Corner, Editorial Director for Gay Times, the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ publication. In his Editor’s Letter for the May issue, Corner writes about the power of positive representation and what it looks like in the world.
He writes, “The most simple answer, from our perspective, is continually representing LGBTQ+ people as the successful, happy, powerful, and brilliant community we are. If we let the current mainstream news cycle define it for us, it would be a miserable state of affairs and wildly far from the reality of who we truly are. Trans+ people aren’t dangerous, they are everyday human beings who contribute so much good to society. Drag performers aren’t dangerous, they are some of the most creative and versatile performers in the entertainment industry who inspire a wide demographic of people. LGBTQ+ educators aren’t dangerous, they are nurturing the next generation to be more empathetic and embrace the differences of those around them.”
We put on a happy face each week with the content you read here, and (for the most part what you hear on KGAY 106.5. But we know what’s under the surface is an affront to our safety, wellbeing and our rights as human beings.
Corner concludes with this: “The power of positive representation isn’t the entire answer to all of the issues we face in the world as queer people. But it goes a long way to creating greater empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the many different experiences that exist in our communities.”
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival
The 21st Annual Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival is happening this Thursday– Sunday, May 18–21, at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground. Joshua Tree Music Festival is described as: Supreme and diverse live music experiences to feed the body, mind and soul. Deep dive workshops to uplift and inspire. Random acts of mindfulness inviting you to interact and connect. Spontaneous eruptions of gratitude. A friendly familial spirit. A community of music lovers. Check out our event listing for links to the lineup, plus more information about the Healing Oasis, Om Zone, Sanctuary, Visual Arts, Vendors and Queer Salon elements of the festival: Get tickets
The Last Five Years – A Modern Musical
Desert Theatreworks presents The Last Five Years, A Modern Musical, through Sunday, May 21. Told through inventive, funny and powerful songs, The Last Five Years is a two-character musical that navigates the ins and outs – and ups and downs – of a marriage. Written by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade), this Drama Desk Award winner is the beautiful story of a couple’s five year relationship. Get tickets
House Party PS: White Lotus Hawaii
The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation, Sir Robert Morrison & Will Cook present House Party PS: White Lotus Hawaii on Saturday, May 20 from 5–8 pm. Get ready for a tropical adventure where you can enjoy special entertainment in the lounge, shopping opportunities in the gift shop (silent auction) or sample tropical appetizers in the garden cafe. Special entertainment will be provided by Billboard top recording artist Debby Holiday who you may have seen headline the mainstage for Palm Springs Pride with her Tina Turner revue, and TV/Film star Garrett Clayton (Disney’s Hairspray Live on NBC and the film King Cobra opposite James Franco). You can also groove to the sounds of DJ ModGirl and Palm Springs’ favorite drag persona, Bella Da Ball will also be on hand to help emcee the program. Will there be a murder mystery to be solved? You’ll have to come to find out. Tropical attire recommended. Benefits the Transgender Health and Wellness Center. Get tickets
Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase
The Palm Springs Dance Project, in collaboration with the Palm Springs Cultural Center, presents the 2023 Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase on Saturday, May 20 from 5–6:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Enjoy an evening of live dance with a diverse range of groups and dance styles, featuring the incredible Cat Lyn Day as Marilyn Monroe, absorbing and emotion filled dance from a variety of cultures and styles including Hawaiian, Irish, Folklorico, Salsa, Contemporary Ballet, Modern, Belly Dancing, Hip-hop, Musical Theater, Persian and more live dance. To heighten the fun element, immersive and interactive elements and fun film clips will be interspersed throughout. Get tickets
Palm Springs Comedy Mashup
Maggie Hyde presents Palm Springs Comedy Mashup on Saturday, May 20 at 9 pm at the Hilton Palm Springs Lounge. Enjoy an evening of live stand up comedy featuring local & national touring comedians, including Amanda Michelle, Kim Clevenger, Alan Masa, Reid Brackenbury, Carrie Ormond, Jennifer Gable, Lizzy Weisman with headliner Mina Hartong. Get tickets
Coachella Valley Firebirds Round 3 in the Playoffs
Success continues in the inaugural season for our local ice hockey expansion team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds! This season, they began play in the 2022-23 American Hockey League with the brand-new Acrisure Arena as their home ice, as an owned-and-operated affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. Impressively, they made it to the playoffs and have advanced to a tied up Round 3 against the Calgary Wranglers! The deciding Game 5 will be played on home ice at Acrisure Arena on Friday May 19 at 7 pm. Get tickets
Palm Springs Jump!, Scot Bruce at The Purple Room
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Palm Springs Jump! on Saturday, May 20. This musical revue pays tribute to the legendary stars who called Palm Springs home or performed in Palm Springs –from Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby to Lucille Ball, Keely Smith, Elvis Presley, Sonny Bono and many more. Palm Springs JUMP! is an evening of high-energy entertainment and a hats-off salute to the Hollywood glamour of classic Palm Springs. Dinner is at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. On Sunday, May 21, Musician/actor Scot Bruce celebrates what made Elvis not only the King of Rock & Roll… but the King of Cool! See the magic that made a generation swoon in the 1950’s and 60’s, before the white jumpsuit, sunglasses, and the glitter of Vegas. Dinner at 5 pm, show at 7 pm. Get tickets
Legends Cocktail Party at Trixie Motel
Celebrate the finale of the Legends of Drag tour on Saturday, May 20 from 5–9 pm with a cocktail party at Trixie Motel. Mix, mingle, meet and greet with Mutha Chucka, Dina Jacobs, Lawanda Jackson, DuWanna Moore, Vancie Vega, Shawnna Brooks, and Nicole Paige Brooks. Get your copy of the book signed, and dress up in your best pink for a floral photo booth session! Legends of Drag: Queens of a Certain Age is a new photography book & archive of living drag history, profiling 81 queens In 16 cities. Free event, RSVP requested More info
Long Beach Proud! Fest
The LB Proud! Fest makes its debut this weekend, May 19–21 with a trio of free, family-friendly events happening at various locations in the city. Long Beach Pride was traditionally held in May, and after taking place in July last year, it was moved again in 2023 to Aug. 5–6. To help fill that gap, this new event was created. With a night market on Friday, and a Big Gay Beach Takeover on Sunday, the main event is the Saturday festival at Bixby park and surrounding streets, with three stages of live music, beer and food vendors, bike parade, and more. More info
