Gay Desert Guide Weekend: May 9-11, 2025

A Bridge Over Troubled Waters. That’s the way to describe Thursday’s Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast held annually to celebrate the life of the first openly gay elected official in California. His assassination in 1978 sparked a movement that lives on to this day.

Palm Springs Pride President Ron deHarte organizes the event and spoke passionately about the need for the oppressed to stand together: “They seek to exploit moments of crisis, sow division and fear, and hope you will retreat into the shadows and keep quiet. They hope we will succumb to their intimidation tactics and shut up. They underestimate our resilience and unwavering commitment to justice. Be guided by Harvey Milk’s timeless lesson: rights are won only by those who make their voices heard.” (Read his entire speech here.)

The event brings Milk’s story to young people in our schools who are a part of the valley’s Safe Schools program. In addition to the history lessons, students gather to hear peer stories of other LGBTQ+ teens who are changemakers in their own right.

As KESQ’s Peter Daut shared, “I’ve learned something this morning which I would like to share with you all. The various names and acronyms for school-based LGBTQ+ support groups now reflect the evolving understanding of gender and sexuality, as well as a desire to be more inclusive and representative of diverse student identities. So now a school could have a (GLOW) Gay, Lesbian or Whatever club, a (GSA) Genders and Sexualities Alliance, a (QSA):Queer-Straight Alliance, a (SAGA): Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club , a (QIA): Queer Intersectional Alliance, or a Rainbow, or Pride Club. Very Cool!”

What’s cool is the support of the entire Coachella Valley – from government leaders to the dozens of businesses who support the event by purchasing tables so that students can attend, along with the sponsors. I’ve served eight years on the steering committee, and this event never fails to bring me to tears.

Exposure to role models like Harvey Milk, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Holly Near and their contemporaries have brought us out of the closet and into the world in a way that won’t be reversed. The genie is out of the bottle. While we face unfathomable challenges ahead, we remember that progress has been made — but only because of those who show up and stand up.

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

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Desert X – Closing Weekend

Desert X 2025 installation view of Kimsooja, To Breathe – Coachella Valley | photo by Lance Gerber, courtesy Desert X

This is the closing weekend of the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley. This thought-provoking outdoor art exhibition features installations across several valley cities. Check out descriptions of all the pieces and photos from the installations [here]. The Desert X 2025 Hub is hosted at the Thompson Palm Springs on Friday from 2–5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–5 pm. On Saturday, May 10, the Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum hosts a conversation with artist/architect Ronald Rael at 11 am, screenings of G.H.O.S.T. Ride by Cannupa Hanska Luger at 12 pm, and Desert X Art Club Student Films at 12:30 pm. Plus, Melissa Morgan Fine Art is hosting a Desert X Art Club Student Exhibition from 10 am–5 pm on Friday and Saturday, 12–5 pm Sunday, (student exhibit continues thru May 21). More on Desert X 2025

Mother’s Day Weekend Events

Make this Mother’s Day weekend extra special with fabulous events across Palm Springs! On Saturday, May 10, one eleven bar presents Judy Garland’s Mother’s Day Special with Vanity Halston—a dazzling tribute to an icon. On Sunday, May 11, enjoy Bubbles and Bites at Shag House, a poolside brunch celebrating moms and loved ones. Treat Mom to brunch or dinner at Lulu California Bistro or Agua Caliente Casinos. Plus, from May 9–11, the Purple Room hosts The Marvelous Marilyn Maye and The Judy Show! More info

Pink Saturday 3

Get ready for a fabulous evening under the Palm Springs stars! The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation invites you to Pink Saturday 3 on Saturday, May 10, from 5–8 pm. Join the party at a private home for a special “House Party PS” benefiting the vital work of PS Test and Let’s Kick ASS (AIDS Survivor Syndrome). Entertainment features the sensational Billie L’Amour, TV and film star Garrett Clayton, the award-winning cabaret star Leanne Borghesi, the dazzling Bella Da Ball as your emcee, and the always-colorful Desert Flaggers. Indulge in premium cocktails, fine wines, and delicious appetizers, all while supporting a fantastic cause. Get tickets

Mr. Palm Springs Leather Send-Off Party

Come out and support Rene Hebert, Mr. Palm Springs Leather, at his official send-off party as he embarks on his journey to IML 2025! Hosted by the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert, this exciting event will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 8 pm at The Tool Shed. Don’t miss this chance to show your support and wish Rene the best of luck! More info

Big Paws & Big Hearts Adoption Event

Give a large dog a loving home at the Big Paws & Big Hearts Adoption Event on Saturday, May 10 from 10 am–2 pm at Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce in Indio. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter is in crisis, and these incredible dogs need homes now. Adoption fees for large dogs are waived, with every adoption including a year of free vaccinations and six months of free food thanks to Lucy Pet Food. Even if you can’t adopt, help by spreading the word. More info

Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride

The 3rd Annual Riverside Inland Empire Pride Festival takes place on Saturday, May 10 from 12–9 pm at White Park. The theme for this year’s festival is “Together We Are Unlimited.” Attendees can expect over 120 vendors, music, DJs, drag performances, food, a beer garden, art, a youth zone, and workshops. Free tickets are available with online RSVP: Get tickets

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical comes to the McCallum Theatre from Friday, May 9–Sunday, May 11, with multiple performances scheduled. This electrifying production celebrates the inspiring journey of Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, who broke barriers to become one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. Featuring her iconic hits and written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, this musical showcases Tina’s unmatched talent and determination that captivated millions. Get tickets

THEATRE

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

Pride at the LA County Fair

Celebrate Pride at the LA County Fair on Saturday, May 10 from 11 am–6 pm with a day of food, rides, and LGBTQ+ visibility! Wear your favorite Pride colors and enjoy the festivities alongside the general public, then keep the energy going at a special Pride Dance Party from 6–9 pm, featuring go-go dancers and music from DJs Ray Rhodes and DJ SRO, hosts Samantha Starr and DIVOS, and performers Amanda Love, Ashlynn Roxx, and Jenna Diamond. More info

Diana Krall

Experience the unparalleled artistry of Diana Krall live at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, May 10, at 8 pm. With two GRAMMY® Awards, ten Juno® Awards, and a record-breaking eight albums debuting at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, Krall’s performances are nothing short of legendary. Known for her mesmerizing blend of jazz and sophistication, she captivates audiences with her cool, sultry voice and extraordinary musicality. Get tickets

“Mama’s Boy”

“Mama’s Boy,” starring Gregg Glaviano, takes the stage at Revolution Stage Company on May 9 and 10 at 7 pm. This heartfelt cabaret explores Glaviano’s journey of growing up with a parent battling chronic depression, revealing how music and performance became his lifeline. Joined by Modern Men’s Paul Cady, Richard Elander, and Jim Gnaster, he delivers a powerful mix of Broadway anthems, Rat Pack classics, and ABBA favorites. Get tickets

Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival

The Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival returns to Palm Springs Cultural Center this weekend, May 8–11, bringing a stellar lineup of classic and rare noir films to the big screen. This year’s program features beloved stars like Errol Flynn, Barbara Stanwyck, and Marlon Brando, alongside hard-to-find cinematic gems. Special guests, including Rory Flynn, Eddie Muller, and Guillermo del Toro, add to the festival’s allure, making it a must-attend event for cinephiles. Get tickets