Give till it Hurts” was most famously attributed to Mother Teresa. But she was talking about giving love not treasures.
As we enter this “season of giving” which started with Thanks-Giving, I think of contributing to those causes and people who do the most for the greater good.
If you have not been in the #ILoveGayPalmSprings community for long, the names “Dotty and Maude” may not ring a bell. Their generosity to the community is so great that they have a wing named after them at the former Desert AIDS Project.
For 30 years, Douglas Woodmansee and Marshall Pearcy organized events that raised approximately $2 million for Desert AIDS Project. Their drag persona, Les Dames du Soleil, is legendary. It came at a time when funding was crucial and money for HIV care was scarce, helping people living with HIV access much-needed health care and services.
Their portrait hangs in the front office of the K-Gay Desert Guide studios and offices. That’s because they welcomed me to Palm Springs as I was starting my media company. The pair have been in the public eye, appearing most recently in the Palm Springs Pride parade as Palm Springs Pride Royalty for Life. Their attention to detail on their outfits raised the bar for our drag community.
They are not the type to ask for help. But Douglas’ stage 4 cancer treatment has put them in a place where now we can give back to them. Their good friends, Chuck Collins and Randy George, have opened a GoFundMe that I’m sharing today.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that next Tuesday is #GivingTuesday, a national counterbalance to Black Friday and Cyber Monday focus on consumerism. It started as a simple idea in 1992 to create a dedicated day that encouraged people to do good and focus on generosity, whether through financial donations, volunteering, or acts of kindness. You can do all three this Tuesday in your own special way.
When a GoFundMe campaign shows up in your feed, take time to consider the philanthropic impact of your donation. I can’t think of a better give-back than to “Dottie & Maude” who selflessly turned their love of drag into a movement.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Art in the Park in the Dark
Now in its third year, Art in the Park in the Dark returns to Demuth Park on Saturday, November 29 from 5–9 pm with a free, glow-forward celebration of creativity. Founded by comedian Shann Carr, this inclusive event transforms the park into a radiant playground of lasers, light installations, music, and hands-on art experiences. Families, friends, and curious creatives are invited to explore the magic of nighttime art in a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. More info
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights shines at the Empire Polo Club through December 31, transforming the grounds into a dazzling drive-through wonderland. This beloved holiday tradition features millions of lights, festive displays, and an enchanting Holiday Village powered by IID—all set beneath the starry skies of the Coachella Valley. Perfect for families, date nights, and seasonal selfies, it’s a celebration that shines brighter every year. Get tickets – Plus, don’t miss your chance to win tickets—contests are now running on the KGAY and MeTV FM contest pages.
Wildlights at The Living Desert
WildLights returns to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on select nights from 6–9 pm through December 30. This dazzling holiday tradition features more than three million lights, immersive displays like the Tunnel of Lights, and a glowing African Safari walk. Guests can enjoy festive treats, s’mores, and a full bar while exploring the zoo after dark. With limited capacity each night, advanced reservations are recommended for this magical desert experience. Get tickets
Palm Springs Visitor Center Holiday Lights
Celebrate the season in true Palm Springs style at the Holiday Lighting Event on Friday, November 28 from 4:30–5 pm at the Palm Springs Visitors Center. For the first time, the iconic mid-century roofline designed by Albert Frey will glow with vibrant Tru-Tone holiday bulbs, illuminating this architectural landmark in dazzling color. Ambassador of Americana Charles Phoenix will lead the joyful countdown and “plug-in” ceremony, making this free community gathering a festive kickoff to the holidays. More info
Shop Small Saturday
Small Business Saturday returns on Saturday, November 29, inviting everyone in Greater Palm Springs and beyond to support local businesses that make our communities thrive. Discover and shop LGBTQ+ friendly businesses through the Gay Desert Guide Directory, explore offers and deals at Palm Springs Holidays, and join Main Street Palm Springs in celebrating “Mom & Pops” stores who put their heart and soul in to keeping Palm Springs unique. Whether you’re strolling downtown or shopping from home, make it a point to choose small businesses throughout the valley—or wherever you are—and help keep our neighborhoods strong.
World AIDS Day events
Join the Mizell Center for a powerful three-day tribute in honor of World AIDS Day, running Saturday–Monday, November 29–December 1. Events include the AIDS Quilt Display, receptions, and the 4th Annual Timothy Ray Brown Community Cure Symposium featuring research panels and art-driven storytelling (see below). This gathering offers reflection, education, and community connection in support of a cure. More info
Timothy Ray Brown Community Cure Symposium
Experience a transformative day of education, art, and community at the Timothy Ray Brown Community Cure Symposium & 2025 Video by Visual AIDS on Sunday, November 30 from 10 am–2 pm at the Mizell Center. This free, four-part gathering offers expert-led discussions on HIV cure research, a welcoming community reception, and the premiere of Meet Us Where We’re At — six powerful short films that illuminate harm reduction and the lived experiences of drug users. Celebrate creativity, advocacy, and the ongoing pursuit of healing and justice. RSVP today
MON: Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Groundbreaking
On Monday, December 1 at 11 am at Palm Springs Downtown Park join the ceremonial groundbreaking of Well of Love, a new AIDS Memorial honoring lives lost and love shared. Held on World AIDS Day, this event marks the beginning of a space for remembrance, reflection, and healing. Attendees will view the Memorial scale model, meet the Task Force behind the project, and hear from artist Phillip K Smith III. Located at Museum Way and Belardo Road, the Memorial will feature a shaded seating area, an 11-foot sculpture, and interactive signage linking to stories, resources, and education. More info
Coachella Valley Holiday Singalong
Raise your voice and your holiday spirit at the Coachella Valley Holiday Singalong on Saturday, November 29 from 2–4 pm at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert. Inspired by the beloved Disney Concert Hall tradition, this festive afternoon invites families to sing along to seasonal favorites like “Feliz Navidad,” “Rudolph,” and “White Christmas,” accompanied by the majestic Great Quimby Organ. Hosted by beloved actress Joyce Bulifant of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the event also features hot chocolate, cider, and ornament-making fun after the concert. Get tickets
KGAY Sweeps Best of Coachella Valley Readers’ Poll
KGAY 106.5/92.1 extends heartfelt thanks to the readers of the Coachella Valley Independent for their support in the annual “Best of Coachella Valley” poll! We are honored to be named Best Radio Station, a reflection of the trust and enthusiasm our listeners place in us. We are equally proud of our hosts whose community connection was recognized: John Taylor (1st Place, Best Local Radio Personality) and Modgirl (1st Place, Best Local DJ). We also celebrate Patrick Evans (2nd Place, Best Local Radio Personality), Chris Shebel (3rd Place, Best Local Radio Personality), 103.1 MeTV FM (3rd Place, Best Radio Station), DJ Galaxy (2nd Place, Best Local DJ), and DJ Eric Ornelas (3rd Place, Best Local DJ). Your continued support inspires us to serve the valley every day! See the complete list of Best of Coachella Valley Winners
Bid Now on the 2025 Wreath Auction
The 2025 Wreath Auction is live online now, giving you the chance to view and bid on silent auction items ahead of the big event. You can also preview the exciting lineup for the live auction taking place on Wednesday, December 3 at 5:30 pm at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge (including one custom wreath featuring ten hunks from Hallmark Channel’s “Finding Mr. Christmas,” created by TV Host Jonathan Bennett and KGAY Morning Show host John Taylor, with technical help from My Little Flower Shop). This festive fundraiser supports The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, bringing holiday cheer and community spirit together to benefit programs that uplift lives and protect animals across the valley. Bid today
Shucked
The McCallum Theatre presents Shucked, the Tony Award–winning musical comedy running through Sunday, November 30. With a book by Robert Horn, music by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and direction by Jack O’Brien, this laugh-out-loud production delivers heartland humor and Broadway brilliance. Called “flat out hilarious” by The Wall Street Journal, Shucked offers a fresh twist on musical theater that’s as clever as it is catchy. Get tickets
Annie
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Annie, opening Friday, November 28 and running through Sunday, December 21. This heartwarming musical follows the spirited orphan Annie and her dog Sandy as they search for family and hope. With beloved songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” the production offers a joyful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages this holiday season. Get tickets
Head over Heels
Desert TheatreWorks presents a musical journey through the kingdom of Arcadia with Head Over Heels, running through November 30. Fueled by the infectious hits of The Go-Go’s, this joyful production blends royal drama, mistaken identities, and heartfelt discovery into a celebration of love, freedom, and self-expression. Get tickets
Matteo Bocelli
International recording artist Matteo Bocelli brings his Falling in Love World Tour to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, November 29 from 8–10 pm. Known for blending timeless elegance with modern romanticism, Matteo’s one-night-only performance promises heartfelt lyrics, soaring vocals, and a sound shaped by generations of musical tradition. Get tickets
Desert Art Festival at The River
The Desert Art Festival comes to The River at Rancho Mirage this Friday–Sunday, November 28–30 with a vibrant showcase of fine art from hundreds of West Coast artists, daily from 10 am–4 pm. Visitors can explore original works in acrylic, oils, mixed media, photography, and more—spanning styles from contemporary to southwest. This open-air event offers an opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind pieces for personal or professional collections. More info
Fall of Freedom – Anne Bedrick
On Friday, November 28, Anne Bedrick Fine Art in Cathedral City joins the nationwide Fall of Freedom movement with a powerful solo exhibition by Anne Bedrick, open from 11 am–7 pm. Featuring four new large-scale abstracted figurative paintings, Bedrick’s work explores the emotional terrain of womanhood in a time of rising authoritarianism. More info
What A Feeling – Movie Hits of the ’80s
Get ready to flash back in style—on Saturday, November 29 at 6 pm, the Palm Springs Cultural Center presents What A Feeling, a high-energy tribute to the Oscar-winning movie hits of the 1980s. Hosted by Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford, this live fundraiser features standout local performers, retro cocktails, and a photo booth to capture your best ’80s glam. From Flashdance to Footloose, it’s a night of sequins, neon, and nonstop nostalgia. Get tickets
