Hockey season gets underway Friday night, Oct 13 at Acrisure Arena. But the sport is embroiled in controversy over a new NHL policy banning “Pride Tape” and reversing years of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The Firebirds, the junior team of the Seattle Kraken, have amassed a broad base of support in the Coachella Valley. In just one season, the team created loyal fans, and delivered with a winning season. Now, our part of that fan base is seemingly being discriminated against. But it’s not a local decision.
The backstory is well documented in this Outsports news piece. NPR reports, “Rainbow-colored Pride Tape has been part of pro ice hockey for seven years, symbolizing the sport’s pledge to be welcoming and inclusive. But the NHL has banned the athletic tape, quickly sparking a backlash.”
Bob Tranchida, one of the founders of the Coachella Valley Pride Hockey Association, said in an email that “We have expressed our concern and disappointment to the Seattle Kraken management. In fact, Paul and I will be meeting with the co-owner and CEO of the Seattle Kraken (Tod Leiweke) at the Firebirds season opener to discuss this issue and assess the Kraken’s stance on support for our organization and our community.”
Let’s hope cooler heads will prevail and that the NHL will reverse their stance after public pressure. To be clear, the Firebirds and their parent organization have been fully supportive of our community, and not just with lip service. Back channel meetings like this one will allow our voices to be heard and the opportunity to reverse this draconian policy.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Pride on the Page Book Festival
The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation presents the second annual Pride on the Page Book Festival at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, October, 14, plus a special ticketed fundraising ‘celebrity event’ with Armistead Maupin benefiting the Foundation on Friday night. On Saturday from 10 am–5:30 pm, the Book Festival offers a number of panel discussions on topics like Writing the LGBTQ+ Young Adult Novel, Across the Gender Spectrum in Art and Life, Thriving and Surviving Through the Art of Writing, Christian Cooper in conversation with Lorenzo Taylor, A.M. Homes in conversation with Jim Holmes, and much more. See our event listing for more on panels and participating authors: More info
Casual Concours 2023: Tikis & T-Birds
This year’s Casual Concours Charity Car Show celebrates everything Hawaiian and the Ford Thunderbird on Saturday, October 14 from 9 am—2 pm at a new (and old club favorite) venue: the iconic Indian Canyons Golf Resort. Sandwiching the main event are a Kick-off Party on Friday October 13 at 5 pm at Porsche Palm Springs and an Awards Banquet on Saturday at 6 pm at Desert Princess Country Club, plus a Sunday Brunch at Rick’s Cafe at 11 am. 100% of the funds raised at the car show goes towards two charities: The LGBTT Community Center of the Desert and Well in the Desert. More info
Drag Me to The Center
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents Drag Me to The Center on Sunday, October 15 from noon–2 pm at The Velvet Rope in Palm Springs. This electrifying and fabulous Drag Brunch features some of your favorite queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars, including Melissa Befierce, Jasmine Masters, Morgan McMichaels, Mayhem Miller, Alexis Mateo, and Ethylina Canne. Plus, enjoy poolside tunes by DJ Galaxy in the most beautiful backdrop of the newest boutique hotel. Proceeds benefit The Center. Get tickets
Best of Coachella Valley Final Round of Voting
The Coachella Valley Independent‘s annual Best of Coachella Valley reader’s poll has announced their nominees (nominated by readers) and voting is now open in the Final Round, which goes through Sunday, October 22. We would love a repeat of our wins last year! Under “Life in the Valley,” for Best Radio Station, please vote KGAY 106.5! Also under “Life in the Valley,” for Best Local Radio Personality please consider John Taylor of the KGAY 106.5 Morning Show, and DJ Galaxy of the KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch. Galaxy is also nominated, along with KGAY Sunday T-Dance’s DJ Modgirl, for Best Local DJ under the “Arts” section! Vote Today
Lend Me a Tenor
Desert Theatreworks presents Lend Me A Tenor, running through Sunday, October 29. It’s 1934 and the world’s greatest opera tenor, Tito Merelli, has come to Cleveland, Ohio, to save its Grand Opera Company by singing Othello. When Tito is unexpectedly incapacitated, Max, the opera director’s meek assistant, is given the daunting task of finding a last minute replacement. Chaos ensues, including a scheming soprano, a tenor-struck ingenue, a jealous wife, shrimp gone bad and the Cleveland Police department. This hilarious show is guaranteed joy. Get tickets
Evening Under the Stars – Genesis
AAP Food Samaritans presents Evening Under the Stars – Genesis on Saturday, October 14 at 5:30 pm. This SOLD OUT event is back after a 3-year hiatus, and for the 30th anniversary, they are going back to their roots to have a celebration in one of the most spectacular estates in Palm Springs, with abundant food and drink at the home of Brad Lampley & Rigo Lomeli (formerly Houston South). Special entertainment will be presented by Lily Tomlin. The Community Impact award will go to Lori and Aubrey Serfling, and Nelda Linsk, recognizing their long-standing partnerships with AAP Food Samaritans and all that they do in the community. More info
Berlin Live at The Show
The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino presents Berlin on Friday, October 13 at 8 pm. Berlin will forever be recognized as the American progenitor of electro-pop artistry with sensually appealing lyrics. Few bands emerging from the era of Berlin have achieved as far-reaching and long-lasting an impact and, rarely, such a timeless array of musical grooves. Get tickets
Friday Fusion with DJ Galaxy
DJ Galaxy, of KGAY’s Retro Lunch and Retro Sunday Brunch, is spinning on Fridays from 4–8 pm with Friday Fusion at Impala Bar & Grill! This Friday T-Dance Happy Hour Social features beats by Galaxy, sexy GoGo boys and daddies, pop-up performances by drag kings and queens and other celebrities, with flagging by Desert Flaggers and hosted by Snatch. This weekly party from the producer who brought back Boyz Night Out celebrates equality, diversity, and inclusion. No cover; food and drink specials throughout. More info
Richard Marx at The Show
Richard Marx comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage on Saturday, October 14 at 8 pm. Marx has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, his debut spawned four Top 5 singles, including “Hold on to the Nights” and “Don’t Mean Nothing.” His follow-up, 1989’s Repeat Offender, was even more successful, hitting No. 1 and going quadruple-platinum with two No. 1 singles, “Satisfied” and “Right Here Waiting.” He made history as the only male artist whose first seven singles reached the Top 5 on the Billboard charts. Get tickets
Peter Gabriel: I/O – The Tour
Peter Gabriel comes to Acrisure Arena on Saturday, October 14 at 8 pm. i/o – The Tour will see Gabriel playing new material from his forthcoming album i/o, as well as delving into his peerless catalogue of music, with hits, fan favourites and the unexpected. For the shows, Gabriel will be joined by regular band-mates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché. Additionally, new music from the i/o album is being released on the full moon of each month. Get tickets
Adopt A Pet at Blackbook
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter & Blackbook present an Adopt A Pet adoption event at Blackbook on Saturday, October 14 from 11 am–2 pm. Stop by and check out some of the amazing animals the Shelter has up for adoption, participate in games, win prizes, and while you’re there, treat yourself to a refreshing drink and maybe a bite to eat from Blackbook’s extensive menu. More info
DiversityDHS Sunday T-Social
DiversityDHS presents a Sunday T-Social on Sunday, October 15 at 3 pm at Dillon’s Burgers and Beers in Desert Hot Springs. Come relax with friends for fun and fellowship. Food and drinks available for purchase. More info
