The birthday greetings started Wednesday when I stepped on my bathroom scales. After it calculated my weight (which I’m not happy about), the LED display wished me HBD — even though it was two days early. So I wonder what else it’s wrong about…
Thanks to social media, my birthdate is not a secret. The year can be fudged, but I’ll reveal that this is the year I’ll get my kicks at age 66.
My recent mantra is that getting older is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, my doctor gave me a clean bill of health this week – 19 blood tests later. We’re about the same age, so we have lots to compare and contrast. Longevity runs in the family, so there’s potentially many years ahead.
Medical science has advanced in so many ways and in just the blink of a cosmic eye. One advance that saved our community was the discovery of HIV meds and treatments. Saturday, I’ll be hosting the annual Positively Aging Project’s Conference at Mizell Center. There are so many long term survivors now, and the gathering helps share research and stories of hope. They are able to celebrate birthdays without fear that it could be their last.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
Cinema Diverse 2024 – Weekend 1
The 17th anniversary celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema at Cinema Diverse 2024 is underway and running two long weekends: September 19-22 and September 26-29. The Palm Springs Cultural Center hosts this vibrant film festival, showcasing a diverse array of feature films and short films from around the world. This year’s lineup promises to captivate audiences with compelling stories, unique perspectives, and powerful performances. Audience members will have the chance to experience the magic of cinema and connect with filmmakers, actors, and fellow movie lovers. See our event listing for the full schedule of screenings: Get tickets
29 Queer Film Festival
The 1st Annual 29 Queer Film Festival takes place this Friday–Sunday, September 20–22 at Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms. Founded by filmmakers Graham Kolbeins and Jonathan Andre Culliton, the festival will showcase a diverse array of queer cinema, including short films, horror films, and a superhero film. Highlights include the world premieres of “Papi’s Pregnant” and “Willa Justice: Drag Queen Private Eye,” as well as a special screening of “The People’s Joker.” The event will also feature panels, performances, and the presentation of the “Coyote Courage Award” to actor Vico Ortiz. Get tickets
Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo – Final Weekend
The Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo is taking place September 6–22 at the Joshua Tree Gallery of Contemporary Art, open daily from 2–6 pm. The Gallery is dedicated to showcasing diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions in a technologically advanced space, making world-class art accessible to all. More info
Positively Aging Project: Inspiring Stories of Living with HIV
The 2024 Positively Aging Project takes place on Saturday, September 21, from 9 am–3 pm at the Mizell Center. This annual community conference, organized by the HIV + Aging Research Project (HARP-PS), offers both in-person and virtual attendance options. Hosted by KGAY Desert Guide’s own Brad Fuhr, the event aims to provide practical information and inspiration for those living long-term with HIV. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from top experts in HIV research, including keynote speaker Waheedah Shabazz-El, who will discuss the latest developments in HIV and aging. This conference is a fantastic opportunity to connect with others, gain valuable insights, and celebrate the resilience of the HIV community. More info
The Purple Room: Jane Monheit Album Release
Jane Monheit, the acclaimed jazz vocalist, will be performing at The Purple Room Supper Club in Palm Springs on Friday and Saturday, September 20 & 21. This special evening will feature music from her upcoming self-titled album, showcasing her interpretations of the Great American Songbook, Brazilian composers, and renowned singer-songwriters. Known for her rich, emotive voice and impeccable phrasing, Monheit’s performance promises to be a captivating experience for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike! Then on Sunday, September 22, catch the hilarious and glamorous parody of Judy Garland and her iconic guests in Michael Holmes’ “The Judy Show!” Get tickets
Jack Beat’s Drag Queen Story Hour – No Children Allowed!
The incomparable Jackie Beat returns with an ALL-NEW, laugh-out-loud show you can’t miss! Jackie Beat’s DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR is an adults-only evening of fun on Friday, September 20 at 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery. Jackie will read from the hilariously outdated 1958 book The Problem of Homosexuality and perform some delightfully filthy songs. Get tickets
Billy L’Amour: Flaming Queen!
Singing & dancing drag queen sensation Billy L’Amour is turning up the heat in her sizzling hot new show FLAMING QUEEN on Saturday, September 21 at 7:30 pm at Revolution Stage Company. Join Billy for a fabulous musical review inspired by the legendary ladies of Las Vegas, such as Lola Falana, Ann-Margret, and Bette Midler. You’ll discover what gets Ms. L’Amour hot, what sends her into a blazing rage and she’ll even show you how to turn up the heat in your very own bedroom! FLAMING QUEEN features all live singing, dazzling dance moves, sumptuous costumes and some naughty song parodies. Get tickets
Palm Springs International Comedy Festival Awards Gala
The Palm Springs International Comedy Festival presents their Awards Gala on Saturday, September 21, at Hotel Zoso. The event kicks off with a red carpet at 4 pm, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5 pm. The awards ceremony starts at 6 pm, and the evening wraps up with an after-party at 8:30 pm. Hosted by Ahmed Ahmed, the Gala features special guests like Tom Arnold, Luenell, Jonathan Kite, Cybill Shepherd, Will Sasso, and special guest Kathy Griffin. The festival continues next weekend with comedy shows, films, Q&A’s, events, parties and more, including Tommi Rose’s LGBTQ+ Extravaganza on Friday, September 27. More info
Sunnylands Films in the Gardens: Monster House
Sunnylands presents its popular Films in the Gardens series, this week featuring Monster House on Friday, September 20 at 7:30 pm. Monster House is a 2006 animated supernatural horror comedy about three kids who discover that their neighbor’s house is a living, breathing monster. Enjoy this free outdoor movie night; bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics to the beautiful gardens of Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars. Upcoming: ParaNorman (2012) on 9/27. More info
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Palm Canyon Theatre presents How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, running this Thursday through Sunday, September 19–22. This satirical musical comedy follows J. Pierpont Finch, an ambitious young man who climbs the corporate ladder by using questionable tactics and manipulating his colleagues. The show satirizes the cutthroat world of business and the lengths people will go to achieve success. Get tickets
CVRep Auditions
Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) is holding auditions on Saturday, September 21 from 10 am–1 pm and 2–4 pm. They are seeking talented actors for upcoming productions: Next to Normal (Rehearsals/Performances: October 22–November 24), The 39 Steps (Rehearsals/Performances: November 26–December 22), and The Light in the Piazza (Rehearsals/Performances: December 30–February 9, 2025). If you are unable to attend in person, please send your headshot, resume, and links. Don’t miss this chance to be part of our vibrant theater community! More info
International Day of Peace
Join in celebration of the International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations, on Sunday, September 22, from 6–8 pm at the Miracle Springs Resort and Spa in Desert Hot Springs. This free event, featuring light food and drinks, will include an awards ceremony honoring notable individuals and groups such as State Senator Steve Padilla, Rusell Betts, Ron Oden, AMVETS Express Volunteers, the Palm Springs Police LGBTQ Outreach Committee, Julian Assange, and Jose Garduno. The keynote speaker will be Cathedral City Council Member Rita Lamb, with music provided by JB. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
All Week Long
Mexican Independence Day Celebration at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Friday, September 20
Healthy Desert, Healthy You | Fri & Sat Sep. 20 & 21 at Westin Rancho Mirage
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Waltz with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step
KANSAS at The Show | 8 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
Saturday, September 21
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm indoors at the Palm Springs Pavilion
UCP Annual Bowl-A-Thon | 12–4 pm at Palm Springs Lanes
For all events go to the GayDesertGuide.com
