Today I’m again grateful for my 65 years on the planet, and thanks for all the birthday wishes this week. I was also struck by those of you who came up to acknowledge our team for what we do on these pages and on KGAY 106.5 at “Taste of Palm Springs”.
Our biggest fan, Bily Foster, posted a beautiful love letter to us this week on Facebook. He wrote a tribute to KGAY that I want to quote, because he says it best:
“Rooted in Palm Springs, its signal transcends borders, reaching even corners of the world where merely expressing one’s true self can be a life-threatening act. Sure, advertisements may be interspersed, but they symbolize more than commerce; they stand as a testament to our importance in the societal fabric. The rainbow-hued logos that brands adopt during Pride month and the tailored ads aren’t just marketing strategies; they’re affirmations: we matter.
KGAY isn’t solely about representation; it’s about resonance. It speaks our language, touches on themes and stories that reflect our lives and struggles. For those of us who grew up feeling isolated or misunderstood, KGAY offers solace. For someone trapped in a restrictive society or a tiny town, it serves as a beacon, signaling a wider, more accepting world beyond their immediate horizon.
While mainstream media might overlook our narratives, KGAY delves deep, providing understanding and shared experience. It’s more than just music or news; it’s a lifeline, especially for listeners in regions where being gay isn’t just frowned upon but is a punishable offense. We often forget our privileges, even amidst our challenges. While our journey has its hurdles, many elsewhere face unimaginable dangers just for being who they are.”
Bily Foster, Facebook
Our on-air efforts are lead by KGAY Morning Host John Taylor and Progam Director/Afternoon Host Chris Shebel along with cameos by me. We are passionate about the LGBTQ+ communities we serve. I thank you for listening, reading and sharing our work on social media, by voting in the current “Best of’s”, and for supporting our advertisers and non-profit partners. Now, let’s enjoy another beautiful weekend – read on!
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 Weekend 1
The 16th edition of Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival is underway, running this weekend, September 21–24 and next weekend, September 28–October 1 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Tickets and passes are now on sale.
Just a few of the highlights this weekend include: Barrio Boy (Friday, September 22 at 3 pm): A Latinx barber in a macho world faces a tough road ahead when an attraction develops for a handsome stranger during a hot and sweaty summer in Brooklyn (feature-length remake of the popular short film). Three Nights A Week (Saturday, September 23 at 10 am): Baptiste meets drag performer Cookie Kunty to document the rituals of the drag world ultimately leading him on a profound journey of self-discovery. Legendary Children [All Of Them Queer] (Sunday, September 24 at 2:30 pm) follows many of the original Gay Liberation Front pioneers of the 1972 and first European Pride March during events over the summer of Pride 50 when the UK marked its 50th anniversary in spectacular style. Commitment To Life (Sunday, September 24 at 7:30 pm) tells the story of the early days of the AIDS crisis in Los Angeles, and how everyday people, celebrities, entertainment moguls, and activists banded together to change the course of the epidemic. Get tickets/passes
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
The largest queer/lesbian/non-binary event in the world, The Dinah, is underway here in Palm Springs, through Sunday, September 24, at the Margaritaville Resort Hotel. There are Pool Parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Margaritaville. The premier evening events are Friday Night’s Black and White Ball, and Saturday Night’s Hollywood Party. Music headliners include Princess Nokia, Doechii, Phem, G Flip, Xana, Keeana Kee & Black Box. Learn more about the musical talent here. It’s “The Dinah”–an epic weekend of music, fun, and unforgettable memories. Get tickets
8th Annual Aging Positively Conference
Positively Aging Project presents Body, Mind, & Soul, a symposium on living and thriving with HIV, on Saturday, September 23 from 9 am–3:30 pm at Mizell Center. This unique collaboration among local service providers and organizations focuses on improving the shared experience of older adults living with HIV and is free and open to the public. Keynote speaker Peter Staley is a long-term AIDS and gay rights activist, and other speakers include a panel of experts to give an update on HIV research, speakers on the topics of fitness, brain games, medical cannabis, transcendental meditation, and a roundtable to build friendships and communities. Your Gay Desert Guide, Brad Fuhr, will serve as moderator of the event for the fifth year in a row! This is a hybrid in-person and virtual conference. More info
Gay Days Anaheim
Gay Days Anaheim takes place Friday–Sunday, September 22–24 at Disneyland Resort. Friday features An Evening with Alexis Michelle and Brandon James Gwinn Sorrell, and A Night of Stand-Up With Zach Zimmerman. Saturday is Gay Day at Disneyland, where participants put on their red shirt to mix and mingle with the general public admission to enjoy a scavenger hunt, several gatherings, a group photo, and cocktail reception. Saturday night features drag at the Anaheim Majestic Garden with Lawrence Chaney and Daya Betty, and House of Avalon with Symone, Gigi Goode, Crystal Methyd and more. Sunday is Gay Days at Disney’s California Adventure, with more gatherings and fun, and afterward, Varla Jean Merman performs her show, Stand by Your Drag! at the Grand Californian Hotel. Get tickets
Friday Fusion with DJ Galaxy
DJ Galaxy, of KGAY’s Retro Lunch and Retro Sunday Brunch, is back on Fridays from 4–8 pm with Friday Fusion at Impala Bar & Grill! This Friday T-Dance Happy Hour Social will feature 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
Wine & Weenies: The Return!
Palm Springs Bottle Shop (PSBS) is holding their fabulous Wine & Weenies event on Friday, September 22 from 5–7 pm at their Mojave Flea Trading Post location. $25 gets you two glasses of wine, a hot dog, a bag of chips, and a good time. Enjoy late night shopping at PSBS and Mojave Flea Trading Post! More info
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 DJ Modgirl, for Best Local DJ under the “Arts” section! Vote Today
Transgender Casting Call for Generation T
The Transgender Health and Wellness Center is having a call for models on Saturday, September 23 from 10 am–3 pm at their office. They are looking for a few good men and women (cis or trans) to audition for Generation T, an art and fashion show benefiting the Housing Program at Transgender Health and Wellness Center. The show will be held on November 12 at Trixie Motel from 5–6 pm and after-party will be at V Lounge. For audition details: More info
Bighorn Benefit Dinner & Auction
Joshua Tree National Park Association presents its first annual Bighorn Benefit Dinner & Auction at The Soundstage located in Pioneertown on Saturday, September 23 from 5–8 pm. The evening will include a catered dinner, an open bar sponsored by Joshua Tree Distilling Co., live music, special guest speakers from Joshua Tree National Park, and a live auction with prizes like a private 1-hour flight over the desert, an Ace Hotel stay, a guided astronomy hike, a sound bath at the Integratron, private pottery lessons, unique artwork and more. The money raised from this event will allow JTNP researchers to coordinate surveys on bighorn sheep and purchase the necessary equipment needed to survey their populations and ultimately to protect their habitats from disturbance. Get tickets
This Weekend at The Purple Room
Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Supper Club is back with a hot fall season and on Friday and Saturday, September 22 and 23, songstress powerhouse Meghan “Big Red” Murphy takes the stage for two sold-out nights. On Sunday, September 24, the spirit of Judy Garland is alive and well with Michael Holmes performing The Judy Show! Coming soon: Elvis: The Early Years, Sharon McNight, Black Market Trust, Lee Squared, Liz Callaway and much more. Get tickets
Vote by Friday for Community’s Choice Awards
The Desert Sun is wrapping up the voting round for the 2023 Best of Desert Official Community’s Choice Awards this Friday, and both KGAY 106.5 and KGAY Morning Show Host John Taylor are among the nominees! When you go to fill out your ballot, find KGAY 106.5 under Entertainment & Leisure > Radio Station – Local and find John Taylor under Entertainment & Leisure – People > Radio
