There was a time when the brochure for Palm Springs’ tourism wouldn’t allow two men holding hands to be on its front cover, even though it was touting its gay resorts. Gay bars were raided by police – most were in Cathedral City. Yet, we grew to be a top LGBTQ+ destination.
On Thursday, June 30, I’ll be moderating a panel of local journalists who have seen it all and will discuss how local media put Gay Palm Springs on the map. We’ll talk about just how far we’ve come and the influence of those media outlets.
Thursday is also the final official day of Pride month. But celebrations continue around the world culminating here in Palm Springs. I’m going to experience two Prides in August – Amsterdam and Prague. Then it’s back to PSP for Leather Pride and Greater Palm Springs Pride. We’ll have much to march for (and against) in the annual parade on Sunday, Nov. 6.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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The Power of Story: How Local Media Put Gay Palm Springs on the Map
The LGBTQ+ History and Archives of the Desert celebrates National Pride Month with a FREE community lecture, The Power of Story: How Local Media Put Gay Palm Springs on the Map on Thursday, June 30 from 6–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. For a smaller community, Palm Springs has had significant, consistent LGBTQ media outlets over the decades. Did these outlets raise the community’s profile as an LGBTQ destination? Many would argue they did! Hear from local journalists and learn more about their important contributions to our community. Featuring Bruce Fessier, Nino Eilets, Denise Goolsby, and moderated by Brad Fuhr of KGAY Palm Springs and Gay Desert Guide! You can also take in the exhibit of local news stories that is being shown all month in the Cultural Center’s lobby. The lecture is free, reservations required. More info
I ❤️ Mac & Cheese Grand Opening w/KGAY Live
Come taste your favorite topping on your Mac & Cheese! KGAY’s John Taylor will be doing a Live Broadcast during the Grand Opening of I ❤️ Mac & Cheese on Wednesday, June 29 from 9–11 am. Please join KGAY at the new restaurant both for their ribbon cutting at 10 am and John’s live broadcast. During the broadcast John will be giving away 3, one year membership to eat once a week for free! More info
Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History
Join The Palm Springs Library to experience the exhibit: Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History presented by the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert, on display throughout the entire month of June in celebration of Pride Month. Learn more about our local LGBTQ+ community and their contributions through the decades. The exhibit will be inside the Library and available to view during regular library hours. More info
ShortFest 2022
ShortFest 2022 is wrapping up at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The Best of the Fest shorts will screen on the final day, Monday, June 27. In addition to this in-person screening, the Best of Fest films will also be available to watch virtually July 1–10. More info
RuPaul Recap: All Stars Season 7, Episode 7
Our Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent, Dante Noto, has published his latest legendary recap of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 (See all of his RuPaul Recaps here). This week the queens have another design challenge: create a Legendary Legend look inspired by a classic RuPaul look. All turned out praiseworthy, with some inspiring comments such as “like a toilet roll cozy,” or ‘Bed, Bath and Beyond Thunderdome.” Extra special guest judge Betsey Johnson joins this episode. Read the full recap of Episode 7: Legendary Legend Looks [here].
DBA Networking Mixer at AsiaSF Palm Springs
The Desert Business Association (DBA) returns to AsiaSF Palm Springs for an In-Person Networking Mixer wrapping-up Pride Month on Monday, June 27 at 5:30 pm. Get a taste of the food and entertainment of AsiaSF and learn about their happenings coming this summer. Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton will also talk about the importance of our local and diverse small businesses, Pride month, and what she experienced on her recent visit to the White House with many other LGBTQ leaders from across the country. Bring a prize (and cash) for the scholarship-supporting raffle too! More info
How to Become LGBTQ+ Certified
Learn how to stand out as a go-to supplier in your community by becoming LGBTQ+ certified with How to Become LGBTQ+ Certified, a webinar presented by the Small Business Development Center Orange County Inland Empire Network on Tuesday, June 28 at 12 pm. You’ll get step-by-step information on getting certified to maximize your business opportunities, gain access to corporate and government partners, and meet a network of several other LGBTQ+ accredited businesses. More info
