Poet John Rondel posted a masterpiece to start June Pride month. It was shared on “the Facebook” by my mom via a long time family friend and former clergyman Mike Anton.
Mike had a big impact on me as a youth in the 70s. With his long hair, burlap robe and gentle Lutheran style, he related to young people in a way that few men of the cloth of that era did. He also served with me on a board that helped create a drop in center for youth in my community.
While I don’t hold strong religious beliefs today, I still appreciate those who spread the “gospel of love” over hate. Because many times the writings inspire and cause us to think. And they can also be a counter to the hate that’s being spewed at our LGBTQ+ community.
I’ve published the entirety of the poem, “An Open Poem to Closed Hearts” in my blog on GayDesertGuide.com, but I note here this line:
get over your fear
of people who
look
live
pray
love
believe
differently than you do
How do we convey this to those who seek to do us harm? We heard in this week’s Town Hall with Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills that while there are no imminent threats, we must remain vigil to the potential for violence from extremists.
All we really want to do is live our lives peacefully in this beautiful Coachella Valley. And see a good drag show…
This Weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings
June 9–11, 2023
We’re keeping you updated on the weekend’s Top Events: Caliente Comedy LGBTQ Showcase with Nicky Paris, Juneteenth Celebrations, Plunge 2 Pool Party, Splash House, Firebirds in the Calder Cup Finals, Palm Springs Art Museum Summer Party, Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, Boyz Night Out, Country Dance Fridays, LA Pride in the Park and Parade, Tony Awards Viewing Party…and much more!
Caliente Comedy presents an LGBTQ Showcase on Friday, June 9 from 8–9:30 pm at the Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Don’t miss this hilarious 90-minute show headlined by Nicky Paris and a roster full of LGBTQ festival comedians! Caliente Comedy at the Cascade Lounge offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting with pristine acoustics and plush seating. Get tickets
Juneteenth Celebrations
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a FREE afternoon of festivities on Sunday, June 11 from 2–7 pm, with a Juneteenth outdoor pop-up market featuring live music by Tommy Dodson & Friends, and hosted by fashion designer Aneka Brown and soul-singer Keisha D. Explore African-American history. Tour the traveling African American Aviation Museum. Learn about the significance of Juneteenth and enjoy a Drum Circle Storytelling.Later in the evening, from 7–8:30 pm the incomparable Keisha D invites you to an unforgettable soul-filled concert indoors. Get tickets. Other Juneteenth-related events can be found on our events calendar.
Plunge 2 at CCBC
Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert presents PLUNGE – Round 2 on Saturday, June 10 from 12–5 pm at CCBC Resort. These world-famous pool parties are back for another year of new friends, frolic and fun for their first event of the summer. Music by Palm Springs DJ/Producer Peter Barona. Get tickets
We have a featured Hot Deal for savings at Coachella Valley Coffee Company this week, plus we have deals at Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, Il Giardino, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s Bar & Lounge, Rick’s Restaurant, Willie’s Modern Fare, AMP Sports Lounge, Kitchen 86, Lulu California Bistro and more!
The Summer 2023 edition of our Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide (great for locals too!) is available now around town and online! We help you find everything you need to know while visiting or living in the Coachella Valley, featuring the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attraction, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].
On the Air
Ross Mathews hosts his popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 this Saturday from 11:00 am–2 pm. He currently appears on The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He brings celebrity gossip and news, plus a rundown of what’s happening each weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings as he plays some of his favorite dance hits each weekend on KGAY. Listen Online
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have your chance to WIN 2 Tickets to the 29th Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest, the largest showcase of short form cinema in North America. The exciting 7 day festival will be screening 300 shorts from 65 countries. There’s something for everyone…horror, drama, comedy, documentary and LGBT + films. Tickets are good for a ShortFest screening consisting of 4–9 short films programmed together for a cohesive experience. Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page​
Out in the Vineyard’s Gay Wine Weekend 2023 is July 14–16, a perfect time to get out of the desert to visit Northern California for 3 full nights of LG
LGBTQ Comedy Night
Plunge 2 at CCBC
