Upcoming Events
Living Out Art Walk 3!
Join our brother, friend and member David Maurice Jones. With over 300 original works representing more than 70 LGBTQ+ artists from the Coachella Valley, Living Out is a unique 3-story art gallery that - on special occasions - opens its doors to the public for a viewing experience like no other.
Join us for a special afternoon Art Walk and an inside peek at this one-of-a-kind apartment community. The Art Walk is FREE. All we ask if that you RSVP @ https://livingout.simpletix.com/
It’s an Art Party, so there will be a cash bar by the popular Alice B restaurant at the heart of the Living Out complex.
Front Runners and Walkers
Back By Popular Demand! Brothers of the Desert members and allies will join Front Runners and Walkers for a friendly three-mile walk or five-mile run at Sunrise Park near Mizell Center.
Walk/run at 7:30 am free breakfast social at the Mizell Center at 9:00 am.
Free Event
For more info and to RSVP: Lorenzo Taylor – taylorenzo@gmail.com
Members Monthly Meeting
Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82673107904?pwd=9AGlarYm6Gw1tCaP1qYfVjgTFeDrqA.1
Meeting ID: 826 7310 7904 | Passcode: 319527
Members & Allies Lunch
Members & Allies Lunch | Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 12:30 PM 1:30 PM
Join us for lunch after the Members’ Meeting!
Location: Play Lounge Cafe www.playloungeps.com
Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).
Please make your reservation with David before Friday, May 9th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch.
Email: DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com
Barbershop Discussion Group
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 5:30 PM 6:30 PM
Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.
To RSVP, email Info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org
Veils: A Requiem For Trayvon (Screening)
Come join us for an engaging screening and panel discussion of the thought-provoking film Veils : A Requiem For Trayvon. This event will delve into important discussions about social justice, race relations, and cultural awareness. Be part of this eye-opening experience as we watch the film together and then engage in a stimulating conversation with our diverse panel of experts including the director Courtney Baker-Oliver, screenwriter Steven Butler and city councilwoman Grace Garner. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insights and be part of a meaningful dialogue.
Icon City Entertainment along with support from Brothers of the Desert and the City of Palm Springs is hosting the screening for the Palm Springs High School Black Student Union.
Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest
WINE TASTING WITH A CAUSE
After wildly successful past seasons, the Palm Springs EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST is back as the preeminent specialty wine event of the year featuring LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Women owned and/or produced wines. Bringing together some of the world’s finest vintners in an exclusive invite-only participation of wineries, EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST will showcase the immense depth and diversity of wines from premiere wine regions.
Festival goers will enjoy over 100 wines, food samples, live entertainment, demonstrations, silent auction, and VIP experiences, all creating an environment that fosters community among everyone involved in enjoying every sip and taste. Your generous support will help elevate diverse talent, foster community, and bring these important conversations to the forefront, while supporting forward-thinking charities. Benefiting Brothers of the Desert.
Equality Wine & Food Fest: Kick Off Event
Please join EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST, GED MAGAZINE, and BROTHERS OF THE DESERT for a private kick-off event and learn about what’s planned for this year’s Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest at one of the featured participating wine lounges and restaurant... BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS. A portion of the proceeds that night benefiting Brothers of the Desert.
Appetizers sponsored by GED MAGAZINE and BOOZEHOUNDS. Wine/Cocktails available (no-host). Stay for dinner by making a reservation at BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS on OpenTable. Dinner seating begin at 6:00 PM on April 16th.
http://gedmag.ticketbud.com/
Members & Allies Lunch
Members & Allies Lunch | Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
1501 Uptown Gastropub
1501 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262
Join us for lunch after the Members’ Meeting!
Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).
Please make your reservation with David before Friday, April 11th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch.
Email: DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com
Members Monthly Meeting
Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.
Zoom Link | HERE
Barbershop Discussion Group
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 5:30 PM 6:30 PM
Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.
To RSVP, email Info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org
EXHIBIT (Starring Regina Taylor)
Award winning actress, playwright, and director Regina Taylor will perform her one-woman play, EXHIBIT followed by an interview with actor, and playwright L Trey Wilson Sunday March 23rd @ 2PM.
The show will be performed at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs, It will be a timely and relevant way to close out our Brothers of the Desert's Wellness Weekend. Everyone is welcome to attend. Doors open at 1:30, a donation of $20 is suggested and limited seating is available.
About the play:
In “EXHIBIT”, we follow Iris, an artist triggered by today’s backlash and rollback of social progress. As she retraces her childhood memories of the martyrdom of innocence for a cause in a violently fractured civil rights era America, Iris grapples with the question: What is the cost of a ticket to freedom—and when will we ever arrive?
“EXHIBIT” is the Recipient of the 2023 Theatre Aspen Solo Flights Award.
Taylor is presenting public readings of the work in selected cities during this very incendiary times.. The play will premiere at Denver Colorado’s Curious Theater in May 2025.
Gets Tickets: https://ReginaTaylor.eventbrite.com
The Real Deal: An Authentic Soul Food Brunch
Join Brothers of the Desert as we continue to celebrate our Wellness Weekend with an authentic soul food brunch, The Real Deal, at the Mizell Center from noon - 1:30PM .
For the brunch, you will have a choice one entrée:
Shrimp and Grits
Chicken and Waffles
Catfish, Southern Style Grits and Eggs
Grits with Roasted Mushrooms, Root Vegetables, Crispy Kale (vegan option)
Coffee/Tea/Orange Juice will be included along with side of fruit and muffins.
Brunch is $30 per person. Mimosas will be available for a $5 cash only donation each.
Get tickets: https://therealdealbrunch.eventbrite.com
Brunch will be prepared by the Brothers. There will be limited seating available. You will not want to miss this soul food brunch, it's The Real Deal!
Free Birding Outing in Palm Springs for BOD Members & Friends
FREE birding outing in Palm Springs for BOD members and friends!
Sunday, March 23. 9 - 10:30 AM | Location will be announced in the confirmation of your reservation.
Bring binoculars if you have them; if not, loaner pairs will be available
Limit: 15 people
RSVP required (if you’d like to borrow binoculars, please mention that in your RSVP)
RSVP: Christian Cooper misterxnyc@earthlink.net
Few things are as uniquely beneficial to mental health as birding! You’ll leave your internal woes behind as you engage with the natural world around you; you'll witness the creatures whose ability to fly makes them the ultimate symbol of freedom—a symbol our people with our history can embrace like no other! Join Christian Cooper as he leads this short-distance birding outing over easy, flat terrain (both paved and unpaved paths). Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dusty, and desert rules apply: Dress in layers, and bring water.
Happening in conjunction with the annual Wellness Summit, this will be a great opportunity to begin a full day of Sunday activities with the Real Deal-authentic Soul Food brunch @ noon and a play by award-winning actress Regina Taylor @ 2:00 PM both located at the Mizell Center.
Get tickets here:
6th Annual Wellness Summit | The Power of Authenticity
Brothers of the Desert is conducting our 6th Annual Wellness Summit— in-person on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, at the new Riviera Resort Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
The summit will focus on Black gay men and our allies in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Living authentically and being confident in expressing yourself is tied to overall health and well-being and can be challenged and supported by several factors. It is important for us in this moment to reflect on how we best find and live in our truth. “The Power of Authenticity” is the theme of our summit.
Join us as we offer the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of health and wellness experts. The one-day event will feature inspiring keynote presentations and innovative workshops on various topics, such as spirituality, relationships, mental health, aging considerations, racism, physical health, communication, healthy sex, and creative expression as a means of healing. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The summit begins with a meet-and-greet at 8:30 AM, and the program will start promptly at 9:00 AM. Participants can choose to attend concurrent workshops at three different times during the day and meet and connect with new people. Lunch will be provided, along with raffle prizes and entertainment. Space is limited, and registration is required.
A donation of $25 is suggested, and any amount given will be appreciated. The entire speaker line-up for 2025 will be revealed in the coming months.
Workshop presenters will include, Dean of USC School of Music, Jason King, President of the Black Nurses Association, Sheldon Fields, PhD, author and innovator, Dante King, physician and health expert, Leo Moore, MD, organizational development trainer, and author, Lauren Nile, LGBTQ+ advocate, Dr. Imani Woody, facilitator, L Trey Wilson, community leaders and Brothers of the Desert members, Will Dean, Anye Elite, and Lorenzo Taylor and national public health experts, JaDawn Wright-Morgan, Aunsha Everett-Hall and Tai Few.
Get Tickets: https://BODWellnessSummit2025.eventbrite.com
Go to https://www.brothersofthedesert.org/wellness-summit to see videos and photos from our previous summit.
Meet the Speakers
Brothers of the Desert would like to invite you to the 4th Annual Meet the Speakers for the 6th Annual "Health" summit Friday, March 21st at 5:30pm at the Start Light Lounge at the Riviera Resort Palm Springs.
Reserve Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-meet-the-speakers-opening-reception-tickets-1229250022909?aff=oddtdtcreator
Barbershop Discussion Group
Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.
To RSVP, email Info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org
Members & Allies Lunch
Members & Allies Lunch | Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Low Desert Modern Mexican
1775 E Palm Canyon Drive #405 Palm Springs, CA, 92264
Join us for lunch after the Members’ Meeting at Low Desert Modern Mexican!
Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).
Please make your reservation with David before Friday, March 7th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch.
Email: DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com
Members Monthly Meeting
Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.
Zoom Link | HERE
Black History Month at the Palm Springs Museum
Black History Month | February 2025
Join us each Thursday in February at 5:30 pm at the Palm Springs Museum. Free Admission!
The Black History Committee celebrates Black History Month through a series of impactful events that honor and recognize the rich contributions of the Black community throughout history.
Mark your calendar for Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20, and 27!
38th Annual City of Palm Springs Black History Month Parade and Town Fair
Brothers of the Desert Board and Members celebrate Black History Month!
The Palm Springs Black History Committee, the City of Palm Springs, and the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center host the "38th Annual City of Palm Springs Black History Month Parade and Town Fair."
Let us know if you would like to walk in the parade by emailing vicepresident@brothersofthedesert.org
The Parade starts at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, on Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs.
Immediately following the Parade, the Town Fair is held at the New Downtown Park in Palm Springs across the street from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Black History Month at the Palm Springs Museum
Black History Month | February 2025
Join us each Thursday in February at 5:30 pm at the Palm Springs Museum. Free Admission!
The Black History Committee celebrates Black History Month through a series of impactful events that honor and recognize the rich contributions of the Black community throughout history.
Mark your calendar for Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20, and 27!
Black History Month at the Palm Springs Museum
Black History Month | February 2025
Join us each Thursday in February at 5:30 pm at the Palm Springs Museum. Free Admission!
The Black History Committee celebrates Black History Month through a series of impactful events that honor and recognize the rich contributions of the Black community throughout history.
Mark your calendar for Thursdays, FFebruary 6, 13, 20, and 27!
Barbershop Discussion Group
Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.
To RSVP, email Info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org
Ethyl’s Place Bingo
Join in the fun for ETHYL'S PLACE CHARITY BINGO at The Roost Lounge!
Doors open at 11 am, and games start at 11:30 am SHARP!
This month's charity beneficiary is Brothers of the Desert and THE ROOST FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
PRIZES FOR GAMES 1-5 sponsored by HIMISTRY Skin and Health. Thank you, Darnelle!
Members & Allies Lunch
Join us after the Members’ Meeting at Billy Reeds for lunch!
Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).
Make your reservation with David before Friday, February 7th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch. DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com
Members Monthly Meeting
Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.
Zoom Link | HERE
Black History Month at the Palm Springs Museum
Black History Month | February 2025
Join us each Thursday in February at 5:30 pm at the Palm Springs Museum. Free Admission!
The Black History Committee celebrates Black History Month through a series of impactful events that honor and recognize the rich contributions of the Black community throughout history.
Mark your calendar for Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20, and 27!
The Patty Cakes Show | “I SURVIVED CONVERSION THERAPY!”
The Patty Cakes Show: “I SURVIVED CONVERSION THERAPY!” A late-night talk show on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, starting at 7 pm. Look forward to first a monologue, guest interview and audience questions.
In-person at The Center For Spiritual Living, Palm Springs, located at 2100 East Racquet Club Road, PS CA 92262.
Doors open 6:30 pm., tickets $25 and $30 at the door. Get your tickets today!
“Most gay/queer individuals experience some amount of pushback from family members during the coming out process. I, Patty Cakes, certainly did. But what if this pushback is a coordinated declaration of war from all sides initiated by family and recruited licensed “professionals” designed to annihilate one’s sexual/gender identity? The analogy, I imagine, compares to a lobotomy, just without the scalpel. Well, please attend as one of our audience members. Bring your empathy and your questions. Come hear firsthand about Mr. Curtis Galloway’s experience with conversion therapy. And his founding of www.conrsionsurvivor.org and, how you can help.
DISCLAIMER: Show topics may change based on guest appearances. Tickets, however, are only refundable if Patty Cakes is unable to host.
BOD Scenic Hike in Andres Canyon
Up for an adventure?
Join Brother of the Desert for a scenic hike in the Andres Canyon.
Saturday, January 18th, 8:30 am to Noon – Hike and Picnic Lunch in Andres Canyon
The Brothers of the Desert invites you to take a great nature walk with two of our own – Gerard McCallum and Will Dean.
We will hike the Murray Canyon trail within Andreas Canyon. Roundtrip. It’s about 3.7 miles and is considered a moderate and scenic hike. With only one slightly challenging passage, the rest of the hike will reveal an oasis of Palm Trees, streams, and waterfalls. At this time of the year, the stream can be pretty full from the rainfall and melting show, which may mean your footwear may get wet. So be prepared; some of you may want to pack sandals or water shoes as they get wet.
Please bring your lunch, snacks, and drinks. We will stop for photos and partake of a snack or two along the trail. We will have lunch at the picnic tables near the entrance after the hike. Carpooling is recommended.
As with all outdoor adventures, you should have sunscreen and plenty of water.
Barbershop Discussion Group
Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.
To RSVP, email Info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org
Members & Allies Lunch
Join us after the Members’ Meeting at Peruvian Fuego for lunch!
Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).
Make your reservation with David before Friday, January 10th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch. DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com
Members Monthly Meeting
Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.
Zoom Link | HERE
The Patty Cakes Show | “MY DADDY IS NOT MY FATHER!”
Let's join and support our friend and member of Brothers of the Desert for her late-night talk show: PATTY CAKES SHOW, “MY DADDY IS NOT MY FATHER!” on December 25, 2024, at 7 pm!
Look forward to an opening monologue, guest interview, audience questions, and more!
In-person at The Center For Spiritual Living, Palm Springs, at 2100 East Racquet Club Road, PS CA 92262.
Doors open at 6:30 pm.; tickets are $25 online and $30 at the door. Get your tickets today HERE.
Imagine being well into your 50s when your mother approaches you with some BREAKING NEWS. “Your daddy is not your father.” What do you do?
Bring your empathy and your questions. Come find out exactly what our guest, Randi Hoffman, did to discover and find peace with her new reality. Dr Krista Driver will also join us via Zoom and share her own experience as a non-parent NPE individual. Learn all about her nonprofit, www.mariposacenter.org, and how you can help support her work serving newly identified NPE.
DISCLAIMER: Show topics may change based on guest appearances. Tickets, however, are only refundable if Patty Cakes cannot host. For more info, showmepattycakes.com.
Benefiting: Brothers of the Desert's Membership Emergency Fund.
Members & Allies Lunch
Join us after the Members’ Meeting at Blackbook Bar and Kitchen for lunch!
Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).
Make your reservation with David before Friday, December 13th, as we want to let Blackbook Bar know how many will be having lunch. DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com
Members Monthly Meeting
Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.
Zoom Link | HERE
Brothers Do Drag: A Drag Tribute to Female R&B and Hip-Hop Legends
Brothers Got Talent Returns to Boozehounds Palm Springs on Friday December 13th at 6pm PST (Doors at 5:30pm)
Brothers of the Desert is hosting another spectacular talent night called "Brothers Do Drag: A Drag Tribute to Female R&B and Hip Hop Legends”
Come see us "Lip Sync" and entertain you all night long!
Purchase your tickets HERE