Lesbians of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Outings and Events
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The headlines scream chaos—disaster, division, scandal, and outrage—but beyond the noise, there are other stories. It’s in the stranger who gives directions with a smile, the driver who lets me merge in traffic, the campground attendant who got me through my grumpiness after a hard day driving and made sure I was okay. Ordinary people, doing small, decent things every day, without recognition or reward. It doesn’t make the news, but it’s the glue that holds the world together. In a time when everything seems like it’s coming apart, the quiet decency of regular folks is its own kind of resistance. In 2,500 miles, we have only seen one Trump sign and it was riddled with bullet holes. Resistance manifests in many ways, sometimes through protests, sometimes through generosity in the world that tells us that greed is good, and sometimes through kindness instead of judgment or dismissal. It all matters. In the meantime, enjoy the memes.
As Victor Hugo put it, “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” One of life's remarkable gifts when everything seems dark.
Kim
Road log
The SUVs and hiking boots vanish in the rearview as we roll out of the forests of New Mexico and into the flat, unapologetic plains of Oklahoma—where the unofficial state bird is a Ford F-150 and fashion is defined by suspenders doing heroic work. These suspenders valiantly keep size 32 jeans clinging to 50-inch waistlines, because in these parts, you're only as young as the pant size you wore in high school.
We follow the State Road toward Dodge City—360 miles of nothing but straight line, sky, and mercifully zero fast-food logos or Trump signs. The road traces the railroad like a faithful sidekick, hitting a small town every 15 miles, each one blessed with skyscraper-sized grain elevators and cursed with exactly two open businesses: a Dollar General and a café run by someone named Amy or Edna, never both.
Some towns are kind enough to post a sign: Speed Limit Drops Ahead. Others prefer the “gotcha” approach, where the speed limit suddenly drops to 40 and I slam the brakes like I’m avoiding a moose, hoping there’s not a sheriff lurking behind the nearest hay bale.
The local wildlife seems to have a death wish. Gophers launch surprise attacks from the shoulders, pigeons play chicken with the windshield, and deer do their best to get on the evening news. Thankfully, the weather holds—for now.
We overnight in the City RV Park, which is essentially miles of grass and lax rules. Angel, living her best dog life, rolls around like she’s auditioning for a shampoo commercial, then blasts off into zoomies for a solid ten minutes like she’s chasing invisible squirrels from another dimension.
Morning greets us with a thunderstorm and flood warnings. The sky goes full drama queen—rain, wind, and flood alerts buzzing from the phone like it’s auditioning for a disaster movie. I tailgate semis all day, using their massive spray as sonar to detect potholes and water hazards. Kansas City turns into Atlantis—roads flooded, detours everywhere.
By the time we reach Blue Springs campground, we’re told a tornado passed through just two hours earlier. Because of course it did. The governor declares a state of emergency, and we decide it’s time to bunker down and do some deep breathing—or whatever it is you do to reset the vagus nerve. Personally, I vote for snacks and denial.
We’ve officially landed in Casey, Illinois—after battling construction zones, detours, and an overturned semi like it was some kind of Midwestern obstacle course. As we roll into town, I’m thinking, “What fresh tourist trap madness is this?” Giant mousetrap, biggest rocking chair, world’s largest wind chime—basically, it’s like someone gave a small town a Guinness Book and a glue gun.
That said… we’re kind of loving it. Guess we’re not completely dead inside.
After surviving tornadoes, floods, and what felt like a week-long rinse cycle through Kansas and Missouri, we’re finally out of tornado alley. Hello, quirky little Casey. You win.
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My book Travels Into Discomfort is available on Amazon.
It is a travel adventure in its prose and a journey to the heart in its poetry.
Travels Into Discomfort
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Barbara Carpenter Realtor
Shann Carr
Comedian, Event Producer, Realtor, A Lesbian Concierge In The Desert
Andrea Voras, Gerontologist Dementia Specialist Life Aging Life Care Manager
Constance Clare-Newman, Somatic Work for Pain Relief and Stress Reduction
Corlyce Photography
Chris Ann Kallgren Realtor
Sunny Designs-Website & Graphic Design & Video
Rice Notary
Nancy Minger - Massage Therapist
Poochsitter
Motivation Changes — Life Coaching - Dr Ann Sarah Engel, MSW, PhD
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- Cork Women's Fun Weekend
- AdventureWomen: organizes exceptional women’s only travel groups spots around the globe.
- Trafalgar: offers women-only guided vacations to various destinations, with local female guides and experts.
- Road Scholar: provides educational and cultural trips for women of all ages and interests.
- Adventures in Good Company: creates active and adventurous trips for women who love the outdoors.
- Intrepid Travel’s Women’s Expeditions: explores local cultures and traditions from a female perspective, with female leaders and hosts.
| | Email me at gabriolakim@gmail.com if you want something posted on the bulletin board, or an event promoted. | |
Thank you.
Thank you to everyone who shares recommendations for a worthy figure in women's history, an article, a book, a movie, or a women-centric event for the newsletter.
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Women’s History
Women, We Should Know
In a century where women weren’t even allowed to sit in the same lecture hall as men, Anna van Schurman quietly stepped through the back door of history—and left it wide open behind her. Born in 1607 in Cologne, she was a child whose brilliance couldn't be dimmed. By the time she was three, she was reading. By eleven, she’d conquered Latin and devoured the works of Seneca. Languages poured from her like water—German, Italian, French, Spanish, even Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic later in life. She wasn’t just smart—she was unstoppable.
Her father, forward-thinking and brave, educated her alongside her brothers, and Anna devoured everything from mathematics and astronomy to theology and fine arts. Her artistry matched her intellect: delicate lace-like paper cuts at six, lifelike wax sculptures at eleven, and calligraphy that would eventually earn her praise from master engravers. When her family moved to Utrecht, she caught the attention of scholars who saw in her a brilliance that couldn’t be ignored. Though women were barred from universities, she was invited to attend lectures—behind a curtain, so as not to “distract” the male students. That didn’t stop her. Anna soaked up everything, reading religious texts in their original tongues and challenging long-held beliefs with grace and logic.
Then she wrote something that changed everything—a dissertation in Latin, arguing that women deserved an education equal to men. It was printed, circulated across Europe, and read by philosophers like Descartes. Letters came pouring in. She became a voice for women whose brilliance had been kept in the shadows. In the later years of her life, Anna joined a radical religious movement that welcomed female leaders, sharing property, faith, and ideas as equals. Even then, critics called her naive. But she stood her ground, turning away from prestige to live by her ideals.
Anna van Schurman was more than the “Star of Utrecht.” She was a revolution in lace cuffs—a scholar, an artist, and a voice centuries ahead of her time. Her story reminds us that barriers are only temporary, and brilliance always finds a way through.
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Worried about the legality of gay marriage and thinking you should get married just in case the laws change and having a problem booking an appointment at the City Clerk's office?
Fera Mostow
I am a minister and will do marriages for any gay couple that wants to get married before the inauguration free of charge or until Trump does something that eliminates gay marriage.
All they have to do is email me and they can come here - Sun City Shadow Hills, and I'll do the ceremony.
Contact Fera at fmostow@gmail.com
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The Dinah
A major production company is doing preliminary research on The Dinah and is looking to speak with folks who are interested in being interviewed. If you're interested, please send a couple of sentences about your relationship to The Dinah to marypilon@gmail.com.
I know some of you went to the original Dinah weekend and many of you attended in the following years. These ladies would love to talk to you about your experience. Drop them an email.
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SUMMER ART CLASS AT Desert Art Center with Cathy Parker
Art and How to Make It
Art and How to Make It delves into art concepts and drawing techniques. Art concepts are explored through discussion, handouts, and projects designed to further working knowledge.
Drawing skills are practiced using a variety of mediums, not usually thought of as drawing tools. Class content is introduced with demonstrations, videos, and exercises specific to developing drawing skills and encourages creativity.
Making art is not about pulling something out of thin air.
Even magicians don’t pull anything out of thin air.
Where: Desert Art Center, 550 N. Palm Canyon
When: Wednesdays, 1 – 4, beginning June 4
Fees: $40 for one session or $140 for four sessions.
Payable with cash or Zelle
To register, contact Cathy Parker at 707-363-2698 or csparker2005@gmail.com
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Juneteenth Celebration at the Oscars
Join us this June for a powerful evening of music, speakers, and celebration at the Oscars as we honor Juneteenth—a tribute to freedom, resilience, and Black excellence.
Presented by the Sunset Music & Education Foundation, the evening will feature live performances, spoken word, and guest speakers who remind us why this moment matters.
Free and open to the public. Stay tuned for the line-up.
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If it's your thing or you are curious
The World's Largest Gathering of Free minds
Who comes to FreedomFest? The most amazing mix of 2,000 open-minded and inquisitive people, from business experts, politicians, and entrepreneurs… to influencers, artists, and filmmakers. FreedomFest is independent, non-partisan, and not affiliated with any organization or political party.
About Us - FreedomFest
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Sunset Music & Comedy Festival - PRIDE and VETERAN'S DAY WEEKEND
November 6-9, 2025
One Epic Weekend: PS Pride, Veterans Day & Nonstop Music Collide in Palm Springs!
Check this out—Palm Springs Pride Fest, usually a first-week-of-November event, is shaking things up and landing right on our scheduled Veterans Day Weekend. Coincidence? Maybe. Destiny? Absolutely. We’re leaning all the way in and seizing the moment to celebrate it all! Because what do you get when you mix Pride with a concert steeped in music education? Pure magic—a sonic explosion of culture,
community, and pure, unfiltered fun!
When Pride energy meets the power of live music, the result is nothing short of electrifying. Imagine a weekend where every note tells a story, every
performance honors a legacy, and every beat fuels both celebration and connection. We’re bringing together iconic artists, rising stars, and unexpected collaborations
to entertain, educate, and inspire.
Whether you're here for the music, the knowledge,the movement, or just to dance under the desert sky, this Pride week is about to make history—and you’ll want to be part of it!
Exclusive Access! 🎟️ Pre-Sale Tickets on sale now for our newsletter subscribers!
Be the first to grab the best seats in the house—sign up for our newsletter to secure your spot before tickets go on sale to the public on April 6th
SWEET BABY J'AI PRESENTS | Sunset Music | Palm Springs, CA
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Easy/Moderate/Difficult Hikes
Hikes will return in the Fall
Have a great summer
New hikers must register and sign a waiver.
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2025 Walks - Will Return in the Fall
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Movie Meetup
Wednesday - Mary Pickford Theater
No Movie this week - It's hard to find a good movie these days in the theater
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Book and Movie Salon/Club -
2024 Schedule 2nd Mondays 5:30 pm
**BAM SALON**
March through June 2025
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210738578?pwd=OFRYSFNaYmNBaDlQaXRaZ1RBbktUQT09
Meeting ID: 862 1073 8578
Passcode: 744589
Signature Move 2017 directed by Jennifer Reeder (June 2025)
A closeted Muslim lesbian takes up lucha-style wrestling to release the anxiety from her stressful job and tense relationship with her newly widowed mother.
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PALS’ no-cost educational seminars provide up-to-date information, resources and opportunities to engage in essential planning ahead conversations before a major health or life-altering event occurs. For info about upcoming PALS Seminars with in-person and zoom registration links click here.
9:30 to 11 am. 3rd Saturday
September thru June
| | PALS Death Cafe is a group-led open conversation about mortality that’s not a counseling or bereavement group. There’s no specified topics or designated outcomes. Just bring your questions about any aspect of death and dying that interests you. RSVP for the next PALS Death Cafe here. | | |
PALS Circle is an hour of enjoyable connection, support and friendship among LGBTQ+ seniors and allies. There's no agenda, no formal topic — just fun conversation and camaraderie each Monday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on ZOOM. Sign up to receive PALS Circle announcements here.
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Lesbians Embracing Aging
Lesbians Embracing Aging: An Introduction
The mission of LEA is to encourage and assist LBTQIA women with healthy aging by creating
support networks of socialization, information, and healthcare.
We are forming a hub of LBTQIA Women and allies willing to help one another navigate the
changes and challenges of aging and help make the myriad of available services more accessible.
Please join us for our next meeting as we make progress toward our goals.
If you would like more information, be on our email list or join us for our next meeting TBA Please send an email to
LEAofCoachellaValley@gmail.com
The LEA women:
Kelly Watson, Lauren Nile, Barbara Tyler, Rita Gonzales, Kate Ullman, Ronni Sanlo
Exciting News! Join Our New LEA Facebook Group
We’re thrilled to introduce a new way for LEA members to connect and support one another—our brand-new Facebook group, The LEA Bulletin Board!
Click the link below to access the page, then hit the blue “Join Group”button. You’ll be asked to answer three quick questions, and an administrator will approve your request.
This is a private group—only LEA members can see discussions. Once you’re in, be sure to adjust your notification settings by clicking on the gray “Joined” button and selecting “Manage Notifications.” We recommend choosing “All Posts” so you don’t miss out!
What’s This Group For?
Connection & Conversation – A space for us to chat about topics related to aging (and embracing it!).
Support & Community – A place to lend a helping hand and uplift each other when needed.
We’d love for you to introduce yourself, join the conversation, and most importantly—have fun! See you there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1842826446542272
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Evening Chat Group 5:00pm to 6:30 pm Every Wednesday
LIDS (Lesbians In The Desert) Wednesday evenings, join us for a lively Zoom chat, catch up with friends, and make new ones! Open to Lesbians in and out of the Coachella Valley — California — all 50 States — and beyond. Please email NurseJaynes@yahoo.com to receive the invite with Zoom meeting ID & Passcode. Bring a friend! Hosted by Cindy T, Crickett, & Jayne
Hosted by Crickett and Cindy
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1st and 3rd Fridays are Wine Down Friday’s with the Coachella Valley Ladies of Justice and a Guest Speaker at theV-Lounge 5PM-6:30P. 600 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
Network, share info about your business/upcoming event or just drop-by to unwind and make new friends!
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Gay Country Western Dancing - Saturday Nights
Join the Dance Ranch for a great night of country western dancing, including two-step, waltz, shadow, East and West Coast swing, and line dances.
It all happens at Step By Step
933 Crossley Road, Palm Springs.
Admission is $5
Lesson is at 7pm. Dancing from 7:30-9:30pm
Dance Ranch Palm Springs is a country western dance group serving the LGBTQ+ community and its friends. Country dancers of all levels are welcome!
Learn more about Dance Ranch and find out what they’re teaching at danceranchps.org.
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Our history will NOT be hidden!
Not with us two old lesbians and our awesome guests on guard! Our free podcast LGBTQ History Alive! with Ronni and Kelly begins
January 1, 2024.
Meet the Two Old Lesbians!
Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D. is a retired UCLA professor and LGBTQ Center director, founder of the award-winning Lavender Graduation, and editor of the four volume This Day in LGBTQ History. Kelly Watson, Ph.D, DDS, is a retired recovery center director and business professional, and still and always involved with 12 step recovery.
2024 Schedule - Check it Out!
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