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Lesbians of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley
Community. Courage. Connection .
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I wrote this during COVID, it seems relevant in these turbulent times.
Walking into the Unknown
In the small hours, the discomfort of the unknown overtakes me.
The world has become unrecognizable. The familiar structures of our lives have fallen away, and my mind tries to compress fear, grief, and spirit into something manageable, something that will quiet me, something that will make the discomfort disappear.
I want the familiar patterns of my old life back.
But I know the comfort of the familiar can be dangerous. It can return us too quickly to lives we had stopped questioning.
Still, I have nowhere to land.
Around me, voices cry out:
Jesus will save us.
Science will save us.
Our leaders will save us.
We wait to be rescued, believing there can be no peace until the danger has passed and the old world has been restored.
But beneath our certainty lives another fear:
What if nothing can save us?
What if the world we knew is not coming back?
Then dawn arrives.
The sun rises and paints the low clouds pink and gold. For a moment, I am drawn away from thoughts of myself, away from contagion and survival, and into the mystery of creation.
I walk.
I walk until the sense of standing upon the landscape falls away and is replaced by the sense that I belong to it.
I walk until fear of the unknown begins to loosen, until the unknown becomes not only a threat, but an opening.
It pushes me to imagine, to experiment, to live differently.
It asks me to examine my beliefs, my habits, and the world I had accepted without question.
It asks what might be built differently when the old patterns no longer hold.
The unknown draws me back into light and water, breath and blood, death and renewal. It reminds me that life is older and larger than fear.
Billions of years ago, we were conceived by sea and earth, by air and sun. Salt in our blood, minerals in our bones, breath passing between our lungs and the trees.
We do not need the old world to return to be whole. Life does not promise us safety, nor does it promise a return to what was.
It offers us morning, another beginning, and the quiet chance to build something more decent, more humane, and more generous than what came before.
The unknown is not asking us to be unafraid.
It is asking us to keep walking.
Kim
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My favorite form of intimacy has always been asking questions, not to pry, but to understand the architecture of someone’s inner world. The way they think. The way they feel. The way their past still echoes in their present. There’s a depth in people that never shows unless someone asks the kind of questions that require honesty instead of performance. What shaped you. What steadied you. What you learned the hard way. What you still carry even when you pretend you don’t.
The older I get, the more I realise intimacy isn’t in declarations. It’s in revelation. It’s in the moments where someone lets you walk into the parts of them that aren’t polished for the world. Some people touch you by knowing your story. Others touch you by wanting to understand your mind. Bothmatter but the second kind stays. Asking is just another way of saying I don’t want the version of you you’ve learned to present. I want the version of you that’s real.
Author unknown
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THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
⚖️ Coachella Valley Ladies of Justice
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When: Every Sunday | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
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Where: Mountain View Grill (28555 Landau Blvd, Cathedral City, CA)
🍹Center Tea Dance & Pool Party
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When: Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Where: Arrive Hotel (1551 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs)
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Details: Enjoy beats from DJ Ay-Lex Song and bring your best splash!
☕ Kitchen Table Gathering
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When: Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 2:30 PM
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Where: Private Residence, Palm Springs (address provided upon RSVP)
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RSVP: Space is limited! Email leaofcoachellavalley@gmail.com to reserve your seat. Note: Location is the same for returning attendees.
🎬 Movie Meetup Update
Both Cindy and I are away for the summer, but the movies don't have to stop!
We usually meet on Wednesday mornings at the Mary Pickford Theater. If there’s a film you’re dying to see, just reach out — I’ll gladly post and advertise a meetup so the group can still gather!
🎷 The Rhythm of the Week at Gertie’s
Drop by Palm Springs' cozy spot for great drinks, tasty food, and fantastic live music.
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When: Wednesday – Sunday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Live Music: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
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Where: Gertie’s Salon & Bar, Palm Springs
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WOMEN WHO LIFTED THE BAR
Vera Gedroits did not simply enter the operating room; she forced open doors that had been bolted against women. Born into Russian-Lithuanian nobility in 1870, she trained as a surgeon in Switzerland and became Russia’s first woman military surgeon, its first woman professor of surgery, and the first woman physician to serve at the imperial court. During the Russo-Japanese War, she operated in railway cars and makeshift field hospitals, performing abdominal surgery on soldiers with penetrating wounds at a time when many military doctors considered such injuries untreatable. Her unusually high survival rates helped challenge established battlefield practice and demonstrated that rapid surgical intervention could save lives once thought lost.
Gedroits continued to break ground long after the war. She modernized hospitals, trained nurses and physicians, published extensively on surgery, cancer, endocrinology and pediatric medicine, and eventually became head of a surgical department in Kyiv. Openly unconventional in her dress, relationships and manner, she refused to shrink herself to fit the expectations of either imperial Russia or the Soviet state. She was also a poet and memoirist, writing under the name Sergei Gedroits. Brilliant, defiant and fiercely devoted to her patients, Vera Gedroits transformed battlefield medicine while claiming intellectual and personal freedoms that women of her generation were rarely permitted even to imagine.
Surgeon, princess, bear-hunting lesbian — the extraordinary life of Vera Gedroits
The princess who transformed war medicine
Cross-dressing princess who took on Rasputin, pioneered facial surgery and saved thousands of soldiers' lives | Daily Mail Online
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🎬 CASTING CALL: LOCAL PICKLEBALL SHORT FILM
🌍 AN INVITATION FROM SUNNIVA SORBY: TWO EXPEDITIONS
"Fellow Explorers and Friends, I have two wonderful invitations for you—one for this upcoming fall, and one for next year. Whether you walk 800 kilometers or 800 meters, I want you walking with us. See you out there!"
— Sunniva x
🧘♀️ WOMEN'S WELLNESS WEEKEND RETREAT: DESERT MUSE FESTIVAL
Join us for a welcoming and restorative weekend under the Harvest Moon.
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Where: Hotel Valley Ho | Scottsdale, AZ
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When: September 25–27, 2026
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Who It’s For: Women of all ages (18–98) and identities—including queer, straight, bi, lesbian, trans, and non-binary individuals.
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What Makes It Special: Gathering under the energy of the Harvest Moon with 5 dedicated healers on-site.
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Pricing: $696 for the Weekend Experience (plus hotel accommodation costs).
🎟️ How to Book
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR SNAPSHOT
🎶 Please check venues for updates or possible changes.
Entertainment
Please check the venues for changes.
Marisa Corvo performs at The Roost on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at ticketbud.com.
The V Wine Lounge hosts Disco Drag Bingo on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
Gennine Francis will perform at The Roost on Saturdays at 6 p.m. Reservations can be made online at ticketbud.com.
Patrice Morris will perform at Indian Wells Resort Hotel on Saturdays at 6 p.m.
Reservations are suggested. Cover charge.
Gennine Francis will perform at Gertie’s Salon and Bar at Alice B.’s Restaurant this Sunday from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Leanna Rogers and Miguel will perform at The V Wine Lounge on Mondays from 5 to 8 p.m. There is a $7.50 cover charge.
Leanna and the Free Agents will perform on Thursdays and Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hyatt Palm Springs.
Gennine Francis will perform at The Roost on Saturdays: July 25; August 8 and 22; and September 12 and 19 at 6 p.m. She will return every Saturday beginning in October. Reservations can be made online at ticketbud.com.
Marisa Corvo performs at The Roost on Wednesdays: July 22; August 5 and 19; and September 16 and 30 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at ticketbud.com.
🪩 Social
Mahjong (American) Thursdays 1pm to 3:30pm
Weekly Chat Group - Zoom - Thursdays 5PM
🌿 Outdoors
Bird Walks – 2nd & 4th Thursdays | Prescott Preserve
Easy/Moderate/Difficult Hikes – Tuesdays & Saturdays
Easy Walk - Fridays
💬 Community & Support
PALS Seminars & Death Café
Evening Chat Group – Thursdays 5 PM
BAM Book & Movie Club – Monthly
Scroll down to COMMUNITY CALENDAR DETAILS for more information on these events
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Lesbian Embracing Aging Received our First Grant!
We are pleased to announce that the Lesbian Embracing Aging has received a $600.00 grant from the Palm Springs Leather of the Desert Organization (PSLOD) this past week. Katie Ullman, a board member of Triangle Care Management, was pleased to accept this grant, which will fund our Quarterly Birthday Parties. The first birthday party will be in October. The exact time and date will be announced soon. The LGBTQ Center has donated a room to LEA, quarterly. This will enable us to meet in person and celebrate. Please contact Kate at katie@katiesplace.com if you would like to be on the planning committee and/or volunteer as a hostess.
Signup for newsletter at leaofcoachellavalley@gmail.com
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Jessica Kirson - lesbian is a hilarious and dynamic comedian known for her energetic performances and relatable humor. With her unique blend of wit and charm, she captivates audiences by sharing personal stories and observations that resonate with everyone. Jessica's infectious laughter and genuine personality make her a standout in the comedy world, bringing joy and laughter wherever she goes.
Events | The Plaza Theatre
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The Rainbow Connection Group at the Spiritual Center of the Desert invites you to an unforgettable evening of dance, music, and community joy! Come connect, move, and celebrate in a welcoming, inclusive space dedicated to our LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Tickets are available now for $25.00. Option to reserve a table. See flyer
To secure your spot, call The Center at 760-346-4649 or visit https://pdspiritualcenter.org.
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2026 BLUES AT THE WOODSTOCK
Dedicated to preserving the music of traditional/classic women blues artists:
VOICES THAT DON’T ASK FOR PERMISSION!
SEPTEMBER 3-6, 2026
HOTEL ZOSO, Palm Springs, CA
TICKETS ON SALE – MAY 8, 2026
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SAVE THE DATE!
KITCHEN 86 & BAR
presents:
DORIS K. REED
A Woman and Her Poetry
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WHEN: 10-04-26
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TIME: 2:00-3:00 pm
- WHERE:
- Kitchen 86
- 73-130 El Paseo
- Palm Desert, CA 92260
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Big laughs. Big heart. Zero apologies. After Filming her debut comedy special Miss Personality (coming to streaming from Comedy Dynamics this year) in front of two sold out audiences in Palm Springs, Mina Hartong (Olivia Travel, Curve Magazine, The New York Times) is coming home to her beloved desert audience with new material, new songs and special guest comics. A sapphic night to remember that wraps up before lesbian bedtime. Don't forget your toe separators! Guest comics announced soon. Fall in love. Laugh a lot. Repeat.
Ticket link
ticketbud.com
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OOPS got the date wrong - Show is Nov 8th at the Plaza
Fortune Feimster is a critically acclaimed comedian, actress, and host known for her upbeat style, unique comedic perspective, and infectious energy. She invites audiences into her world where laughter and love reign supreme.
She recently wrapped production on the Netflix film The Fifth Wheel, starring alongside Kim Kardashian, Nikki Glaser, and Brenda Song, and directed by Eva Longoria. She will next be seen opposite Will Ferrell in Hawk, Netflix’s upcoming golf comedy series premiering in July 2026, and is currently on her national “Takin’ Care of Biscuits” tour. Most recently, she voiced “Nibbles” in Disney’s Oscar-nominated animated hit Zootopia 2, which grossed $1.8 billion worldwide.
FORTUNE FEIMSTER: TAKIN' CARE OF BISCUITS (ENCORE) | The Plaza Theatre
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🏓 PICKLEBALL TIPS:
🏆 PICKLEBALL DRILLS AND TOURNAMENTS:
| | COMMUNITY EVENTS DETAIL & SIGNUPS | | |
Mahjong (American)
1PM to 3:30pm Thursdays
In a private home for summer.
Mahjong Signup
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Every Sunday
Mountain View Grill
28555 Landau Blvd
Cathedral City, 92234
2:00-3:30
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BAM (Book & Movie) Discussion Group
We are an online book and movie club that has been gathering via Zoom/online since 2020. Every member gets the chance to pick a book or movie and lead the discussion for their selection!
Upcoming Schedule
- Summer Break: August (No meeting)
- Resuming: Monday, September 21, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM PT
- Meetings: We meet regularly on the 3rd Monday of each month.
Upcoming Selections
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September 21: So Gay For You: Friendship, Found Family and the Show that Started it All by Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey
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October 19: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
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Easy/Moderate/Difficult Hikes
On Hold for Summer, Starting again in October
Hikes are Tuesdays and Saturdays, weather permitting..
Sign up below to receive hiking information
New hikers must register and sign a waiver.
Sign up below for email notifications.
With the heat now, hikes are pretty much over for the season
https://form.jotform.com/252917689579178
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2026 Walks
On Hold for Summer, Starting again in October
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Evening Chat Group 5pm to 6:30pm PST Every Thursday
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 JayneStrelecki@gmail.com to receive the weekly invite & reminder with Zoom meeting ID and Passcode. Bring a friend! Hosted by Cindy T and Jayne!
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Entertainment - This Week's Recommendation
Apple TV’s Apple TV’s The Dink is a wonderfully silly underdog comedy that understands exactly what it is: a sports movie about pickleball that swings hard, celebrates the absurd and somehow finds a surprising amount of heart along the way. Jake Johnson brings his rumpled, exasperated charm to the centre of the film, while Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and a deep bench of comic performers make even the most ridiculous moments land. The plot occasionally wanders outside the court lines, but the cast keeps the energy bouncing, and the film’s affectionate treatment of aging, family rivalry, second chances and our stubborn need to remain relevant gives the comedy more substance than expected. The Dink will not change your life, but it may make you laugh, feel oddly hopeful and wonder whether you, too, should own an unnecessarily expensive paddle.
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Lesbian Owned Business
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
B's Table
Local Lesbian Authors
Animal Samaritans - Pets for Adoption Fur babies needing family at Animal Samaritans
Shelter — Animal Samaritans
Special Thanks to Frontrunners for their ongoing support of LPSCV
Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers is a running and walking club for members and friends of the LGBTQ+ community in the Coachella Valley. We are a local chapter of International Front Runners, an informal network of LGBTQ+ running groups around the world. Membership is open to everyone without regard to ability, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. Join for daily runs and walks! Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers - Home
| | PALS - Planning Ahead for LGBTQ Seniors | | |
PALS no-cost seminars provide up-to-date info and resources to own your
future, engage in essential conversations and take action because it’s never too soon to start planning ahea
For program updates and to sign up for upcoming PALS Seminars, Death Cafes and PALS Circles, please visit palsinthedesert.com.
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PALS Death Cafe at 2 pm on the 1st Thurs each month provides a group
led and safe space to have open conversations about death and dying without taboo.
For program updates and to sign up for upcoming PALS Seminars, Death Cafes and PALS Circles, please visit palsinthedesert.com.
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.PALS CIRCLE for an hour of connection, support and friendship among
LGBTQ+ seniors and allies. No formal topic — just fun conversation and
camaraderie each Monday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on ZOOM.
For program updates and to sign up for upcoming PALS Seminars, Death Cafes and PALS Circles, please visit palsinthedesert.com.
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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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