Lesbians of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Outings and Events

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When the wasps become bees 


The wasps come again at sunset. 

They crawl through my mind into hidden crevices 

They cover my body 

They gnaw at old thoughts and emotions decaying in darkness 

I cannot rest; my mind crawls with thoughts, many thoughts 

Sleep is elusive; I let the razor-edged memories float to the service, the legs of wasps freeing them from the hidden chambers. They bring the familiar pain, the old anxiety, as the heart races and the chest tightens.


Sleep comes, the chaos of the wasps dissipates, and the bees open a portal in time.


I am in a place much deeper than memories now. I move on the footpaths of my childhood through fields and forests, remembering every detail. Every turn, every puddle, and every exposed root and rut. My bare feet embrace the texture of powdered dust on hot summer days and the texture of earthy mud after rain. My hands trace the grooves in the rough bark of the tall fir at the end of the driveway. A sharp, earthy scent of pitch fills my nostrils. I smell the horses and cattle, and my heart swells in happiness to feel their presence again. On the rough hay bales in the barn, my cat finds her home under my arm, purring and kneading my side. It has been a long separation.

The chicken coop smells of musty straw. Beaks peck at the back of my hand as I try to claim eggs. Outside, I open the rusted door of the old car abandoned near the machine shop. I turn the beat-up steering wheel and grasp the worn knob of the gearshift, my imagination racing old country roads—a time when imagination ran free. I had forgotten how much I loved this place and how much it loved me. The sweet smell of alfalfa in the hay fields on hot summer days. The sharp bristles of cut oat stalks on bare feet. It had embedded all of itself in me. Every sight, every sound and smell. Taste and texture are part of my cells, part of my nervous system. Home and womb. The pain of wasps had cleansed me, and the bees harvested the awe beneath. I did not want to wake from this gift, to be here again.

When my knees and legs can no longer carry me into hills and mountains, into the wild places of my heart, I hope the bees will come at night and take me there.

Kim

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


The determination to know a particular place, in my experience, is consistently rewarded. And every natural place, to my mind, is open to being known. And somewhere in this process a person begins to sense that they themselves are becoming known, so that when they are absent from that place they know that place misses them. And this reciprocity, to know and be known, reinforces a sense that one is necessary in the world.

Barry Lopez


In the upcoming days of uncertainty, take care of yourself and if you can, spend time outside of your own mind. Take the moments to watch the clouds and the crows.

Businesses - Let's Support Our Community

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 

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  

Local Lesbian Hangouts - Cocktails & Dancing

The Roost

V Lounge

Community Bulletin Board 


The Hollywood Times is looking for Palm Springs entertainment event writers/interns


Coachella Valley Invitational Soccer Competition with the National Women's Soccer League Feb 16th and Feb 22nd

Coachella Valley Invitational


Local Lesbian Authors and Books
Community Resources - Food, Medicare Counseling, Advocacy, Behavorial Health
Women's Music Festivals, Weekends, Travel etc.
  • 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.
Take Me Home - Pet of the Week

Fur babies needing family at Animal Samaritans

Shelter — Animal Samaritans


Email me at gabriolakim@gmail.com if you want something posted on the bulletin board, or an event promoted.

Hollywood Times - Valerie Milano

1. The L-Fund is Excited to Announce its March 1, 2025 Gala Awardee!

https://hollywoodtimes.net/the-l-fund-is-excited-to-announce-its-march-1-2025-gala-awardee/


2. Star-Studded She Rocks Awards Lineup Announced

https://hollywoodtimes.net/star-studded-she-rocks-awards-lineup-announced/


3. Hallmark’s Series “The Way Home” is a Must See Show, Season 3 Now Steaming

https://hollywoodtimes.net/hallmarks-series-the-way-home-is-a-must-see-show-season-3-now-steaming/


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.

Women’s History


Women, We Should Know


Diane Crump


May 2, 1970 - "A horse doesn't know if the rider on his back wears a dress or pants away from the track," said Diane Crump who became the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby. The 21-year old rode a horse named Fathom to come in 15th in a 17-horse field for the 96th running of the Derby. The previous year she was the first female jockey to compete in a pari-mutuel race in the United States, a feat that was so bitterly opposed by male jockeys and racing fans that a full police escort had to spirit Crump out of the Hialeah Park Race Course.

Recalling the experience at Hialeah Park, Crump wrote, "The crowd was just swarming all over me. They were crazy, up in arms. . .The hecklers were yelling: 'Go back to the kitchen and cook dinner.' That was the mentality at the time. They thought I was going to be the downfall of the whole sport, which is such a medieval thought. I was like: 'Come on people, this is the 1960s!'"

Regarding her Kentucky Derby race, Crump recalled years later, "I won the opening race on the Derby Day card and I did finish fourth in the 2-year-old filly stakes race. I did have a good day. That kind of crowd, that kind of atmosphere, it was pretty awesome. Winning a race on that day was pretty awesome. I remember a lot of great things. Going to post and warming up, them playing "My Old Kentucky Home," just all the thoughts and feelings that go through your head at that time. At that point, you're thinking, 'Hey, there's always a chance.' That's what life gives us every single day. It was a chance."

When Crump retired from racing in 1985, she had tallied 235 wins.

"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't or that you're not good enough. You are." - Diane Crump


LGBT History Alive with Ronni & Kelly


Podcasts | Ronni Sanlo

In The Substacks


AG Nominee Pam Bondi Pledges to "Respect The Law" On Marriage Equality—But Critics Remain Wary - GO Magazine


Top 10 Lesbian Movies on Netflix To Watch Right Now in 2025 #2


Top 6 Must Watch Swedish Lesbian Movies


The Aces - "The Magic" (Official Lyric Video) - the aces are a lesbian band


Scientists Asked People To Do 1 Thing Differently While Taking A Walk. The Results Were Astounding.


Western meritocracy traps people in emotions of envy, shame and fear, philosophers say

Happening this season


Claire and Cindy's Outings


January 2nd - First Thursday Each Month Palm Springs Villagefest Meetup-- We will meet in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum ( 101 Museum Drive PS) at 5:30 and transverse the street fair starting Jan 2nd,


The 2nd Saturday of Each Month, meet at the College of the Desert Street Fair in the food court to enjoy treats and women (well, most women are a treat in themselves) at 9 a.m.

Street & Art Fair & Farmers Market - College of the Desert | Palm Desert (codaastreetfair.com)

Signup

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


Coachella Valley Invitational - National Women's Soccer League Meetup Feb 16th

Coachella Valley Invitational

Reggie Anne wants to get a group to together to enjoy the fun, carpool and split the parking fees.

Contact Reggie at reggie.annie.b@gmail.com for more info.

Sounds like a whole lot of fun

Radical Harmonies - Free Screening - Feb 8th


Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Dee Mosbacher's RADICAL HARMONIES chronicles the history of queer music by (mostly lesbian) women.

Saturday, February 8 · 3 - 5:30pm PST

Palm Springs Cultural Center

2300 East Baristo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262


Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Dee Mosbacher's Radical Harmonies chronicles the Women's Music Cultural Movement and its evolution from "a girl with a guitar" to a revolution in the roles of women in music and culture, changing women, the women’s movement, and the music industry forever. Through festival and performance footage, interviews, and archival material from the 1960s to the 1990s, Radical Harmonies delves into a musical culture based on a commitment to feminism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.


In its heyday during the 1970s and 80s, the Women’s Music Cultural Movement offered a message that was different from the mainstream musical culture. For the first time ever, women made festivals accessible through sign language interpretation, differently abled accommodations, and sliding scale ticket prices. The movement also gave birth to an alternative industry that changed women and music forever. It opened doors for women producers, photographers, sound and light technicians, along with women-owned recording, sound, and distribution companies.


Free Tickets

Easy/Moderate/Difficult Hikes



Tuesday, Jan21st- The Ladders in Mecca


8:30 am at the Costco Palm Desert Monterey by the gas station or the truck stop 90496 66th Ave, Mecca at 9 am or Kim's house at 8 am

Length   5 miles

Type     Loop

Elevation 900 ft

Time     3 hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

Meetup    90496 66th Ave, Mecca, CA 92254

           Outside the Starbucks. Easy to get lost on the way in.


The closest city is Mecca. Google "Ladder Canyon Hike," and go to maps (Painted Canyon Trailhead Painted Canyon Rd, Mecca, CA 92254). The last road you take to the parking lot is a dirt road. It is roughly 3.5 miles long. There is a sign that says 4WD vehicles beyond this point when you turn onto the road, but I take my Honda Fit in; the road is washboard and dusty but not dangerous; just go slow, especially if you are not wearing a bra. This is a hiking favorite.


The trail is a loop that passes through a slot canyon with 5 to 7 ladders, climbs up to a ridge with some awesome views, and then returns along the bottom of Big Painted Canyon with wonderful rock formations. The ridge is exposed with no shade. I am squeamish about heights but do okay on this hike. We help each other clear the top of the ladders.

Bring at least 1 liter of water. New hikers must register and sign a waiver.


Tuesday Jan 28th

View Loop Whitewater


Saturday Jan 25th

No Hike


Saturday Feb 1st

Mission Creek to Whitewater - Car Shuttle

Bring at least 1 liter of water. New hikers must register and sign a waiver.

Registration

Every Month Bird Watching Walks at Prescott Preserve


Join OLT Volunteer Kurt Kosek for bird watching walks at Prescott Preserve every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 8am. Birders of all ages and experience levels welcome. Walks are under 1.5 miles on dirt trails. The group meets at the old golf cart crosswalk on Farrell, just north of Mesquite. Plenty of parking on Farrell. 

2025 Walks - Regular Friday walk at Butler Abrams - Rancho Mirage - Dogs Welcome

9AM


Length   2.5 miles

Type     In 26thand Out

Elevation 45 ft

Time     1 Hr

Difficulty: Easy


Meetup is the parking lot at Michael S Wolfson Park

70001 Frank Sinatra Dr, Rancho Mirage, Ca 9227

The more you walk, the healthier you can become, major study finds (msn.com)

Details and Registration

Movie Meetup

Wednesday - Mary Pickford Theater


The Room Next Door with Julianne Moore and Tilda Swanson

Jan 15th

11:50 am


I will be in the lobby by the tables at 11:30am


'The Room Next Door' Review: Tilda Swinton in a Monumental Performance


In ‘The Room Next Door,’ Pedro Almodóvar grapples with life, love and assisted suicide



Details and Registration

Check This Out - The Lesbian Project Podcast


Episode 60 FREE: Maria Callas, lesbian pulp fiction, Alice Weidel, safe spaces for aromantics, "lesbian boyfriends".


I love listening to these gals as they argue, debate, and commiserate.

Book and Movie Salon/Club -

2024 Schedule 2nd Mondays 5:30 pm


In the form of a question: the joys and rewards of a curious life by Amy

Schneider January 2025

An inspirational, witty and bold memoir from the most successful woman ever

to compete on Jeopardy. Amy shares what has fascinated her throughout her

life i.e., books, music, Tarot, astrology, popular culture, computers, sex and

relationships. These topics all share the same purpose: a lifetime spent asking

why?



Details and Registration

The Palm Springs Cultural Center brings you a season of films directed by women. And we think our timing is pretty good, too! Curated by Deserted Films. It all begins on Sept. 8th with CLUELESS, and lasts through Spring of 2025. It's about women. And it’s about time. TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/she-did-it-8-riveting-films-directed-by-women-clueless-tickets-1001604805937?aff=oddtdtcreator

This Week's Recommendation


No Good Deed on Netflix

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. It kept surprising me.


“Dead to Me” creator Liz Feldman has once again delivered a whip-smart and heartfelt comedy for Netflix. This time, the series follows married couple Lydia (Lisa Kudrow) and Paul Morgan (Ray Romano) as they attempt to sell their luxurious Los Feliz home. While the concept appears slight, what unfolds is anything but. .... She has mastered an expansive ensemble series. Each couple that desires the Los Feliz house feels as fleshed out as Lydia and Paul, and just as entertaining. RogeEbert.com

Desert Legends


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All things Pickleball


For more information about pickleball, including lessons, leagues, and other lesbians playing pickleball - contact Mary Barsaleau.

Mary is a registered Pickleball Ambassador.




Pickleball points: Here are some tips and strategies specifically for seniors (msn.com)

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




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


Evening Chat Group 5:30pm to 7 pm Every Wednesday


LIDS (Lesbians In The Desert) Wednesday evenings, 5:30 pm - 7ish — 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

Register Here

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!


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.

 

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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The L-Fund empowers cis, trans, and queer identifying lesbians through financial crisis assistance as well as grants in the areas of education, the arts, and health and wellness.

If you would like to donate, please find us at https://l-fund.org/


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The Palm Springs Women’s Jazz and Blues Assoc. exists to preserve and foster an appreciation of jazz and blues music and to support female jazz and blues musicians who traditionally struggle for recognition and employment. The festival includes concerts, exhibits, presentations, films, and other events that promote an understanding and enjoyment of the work of women artists.

Jazz News and Events