Lesbians of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Outings and Events

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Daybreak. There is a sweetness, an innocence in the newness of the day before the mind collects all the melodrama and emotions of all the previous days. Before I tell myself who I am, where I am, who I want to be, what I need to know. I am a flicker of awareness without identity. Time is pregnant with possibilities; all is magic. The brilliant 1st curve of the sun ignites the clouds on fire, and the lingering grey transmutes to light blue and then a darker blue. I love these hours with their quiet sense of newness, their sense of vulnerability, and their sense of freedom from all that lies in the past. I drift in the lightness before the hours.

The hours will bring the challenges of being human, the challenges of emotion. Something will trigger a memory, and I will stoop down to gather a package of resentment. Someone will praise someone else, and my mind will encourage me to gather a package of jealousy. Someone is invited to a party, and I am not; a bundle of hurt waits at my feet to be picked up. The streets filled with tourists driving in erratic ways offer up buckets of irritability. Can I shake my head and laugh at the unbidden thoughts shooting through my mind? Can I look at these bundles of negative energy littering the way and resist, knowing they bring misery? I must navigate the minefield of myself in the upcoming hours. Sometimes, I step where I shouldn't. Gather what should be left,

But for now, I cherish these moments when I swim naked without expectations and without the thoughts and burdens of the past. Moments of gratitude where being alive is enough and my mind has not yet become anxious for the future. Do the stories I tell myself define or trap me? We have many versions of ourselves; some stories, like skin, must be shed before we grow into the next version of ourselves.

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


I wish to share this story by author John Perricone:


Several years ago, as a teacher, I invited a Buddhist monk to speak to my Senior elective class, and quite interestingly, as he entered the room, he did not say a word (that caught everyone's attention). He just walked to the board and wrote this: "EVERYONE WANTS TO SAVE THE WORLD, BUT NO ONE WANTS TO HELP MOM DO THE DISHES." We all laughed. But then he went on to say this to my students: 


"Statistically, it's highly unlikely that any of you will ever have the opportunity to run into a burning orphanage and rescue an infant. But, in the smallest gesture of kindness -- a warm smile, holding the door for the person behind you, shoveling the driveway of the elderly person next door -- you have committed an act of immeasurable profundity, because to each of us, our life is our universe." 


This is my hope for you for the New Year -- that by your smallest acts of kindness, you will save another's world. (John Perricone) 

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
  • REI Women's Hiking
  • 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. Big News: She Rocks Performers, Panels, and More

https://hollywoodtimes.net/big-news-she-rocks-performers-panels-more/


2. The dangers of disinformation take the spotlight as W.Y. Geng’s “The Seed of Truth” shows how history is rhyming with the past

https://hollywoodtimes.net/dangers-disinformation-take-spotlight-w-y-geng-the-seed-of-truth-shows-how-history-rhyming-past/


3. The Timeless Allure of Caviar: A Personal Journey and a Taste of Luxury

https://hollywoodtimes.net/timeless-allure-caviar-personal-journey-taste-luxury/


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


Syria- Sabat M. Islambouli (1867–1941) was a Syrian-born physician, of Kurdish–Jewish heritage. She is the first known female physician from Syria. She has had variations of the spelling of her name, and is also known as Sabat Islambooly, Tabat Islambouly, Tabat Istanbuli, Thabat Islambooly, and more.

Kurdish woman among first female Physicians,... | Rudaw.net


Japan (pictured above)- Kei Okami (岡見 京, Okami Kei, 11 September 1859[1][2] – 2 September 1941[1]) was a Japanese physician. She was the first Japanese woman to obtain a degree in Western medicine from a Western university (Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, USA).

Remembering Keiko Okami: The Trailblazing Japanese Woman Who Became a Doctor in a Western World - Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute


India -Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi (31 March 1865 – 26 February 1887) was the first Indian female doctor of western medicine. She was the first woman from the erstwhile Bombay presidency of India to study and graduate with a two-year degree in western medicine in the United States.[1] She was also referred to as Anandibai Joshi and Anandi Gopal Joshi (where Gopal came from Gopalrao, her husband's first name).

Anandi Gopalrao Joshi: India’s First Female Doctor | by Researcher | Medium

LGBT History Alive with Ronni & Kelly


Podcasts | Ronni Sanlo

In The Substacks

The Substacks are replacing mainstream media. In MSS, the right has a narrative, and the left has a narrative. Journalists cannot explore nuance or grey areas without a pile-on or calls for cancellation. Many journalists have moved now to the substack to write with freedom of expression, offering some free articles and subscriptions to regular readers. I enjoy different points of view and opinions. I don't always agree with my favorite writers, but I appreciate how they frame issues away from the politically correct narratives.


'Hiking helps me connect - it's free therapy'


Social anxiety can be limiting. There are ways to get relief.


New book addresses a largely ignored problem: Social anxiety


Only 11 movies received a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes in 2024 — here they all are


Palm Springs film festival programmers say these 25 films are must-sees


The Feminists, Gays, and Lesbians Who Support the Bans - Stop framing the battle over "gender-affirming care" as left versus right.


The Push for Puberty Blockers Got Ahead of the Research - Great article in the Atlantic.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival


I wish I could trumpet the many lesbian films at the festival this year. I could only find 3

SALLY! | Palm Springs International Film Festival

Texas-born Sally Gearhart was a fiery, charismatic lesbian feminist, teacher, and fantasy writer. She fought alongside Harvey Milk, founded a radical, free-loving women’s commune in Northern California, and comes to vibrant life in this funny, revelatory celebration of her high-octane life.


JANIS IAN: BREAKING SILENCE | Palm Springs International Film Festival

The tumultuous journey of beloved singer-songwriter Janis Ian – who found fame as a teenager with her boundary-breaking song “Society’s Child” – unfolds in this saga of an artist who triumphed over homophobia, a misogynistic music industry, debilitating health issues, and a gun-toting lover.


THE SHAMELESS | Palm Springs International Film Festival

This provocative drama set in India explores the forbidden relationship between Renuka (2024 Cannes Un Certain Regard Best Actress winner Anasuya Sengupta), a tough-as-nails sex worker on the run, and Devika (Omara Shetty), a teenager destined for a similar future.

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

LEZ Party

Jan 12th 3-7PM


Low Desert Restaurant and Bar in Smoketree Plaza

$10 Cash Door

Easy/Moderate/Difficult Hikes


Tuesday, Jan7th- 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.




Saturday Jan 11th - 8:30 am

Snow Creek

Length  5 Miles or as much as you want to do. The fast hikers do more.

Type    In and Out

Elevation 1000 feet

Time:    3 -4 hours

Meetup  Kim's house at 8:30am


Features Hike up the PCT from Snow Creek to a vantage point of the San Gorgonio pass, Desert Hot Springs, and the windmills. The trail is all uphill, but the pace will be slow. The first part is on the road to the DWA facility; the trail climbs west and south.


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

Registration

2024 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


No Movie this week. We will return in January after Film Festival

Details and Registration

Check This Out - The Lesbian Project Podcast


Episode 56 FREE: an interview with Joanna Cherry! Political beginnings, life in the SNP, identity politics, Nicola Sturgeon; plus the daftness of 100 Top Woman lists and lesbian pantos.


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


BFFs on Tubi - free


Watch BFFs (2014) - Free Movies | Tubi


Hidden Gem. It made me laugh at lot.


Best friends Kat and Samantha pretend to be lovers to take advantage of a free, couples only, weekend retreat. Instead of time spent lounging by the pool, they find themselves immersed in trust exercises and group therapy with well-meaning, quirky couples there to save their relationships. Forced to play along, Kat and Samantha take their roles so seriously they start to question the nature of their own relationship. Do they have feelings for each other, or has the retreat pulled a Jedi mind-trick on them?



THRIVE: A PATH TO WELL-BEING

JANUARY 11, 2025


FREE EVENT BUT YOU MUST REGISTER.


Join us for our first annual THRIVE event for cis, trans, and queer identifying lesbians. A day of health!!


This is a collaborative effort with Eisenhower Health. Guest speakers, exhibitors, and breakout sessions - sound bath, yoga, stretching, self-defense, chair massage and more.


Continental breakfast and afternoon snacks.


THRIVE: A Path to Well-Being Tickets, Sat, Jan 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite


Live Special Taping on Friday, January 17th, 2025
5pm and 8pm
The Revolution Stage Company 
Downtown Palm Springs near Revivals
Award winning comedian - Lez Out Loud's - Mina Hartong (Olivia Travel, Curve Magazine) has been performing & touring for over 20 years...and it's about time she filmed her Comedy Special. 
Once filming begins, the doors will close. Please arrive before the showtime to ensure admittance.
We hope you can join us for this one-time event.
Purchase Tickets Here  
Mina has been performing and touring for over 20 years; Provincetown, Fire Island, Montreal Fringe Festival, and dozens of clubs in New York and LA. She was a finalist for the National Ladies of Laughter Contest and Curve Magazine called her one of America’s Funniest Lesbians alongside lesbian icons such as Suzanne Westenhoffer, Marga Gomez and Karen Williams.  Now back in New York, she can’t think of a better place to film her first Comedy Special than with the beautiful community that is Palm Springs and Revolution Stage Company. 

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 - Friday 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, 316 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.

Admission is $5.

Lesson is at 7 pm. Dancing from 7:30-9:30 pm. 


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