Lesbians of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Outings and Events

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Yellow Butterflies

This morning, my backyard

is full of yellow butterflies—

small flickers of light

against the green,

as if the air itself remembers

how to forgive.

Jung said the shadow is what we hide—

the parts of us we exile,

the hungers, the cruelties,

the impulses we cannot bear to name.

We bury them deep,

pretend they aren’t there,

but the shadow never dies—

it leaks,

it seeps through the cracks,

tinting the world

in the color of what we refuse to see.

We project.

We accuse others

of what we cannot face.

And it seems now,

in the bright glare of media light,

our inhumanity

is laid bare.

So we rename the shadows,

make them sound noble:

Lies are fine if they serve the “greater good.”

Greed is fine because God approves.

Cruelty is fine

when our tribe is spared the cost.

We tell ourselves success is only merit,

never privilege.

We forget the scaffolding of luck—

the invisible ladders beneath our feet:

rich parents, the right skin color,

beauty that opens doors,

a body made for gold metals,

the gift of quick understanding,

an education provided,

a gender that fits the mold,

parents who did not break us,

childhoods unshattered by fear.

We call these things small,

but they are everything.

They shape the map beneath our soles.

And when we deny them,

we harden our hearts

to those still climbing without them.

.

Yet we are the other side, too—

the helpers,

the rescuers,

the woman who pulls over

for the dog left trembling by the road,

the friend who sorts cans at the food bank,

the neighbor who tends her mother’s failing hands

and calls it love, not duty.

The hiker who bends

to gather the trash of strangers—

a small prayer to the earth.

The women who gather to weave belonging

from threads of care and laughter.

They mend my heart.

They give me hope.

We are pulled by many currents—

darkness and grace intertwined.

Still, we can choose honesty.

We can choose kindness.

We can face what lives within

and reach for what redeems us.

When we brave the shadow,

it softens,

it opens,

it becomes light.

There is grace.

There is understanding.

There is love—

and from the dark cocoon,

something radiant takes flight.

And today, my yard is full of yellow butterflies.

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

“I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen.”

John Steinbeck

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  

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

Mary is a registered Pickleball Ambassador.

The Roost

V Lounge

Double Feature: Jeanne Córdova: Butches, Lies & Feminism & “Paradise” (2023): Revisiting South Korea’s Gay/Queer Pasts

Animal Samaritans’ Free Spay & Neuter Program is now helping pet owners in La Quinta. This program has already provided lifesaving services in Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, and Unincorporated Areas, and we’re excited to continue supporting communities across the Coachella Valley.

Banned books event coming up in Yucca Valley October 11 will feature three queer feminist writers

New Book - Show Her The Money



New Book - The Worst Kind of Girl, a novel by Susan Rukeyser

• 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.

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.

Congratulations to Valerie Milano, publisher and senior editor of The Hollywood Times, will receive the Spirit of Stonewall Arts and Culture Award for her journalism and coverage of LGBTQ+ cultural events, including the Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival and Cinema Diverse at the Pride Honors

Valerie is also a major supporter of the L-Fund and Sunset Music. Well deserved Valerie.

The Silent Writing Club

Hey Lesbian /Bi/Trans/Queer women writers and sort-of writers! Let’s get together for an hour once a week to write. It doesn’t matter on what you’re working, we’ll just write. The agenda is this: welcome and introductions with good snacks (I'm thinking Costco cookies!), write for 60 minutes uninterrupted and in silence, then chat for a few minutes about our writing. This is not a writing class, no instructions, no rules, no cost. We’ll just write. We’ll meet at Ronni and Kelly’s house to start, others later if you wish to volunteer. If this appeals to you, email Ronni at ronnisanlo@gmail.com for the address of the first Silent Writing Club on Wednesday, October 29^th at 2 PM.

We are excited to announce Lesbians Embracing Aging monthly zoom meeting October 13, 2025 11 AM. Please join as:

Sweet Baby J’ai will explore the relationship of women to Pride and the importance of carving out space where lesbians and queer women are seen, centered, and celebrated—especially in a movement that has often been dominated by men. She will also share how her nonprofit, the Sunset Music and Education Foundation (SMEF), carries that same mission forward by spotlighting underrepresented (women, artists of color, LGBTQ+, seniors, kids) voices through concerts and festivals, and by mentoring the next generation with its SMARTS Initiative, which provides instruments, scholarships, and performance opportunities for youth.

Additionally we want to remind you of the first community service project of Lesbians Embracing Aging. LEA and Sunline Transit present all the various modes of public transportation available in the Coachella Valley. This presentation is open to the entire community so tell your friends and be sure to register.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82977588013?pwd=urfkjO44hhwpBbKU1OIZDnPfJlbg0R.1

Room 

829-7758-8013

PW 12345

"Wine Down Fridays", October 17th our guest speaker is Jeanette Tonnes. Registered Veterinary Technician with more than 45 years working worldwide with exotic animals.  She now travels across the country offering a preventative medicine program to wolf and big cat sanctuaries.

1st and 3rd Fridays are Wine Down Friday’s  with Guest Speakers 5PM-6:30P. 600 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.

present by the Ladies of Justice at the V-Lounge

Life is unpredictable and can change in a flash! People suddenly get sick when they seem really healthy — and when does anyone ever plan for suffering a heart attack, stroke or developing Alzheimer’s? Yet with an increasing number of people living well into their 80s, 90s and even 100s, the need to effectively plan ahead — has never been more pressing!  So if you keep putting off getting your affairs in order because you don't want to think about it, don’t know where to begin, or don't know what to say, then this PALS Seminar is for you!

Join us from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at The Center or on ZOOM on Saturday, October 18th to learn everything you need to know about PALS 7 Essential Conversations — well before a health crisis or other life-altering situation arises — and why having them now is the best GIFT you can give to those you love!

Register here to attend  at the Center:  https://evt.to/eoimsdguw

RSVP for Zoom link: 

 http://bit.ly/4gJQZXO

PALS no-cost seminars offer up-to-date information, resources and opportunities for learning and engaging in each one of the essential "planning ahead" conversations all of us need to have and the actions we must take now before a health crisis or other life-altering situation arises. 

Sunniva Sorby (fellow hiker and Palm Springs snowbird) joins Wild Women Expeditions as their Polar Ambassador representing adventures across Svalbard, the Canadian Arctic, and Antarctica.

To kick things off, I’ll be joining their Svalbard voyage from June 15–25, 2026, and I’d like to extend a heartfelt invitation to all women to join us on this incredible journey. Right now, Wild Women Expeditions is offering a 20% promotion until the end of October — it’s a rare opportunity to be part of something transformative. – click here for more details

Having traveled much of my life, I know that how, and with whom we travel matters more than ever. That’s why I’m proud to align with a company like Wild Women Expeditions, where we share core values of:

 Women’s empowerment

 Female leadership / Elevating one another

 Giving back and adding value to every place/community we visit

Together, we’ll have a ton of fun and experience the raw beauty of Svalbard, connect deeply with nature, and contribute to a legacy of women supporting women at the ends of the Earth.

I hope to see some of you on deck in Svalbard this June.

Sunniva Sorby

Polar Explorer | Citizen Scientist | Polar Ambassador for Wild Women Expeditions

** By the way Bellsund is on the itinerary and weather permitting we’ll explore the area around Bamsebu ( yup that teeny trappers hut I spent 19 months in) which is steeped in history and rich with wildlife and wildflowers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join me in Svalbard, Norway June 15-25th 2026 

with Wild Women Expeditions!

** TEDx Talk in Victoria - 14 mins

** Check out our Monthly Event Series 

with Exploring by the Seat of your pants!

Author.Explorer.Activist.Educator

www.sunnivasorby.com

COME CELEBRATE FALL! SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, November 23rd. 3-7 PM.  Get ready for a high-energy night with @pulpvixenband Duo Pulp Vixen - Female Fueled Music, bringing powerhouse vocals and nonstop hits. Enjoy drink specials, dance the night away, and win exciting giveaways!

 Live Music by Pulp Vixen Duo

 Drink Specials

 Dancing & Giveaways

 $10 Cash Door

Mark your calendar and gather your friends for an unforgettable night at @lowdesertps Low Desert Modern Mexican. Let’s make this a Fall Celebration to remember!  All Welcome.

Rainbow Alliance of the Spiritual Center is Proud to announce.** Boots on the Ground ** **Spiritual Center of Palm Desert! ** Save the date: Oct. 17th, 6 PM - 10 PM Dinner, Dancing, Libations, Raffle Prizes, and Endless Fun! 

Put on your favorite boots and get ready to kick up your heels for an evening filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit. Don't miss out—this is sure to sell out! Grab your friends and dance the night away to the Live Music of the Awesome “ Pulp Vixen Band”  Call to purchase your reserved seats now!

760-346-4649

Lesbians Embracing Aging (LEA)

Lesbians Embracing Aging (LEA)

If you are an older lesbian and would like to connect with others, please consider joining

LEA. You can start by signing up for our monthly newsletter and then, if you’d like to

connect more often, join our private Facebook group which is about connection and

conversation, support and community – a place to lend a helping hand and uplift each

other when needed. 

To sign up for the newsletter let us know here: leaofcoachellavalley@gmail.com

To sign up for the Facebook group (please note: all applicants must answer brief

questions and agree to group rules) let us know here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1842826446542272 

To attend the monthly LEA Zoom meeting mark your calendar for the second

Monday of each month at 11: 00 AM  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82977588013?pwd=urfkjO44hhwpBbKU1OIZDnPfJlbg0R.1#

success

To read LEA’s mission https://www.trianglecaremanagement.org/embracing-aging-

Gennine Francis will be performing at The Roost on Saturday from 6–9 pm. Reservations can be made online at: ticketbud.com.

Leanna Rogers and Miguel will be performing at the V Lounge on Monday from 5–8 pm. $5 cover charge. Leanna and The Free Agents are performing on Fridays from 6–8 pm at Hyatt, Palm Springs.

Marisa Corvo performs at The Roost on Sunday, October 19; Wednesdays: October 1, 15, 29 from 6:30–9 pm. Tickets at ticketbud.com.

Sherie Rae Parker will be performing on Thursday, October 2 at 6 pm at The Roost. Reservations can be made online at: ticketbud.com.

Karen Cobb will be performing on Saturdays, October 11, 25 at 6 pm at The Roost. Reservations can be made online at: ticketbud.com.

Patrice Morris will be performing on Thursdays, October 16–December 11 at 6 pm at The Roost. Reservations can be made online at: ticketbud.com.

Rebecca Clark performs at The Roost on Sunday, October 26 from 6:30–9 pm. Tickets at ticketbud.com.

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

Easy/Moderate/Difficult Hikes

Hiking season has started.

I hike Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Sign up below to receive hiking information

New hikers must register and sign a waiver.

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. 

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/