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I love the soft peace of morning—before human voices rise, before traffic stirs. The trees awaken with the first light. Their limbs, softened by the night’s rest, slowly lift and stretch, their movements too gradual for our rushed, human eyes to notice. Beneath the dark soil, roots touch again, conversing in a language we’ll never understand. The world feels wondrous, delicious.

I exhale, and the trees draw in my carbon. I inhale, and their gift of oxygen grants me life once more. We know this cycle. We understand it. But rarely do we feel it. In the stillness of dawn, I feel it. In my gut—a hum of connection. The Om.

I walk the dog through a sleeping campground. Tent flaps still drawn. Lawn chairs empty. Stoves cold, coolers waiting to be opened. Children’s bikes and scooters rest in anticipation. The mother of all groundhogs grazes beside a rabbit. I see them every morning now. They no longer hide. The groundhog, three times the size of my dog, is wisely ignored.

By the lake, Canadian geese uncoil their necks from beneath their wings, greeting their mates and goslings with soft, tender honks.

Families greet the day. Trees greet the day. On the way back, mothers stir from tents, stoves hiss to life, and children’s hunger is soothed with promises of “soon.” Partners pour milk into plastic cups and set makeshift tables. Hair tousled, clothed in sleep. Each of us caught in our own small world—yet beneath it all, the Om.

Kim 

Road log

In 1980, I traveled through Pakistan and Iran. At the time, Pakistan was under the grip of Islamic fundamentalism and had implemented Sharia Law. In small towns, as a Western woman—even with my head, arms, and legs fully covered—I was harassed, spat on, and had rocks thrown at me. I knew other women who were urinated on by men while riding public buses. Just two months before my visit, two tourists were dragged off a bus and beaten to death after a local cleric convinced a group of men that the travelers were agents of the devil. So when I hear the phrase “Islam means peace,” I think: not always.

Iran, on the other hand, felt entirely different. We entered just months after the Shah had been exiled and the Ayatollah Khomeini had taken power. The U.S. hostages were still being held in Tehran, yet I was able to travel through the country with other Canadians, Australians, and New Zealanders. In cities and towns, people would lean in and quietly whisper, "Khomeini no good." I saw black hijabs fly open in the wind to reveal jeans and high heels beneath—an unspoken act of resistance. But there were also young soldiers everywhere, carrying machine guns.

Iran, like the U.S., is a deeply divided society. In 1953, it was a democracy—until the British and American governments orchestrated a coup to protect Western oil interests after Iran nationalized its petroleum industry. The Shah was installed, aligned with those interests. When he was exiled in 1979, a power struggle erupted between those who wanted a theocracy and those longing for a return to democracy. The theocracy won.

Even now, the cultural divide remains stark. Many of Iran’s wealthier citizens identify with Persian culture. They are well-educated; women own businesses and pursue higher education. But political power tends to be held by the more fundamentalist class. Many Iranians today long for an end to the theocracy and a rebirth of democratic governance.

Fascist and religious regimes rarely represent the true spirit of their people. I don’t believe most Russians want to kill Ukrainians. Many Palestinians despise Hamas. And countless Iranians resent their fundamentalist leaders. When I hear talk of bombing Iran, I remember the shopkeepers in Esfahan who welcomed us into their homes, who cried as they spoke of the changes overtaking their country.

I have no illusions about Islamist fundamentalism—and just as few about Western greed. I know there are good and decent people everywhere, and I still hold hope that Iran can one day rise from repression and forge a new path forward. But I also remember that in 1984 Iran sent over 10,000 of its children to be sacrificed as minesweepers clearing the way for their major forces in the war with Iraq. They indoctrinated the children with religion and told them they would be martyrs and go to heaven, giving them each a small metal key to enter the gates. Between 10,000 and 20,000 kids were sacrificed to be blown to pieces by their own religious leaders. I have no idea if Iran has nuclear capabilities or is close to it, but the concept of mutual destruction does not deter the current religious leaders. It sickens me to the core.

Israel vs Iran - Matthew Syed

I just heard that the US has bombed 3 nuclear sites in Iran. Again, the world seems more dangerous, more uncertain. Some of us need quiet and aloneness and some of us need the comfort of others. In the ache of hearts, I hope we also find strength.

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

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  

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  

The Roost

V Lounge

Room for Rent

• 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.

What to do in July in Greater Palm Springs

A protest poem by Kathy Sisson

https://lesbiansps.com/community-voices

Introducing Community Voices. I do get tired of the sound of my own voice. I am grateful to publish poems and short stories from readers. Also opinions.

I know many of us have strong opinions—and I welcome them. What I’m especially interested in are thoughtful perspectives that go beyond slogans or slurs. Share the reasoning behind your views. What experiences shaped them? What questions still linger?

We each perceive the world through slightly different lenses, and the lesbian community reflects a wide range of perspectives. That diversity is a strength. I value discussions that respect differing viewpoints, where people can express themselves honestly while remaining open to the idea that they might not have the full picture—or that there’s still more to learn.

I’ve heard from many women who say they have opinions but don’t feel safe voicing them. Cancel culture, or even just fear of judgment, seems to be silencing some of us.

Personally, I’m most moved when someone helps me see an issue in a new light—outside the usual left vs. right framing and talking points. That’s the kind of dialogue I’d love to see more of: honest, respectful, and expansive.

PALM SPRINGS WOMEN'S JAZZ FESTIVAL

Dedicated to Empowering the Female Presence in the Arts

PRESENTS

BLUES AT THE WOODSTOCK

SEPTEMBER 19-20, 2025 - PALM SPRINGS, CA

Featuring

RUTHIE FOSTER – MARTHA REDBONE

BETTE SMITH – HABAKA

DR. GAIL JHONSON and the BLUES ALL-STARS 

Pioneering women artists shaping the sound of blues music!

Women, who showcased empowerment, played a crucial role in the early development and popularization of blues music; connecting the blues to the female voice and power. In essence, the history of women in blues is a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural impact. We highlight female blues artists who helped shaped the blues; masterly singers and musicians who don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. These pioneering artists are shaping the sound of blues music, shaping vocal styles, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations of female musicians. 

HOME | Palm Springs Women's Jazz Festival | Palm Springs

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

What is ShortFest? ShortFest 2025 | June 24-30

Short is king at ShortFest! The Palm Springs International ShortFest is one of the largest showcases of short-form cinema in North America, bringing together the most innovative, boundary-pushing, and entertaining short films from around the world. This seven-day competitive festival is Academy Award, BAFTA, and Goya-qualifying, screening hundreds of shorts from 60+ countries. Beyond the screenings, ShortFest is a hub for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect, learn, and grow.

National Women’s Music Festival

49th year

July 3-6 2025

Madison Marriott West Hotel and Convention Center.

https://nwmf.info/performers/

Easy/Moderate/Difficult Hikes

Hikes will return in the Fall

Have a great summer

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/