Lesbians of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Outings and Events
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Writing about yesterday’s car bombing in Palm Springs feels like recycling cliches. “Thoughts and prayers”, “we will get through this stronger”, “find support in your community”; those statements are all true. There seems to be little to add, only sadness engulfs me.
The bomber at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, has been identified as a 25-year-old man who left an online manifesto in which he described himself as a pro-mortalist, saying people (meaning himself) didn’t give consent to exist. “I didn’t ask to be born”, a phrase I launched at my parents in those stormy teenage years.
There is sadness at his youthfulness, that he hadn’t lived long enough to know life has many seasons. There are hard times and wonderful times in all our lives. That the phrase “this too shall pass” is more than words. To not give up hope on the dark days and to be grateful on the sweet days.
I think about a lecture on developmental biology I recently listened to. How does one cell become me? I will not get into the weeds, but simply, it is a dance of my DNA and an electromagnetic field or pattern that informs each cell what to become as I form in the womb. Skin, bone, organ etc. Cancer cells, for some reason, disassociate from the dance and go rogue. They no longer function within the systems of a healthy body and sicken us. Sometimes errors in our DNA code, sometimes environmental factors.
What is true on the micro level is also true on the macro level. A healthy individual does not explode a car bomb on a city street. We use the term “failure to thrive” when we talk about infants, but it remains true at all stages of our lives. Individuals who feel that they belong and matter in their communities and families do not do this. We are facing an epidemic of loneliness in this country and we bury ourselves on the internet and social media. We banish those with different opinions from our lives, as we build moats instead of bridges, never questioning that we, too could be wrong. We lose our authenticity, parroting the correct narratives, denying our insecurities to ourselves and each other. We are afraid to be ordinary, to be human, as if those are code words for loser. We swim in a culture that bombards us with the message that only the extraordinary should be valued.
I am grateful to those of you who make me feel that I belong and that I matter. I hope you have that in your life and I hope you know how much you matter in my life. I am grateful for the nature that surrounds me. It brings me out head, my inner dialogue into a place of wonder. It transforms my sense of isolation into a sense of connectedness with everything and everyone.
We all have challenging people in our lives, and sometimes they exhaust us. They reach out in their need for connectedness but are unable to make the connection one of easy flow, of emotional reciprocity, of give and take, and we move on. We can label them toxic and justify their isolation.
I struggle to find balance, for I need boundaries, I need to be safe at the same time, I feel we owe each other something. Healthy communities are not made of isolated individuals. We matter to each other; we belong to each other. What we do and how we act affects others. It’s easy to stay in my comfort zone, with my comfortable friends and regular activities, but I need to keep an open heart and hand to those on the borders of my comfort zone. I’ve been there, and those with open hearts and hands have saved me on occasion.
I wish you peace this morning, I wish you love, and I wish you hope.
Kim
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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
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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
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- 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.
| | Email me at gabriolakim@gmail.com if you want something posted on the bulletin board, or an event promoted. | |
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.
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Women’s History
Women, We Should Know
In May 1910, Rhoda Jones was photographed standing outside her cabin near Ripley, Ohio, accompanied by her loyal dog. At the time, she was the oldest surviving resident of Africa, a remarkable settlement of free African Americans founded on the hillside above Ripley. This small but determined community had long been known for its involvement in the Underground Railroad, and Rhoda herself played a critical role in aiding enslaved people seeking freedom. As they crossed the Ohio River from bondage in Kentucky, she and others like her offered shelter, guidance, and hope on their journey north.
The heroics of Aunt Polly Jackson who fought off white slavers to protect fugitives in the mid-1800s / SamePassage
Legacy of Ohio's abolitionists shared through their descendants
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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
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The Dinah Kristen Stewart wows at Cannes, talks new film
A major production company is doing preliminary research on The Dinah and is looking to speak with folks who are interested in being interviewed. If you're interested, please send a couple of sentences about your relationship to The Dinah to marypilon@gmail.com.
I know some of you went to the original Dinah weekend and many of you attended in the following years. These ladies would love to talk to you about your experience. Drop them an email.
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MARISA CORVO PERFORMS AT THE ROOST ON WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 23, 30. MAY 7, 28. SUNDAY, MAY 25 AT 6:30PM TICKETS AT ticketbud.com.
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SUMMER ART CLASS AT Desert Art Center with Cathy Parker
Art and How to Make It
Art and How to Make It delves into art concepts and drawing techniques. Art concepts are explored through discussion, handouts, and projects designed to further working knowledge.
Drawing skills are practiced using a variety of mediums, not usually thought of as drawing tools. Class content is introduced with demonstrations, videos, and exercises specific to developing drawing skills and encourages creativity.
Making art is not about pulling something out of thin air.
Even magicians don’t pull anything out of thin air.
Where: Desert Art Center, 550 N. Palm Canyon
When: Wednesdays, 1 – 4, beginning June 4
Fees: $40 for one session or $140 for four sessions.
Payable with cash or Zelle
To register, contact Cathy Parker at 707-363-2698 or csparker2005@gmail.com
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Veils: A Requiem for Trayvon – Film Screening & Panel
Friday, May 23 | 6–9 PM
Palm Springs Cultural Center
Join us for a powerful evening of film and conversation. Veils: A Requiem for Trayvon explores themes of justice, race, and remembrance. A post-screening panel will feature director Courtney Baker-Oliver, screenwriter Steven Butler, and Councilwoman Grace Garner.
TIX
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Juneteenth Celebration at the Palm Springs Art Museum
Join us this June for a powerful evening of music, speakers, and celebration at the Palm Springs Art Museum as we honor Juneteenth—a tribute to freedom, resilience, and Black excellence.
Presented by the Sunset Music & Education Foundation, the evening will feature live performances, spoken word, and guest speakers who remind us why this moment matters.
Free and open to the public. Stay tuned for the line-up.
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Sunset Music & Comedy Festival - PRIDE and VETERAN'S DAY WEEKEND
November 6-9, 2025
One Epic Weekend: PS Pride, Veterans Day & Nonstop Music Collide in Palm Springs!
Check this out—Palm Springs Pride Fest, usually a first-week-of-November event, is shaking things up and landing right on our scheduled Veterans Day Weekend. Coincidence? Maybe. Destiny? Absolutely. We’re leaning all the way in and seizing the moment to celebrate it all! Because what do you get when you mix Pride with a concert steeped in music education? Pure magic—a sonic explosion of culture,
community, and pure, unfiltered fun!
When Pride energy meets the power of live music, the result is nothing short of electrifying. Imagine a weekend where every note tells a story, every
performance honors a legacy, and every beat fuels both celebration and connection. We’re bringing together iconic artists, rising stars, and unexpected collaborations
to entertain, educate, and inspire.
Whether you're here for the music, the knowledge,the movement, or just to dance under the desert sky, this Pride week is about to make history—and you’ll want to be part of it!
Exclusive Access! 🎟️ Pre-Sale Tickets on sale now for our newsletter subscribers!
Be the first to grab the best seats in the house—sign up for our newsletter to secure your spot before tickets go on sale to the public on April 6th
SWEET BABY J'AI PRESENTS | Sunset Music | Palm Springs, CA
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Lesbians Embracing Aging - Next Meeting TBA
Exciting News! Join Our New LEA Facebook Group
We’re thrilled to introduce a new way for LEA members to connect and support one another—our brand-new Facebook group, The LEA Bulletin Board!
Click the link below to access the page, then hit the blue “Join Group”button. You’ll be asked to answer three quick questions, and an administrator will approve your request.
This is a private group—only LEA members can see discussions. Once you’re in, be sure to adjust your notification settings by clicking on the gray “Joined” button and selecting “Manage Notifications.” We recommend choosing “All Posts” so you don’t miss out!
What’s This Group For?
Connection & Conversation – A space for us to chat about topics related to aging (and embracing it!).
Support & Community – A place to lend a helping hand and uplift each other when needed.
We’d love for you to introduce yourself, join the conversation, and most importantly—have fun! See you there!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1842826446542272
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Easy/Moderate/Difficult Hikes
Hikes will return in the Fall
Have a great summer
New hikers must register and sign a waiver.
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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.
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2025 Walks - Will Return in the Summer
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Movie Meetup
Wednesday - Mary Pickford Theater
No Movie this week - It's hard to find a good movie these days in the theater
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Book and Movie Salon/Club -
2024 Schedule 2nd Mondays 5:30 pm
**BAM SALON**
March through June 2025
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210738578?pwd=OFRYSFNaYmNBaDlQaXRaZ1RBbktUQT09
Meeting ID: 862 1073 8578
Passcode: 744589
The midnight library by Matt Haig, 2020 (May 2025)
Monday the 12th of May, 5:30p PST/8:30p EST, we will discuss, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, 2020.
This engaging read prompts introspection about life's choices and regrets. Ride along with Nora as she self-reflects on her life.
Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices. Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets.
Signature Move 2017 directed by Jennifer Reeder (June 2025)
A closeted Muslim lesbian takes up lucha-style wrestling to release the anxiety from her stressful job and tense relationship with her newly widowed mother.
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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.
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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
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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
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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!
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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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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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