Join BOD Member David Maurice Jones at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center for the exciting return of the coolest summer program, Hot Summer Nights. It’s a pool party for everyone to enjoy!

Get ready for a fun-filled evening at the pool, featuring music, open recreational swimming, water slides, all amenities, plus a newly expanded Hot Spot Cafe menu. Stay cool under the stars while enjoying music, dance parties, and more. Don’t miss out on the ultimate summer pool experience!

Select pool areas will be open, and slides and a splash playground. Snacks, food, refreshments, and treats will be available for purchase at our Hot Spot Cafe. Please note: No outside chairs, furniture, food, or beverages are allowed, except for bottled water in plastic containers. All guests must wear approved swimwear – no cotton or regular clothing is permitted in the pool – and adhere to all posted pool rules.

Cost | General Admission $9 / 60+ $7 – Plus a discount for Palm Desert Residents (with proof of address).

Join BOD Member David Maurice Jones at the Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis on Sunday, June 22 for a daytime water adventure.

Starting June 9, the resort will offer an Oasis Day Pass for residents, priced at $39 (plus a $1 donation to a local children’s charity) per person, usable from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The pass includes access to five mineral pools, five soaking tubs, a water station with ice, a reflexology stone walk, a dry sauna room, and a yoga room featuring pre-recorded exercises. Each pass-user gets a secured locker, woven slippers, a towel, and access to a shower. If interested, visitors can purchase additional spa treatments and eat at the Azure Palm Café (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Proof of residence, i.e., a driver’s license, utility bill, etc., is required. Please call ahead to reserve your day pass at (760) 251-2000.

Join the Sunset Music & Education Foundation (SMEF) for Juneteenth: The Fight for Freedom at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs on June 19th, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This free event will explore Juneteenth’s historical significance and its relevance today in the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice.

The evening features a dynamic panel with Marilyn Solomon, pioneering Black female producer; Tim Vincent, LGBTQ+ advocate; and Joy Silver, Riverside County DNC Chair, moderated by Dr. Imani Woody, elder advocate.

Hosted by Sweet Baby J’ai, the event will also include an interactive “Boots on the Ground” dance led by the Coachella Valley Sistahs Network, a soulful musical performance by Yve Evans & Friends with Richard Riley, and poetry and storytelling by Sweet Baby J’ai and Doris K. Reed.

Light appetizers and cocktails will be available for purchase, and the event is proudly sponsored by Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs, The Mizell Center, and Brothers of the Desert. Seats are limited, so get your tickets now to this unforgettable evening that honors history, celebrates progress, and inspires action!

Sold Out!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-the-fight-for-freedom-tickets-1391256649089?utm_experiment=test_share_listing

BIG Gay BBQ

Brothers of the Desert is supporting this FREE community event benefiting Palm Springs "PRIDE."

June 14 - Arenas District, 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

June 15 - Arenas District, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

BE HAPPY. LOVE ALL.

Nothing ushers in summer better than enjoying delicious BBQ, beverages, and great music with friends on a summer’s night at the biggest and most fabulous Big Gay BBQ! Multiple BBQ and beverage vendors will have food for purchase.

This finger-lickin BBQ features: free entry, live music, fun backyard games, and activities.

BIG Gay BBQ

Brothers of the Desert is supporting this FREE community event benefiting Palm Springs "PRIDE."

June 14 - Arenas District, 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

June 15 - Arenas District, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

BE HAPPY. LOVE ALL.

Nothing ushers in summer better than enjoying delicious BBQ, beverages, and great music with friends on a summer’s night at the biggest and most fabulous Big Gay BBQ! Multiple BBQ and beverage vendors will have food for purchase.

This finger-lickin BBQ features: free entry, live music, fun backyard games, and activities.

Members & Allies Lunch | Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 12:30 PM 1:30 PM

Join us for lunch after the Members’ Meeting!

Location: Play Lounge Cafe www.playloungeps.com

Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).

Please make your reservation with David before Friday, June 13th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch.

Email: DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com

Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82673107904?pwd=9AGlarYm6Gw1tCaP1qYfVjgTFeDrqA.1

Meeting ID: 826 7310 7904

Passcode: 319527

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 5:30 PM 6:30 PM

Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.

To RSVP, email Info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org

WINE TASTING WITH A CAUSE

After wildly successful past seasons, the Palm Springs EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST is back as the preeminent specialty wine event of the year featuring LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Women owned and/or produced wines. Bringing together some of the world’s finest vintners in an exclusive invite-only participation of wineries, EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST will showcase the immense depth and diversity of wines from premiere wine regions.

Festival goers will enjoy over 100 wines, food samples, live entertainment, demonstrations, silent auction, and VIP experiences, all creating an environment that fosters community among everyone involved in enjoying every sip and taste. Your generous support will help elevate diverse talent, foster community, and bring these important conversations to the forefront, while supporting forward-thinking charities. Benefiting Brothers of the Desert.

Threaded with Pride

An instructor-led necklace-making class centered around PRIDE! Located in The Center McDonald/Wright Building, Third Floor | Community Room 2.

Register here!

$15 (Members) $20 (Non-members)

In queer history, wearing color, shining, and taking up space have been acts of resistance and radical self-love. This Pride Month, join us for “Threaded with Pride”, an instructor-led necklace-making workshop where we’ll create bold, beautiful pieces using quality glass, wood, and metal beads. Craft a necklace that speaks your truth, celebrates your identity, or honors someone you love and cherish. In this joyful, creative space, we gather not just to make jewelry—but to affirm that queer expression is art, a legacy, and a form of liberation.

Looking for a good reason for a road trip?

How about The 52 Project Exhibition at Riverside Art Museum in Riverside, CA.?

Our very own David Maurice Jones is wrapping up a year of art classes at the museum, culminating with a mini-exhibition of black and white ink drawings. Participants in the 2024–2025 Riverside Art Museum The 52 Project will showcase their work.

Riverside Art Museum | 3425 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501 | (951) 684-7111

Exhibition Dates: June 5 @ 6:00 PM thru July 20 @ 5:00 PM

Free Opening Reception: Thursday, June 5, 6 pm to 9 pm

Join us for a powerful evening of truth-telling, community, and celebration with Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins—aka Doctor Jon Paul—as they present their acclaimed book:

Black. Fat. Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices (in Media) and Learning to Love Yourself.

Moderated by Toi Thibodeaux, Program Director of the IE LGBTQ+ Center, this engaging event will include:

📚 A reading from the book

🗣 A moderated discussion and open Q&A

✍🏾 Book signing and meet-and-greet

For Reservation to this free event: BlackFatFemme.Eventbrite.com

Come join us for an engaging screening and panel discussion of the thought-provoking film Veils : A Requiem For Trayvon.

This event will delve into important discussions about social justice, race relations, and cultural awareness. Be part of this eye-opening experience as we watch the film together and then engage in a stimulating conversation with our diverse panel of experts including the director Courtney Baker-Oliver, screenwriter Steven Butler and city councilwoman Grace Garner. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insights and be part of a meaningful dialogue.

Icon City Entertainment along with support from Brothers of the Desert and the City of Palm Springs is hosting the screening for the Palm Springs High School Black Student Union.

For tickets: veilsthefilm.eventbrite.com

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 5:30 PM 6:30 PM

Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.

To RSVP, email Info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org

Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82673107904?pwd=9AGlarYm6Gw1tCaP1qYfVjgTFeDrqA.1

Meeting ID: 826 7310 7904

Passcode: 319527

Back By Popular Demand! Brothers of the Desert members and allies will join Front Runners and Walkers for a friendly three-mile walk or five-mile run at Sunrise Park near Mizell Center.

Walk/run at 7:30 am free breakfast social at the Mizell Center at 9:00 am.

Free Event

For more info and to RSVP: Lorenzo Taylor – taylorenzo@gmail.com

Join our brother, friend and member David Maurice Jones. With over 300 original works representing more than 70 LGBTQ+ artists from the Coachella Valley, Living Out is a unique 3-story art gallery that - on special occasions - opens its doors to the public for a viewing experience like no other.

Join us for a special afternoon Art Walk and an inside peek at this one-of-a-kind apartment community. The Art Walk is FREE. All we ask if that you RSVP @ https://livingout.simpletix.com/

It’s an Art Party, so there will be a cash bar by the popular Alice B restaurant at the heart of the Living Out complex.

Please join EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST, GED MAGAZINE, and BROTHERS OF THE DESERT for a private kick-off event and learn about what’s planned for this year’s Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest at one of the featured participating wine lounges and restaurant... BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS. A portion of the proceeds that night benefiting Brothers of the Desert.

Appetizers sponsored by GED MAGAZINE and BOOZEHOUNDS. Wine/Cocktails available (no-host). Stay for dinner by making a reservation at BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS on OpenTable. Dinner seating begin at 6:00 PM on April 16th.

http://gedmag.ticketbud.com/

Members & Allies Lunch | Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

1501 Uptown Gastropub

1501 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262

Join us for lunch after the Members’ Meeting!

Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).

Please make your reservation with David before Friday, April 11th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch.

Email: DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com

Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.

Zoom Link | HERE

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 5:30 PM 6:30 PM

Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.

To RSVP, email Info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org

Award winning actress, playwright, and director Regina Taylor will perform her one-woman play, EXHIBIT followed by an interview with actor, and playwright L Trey Wilson Sunday March 23rd @ 2PM.

The show will be performed at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs, It will be a timely and relevant way to close out our Brothers of the Desert's Wellness Weekend. Everyone is welcome to attend. Doors open at 1:30, a donation of $20 is suggested and limited seating is available.

About the play:

In “EXHIBIT”, we follow Iris, an artist triggered by today’s backlash and rollback of social progress. As she retraces her childhood memories of the martyrdom of innocence for a cause in a violently fractured civil rights era America, Iris grapples with the question: What is the cost of a ticket to freedom—and when will we ever arrive?

“EXHIBIT” is the Recipient of the 2023 Theatre Aspen Solo Flights Award.

Taylor is presenting public readings of the work in selected cities during this very incendiary times.. The play will premiere at Denver Colorado’s Curious Theater in May 2025.

Gets Tickets: https://ReginaTaylor.eventbrite.com

Join Brothers of the Desert as we continue to celebrate our Wellness Weekend with an authentic soul food brunch, The Real Deal, at the Mizell Center from noon - 1:30PM .

For the brunch, you will have a choice one entrée:

Shrimp and Grits

Chicken and Waffles

Catfish, Southern Style Grits and Eggs

Grits with Roasted Mushrooms, Root Vegetables, Crispy Kale (vegan option)

Coffee/Tea/Orange Juice will be included along with side of fruit and muffins.

Brunch is $30 per person. Mimosas will be available for a $5 cash only donation each.

Get tickets: https://therealdealbrunch.eventbrite.com

Brunch will be prepared by the Brothers. There will be limited seating available. You will not want to miss this soul food brunch, it's The Real Deal!

FREE birding outing in Palm Springs for BOD members and friends!

Sunday, March 23. 9 - 10:30 AM | Location will be announced in the confirmation of your reservation.

Bring binoculars if you have them; if not, loaner pairs will be available

Limit: 15 people

RSVP required (if you’d like to borrow binoculars, please mention that in your RSVP)

RSVP: Christian Cooper misterxnyc@earthlink.net

Few things are as uniquely beneficial to mental health as birding! You’ll leave your internal woes behind as you engage with the natural world around you; you'll witness the creatures whose ability to fly makes them the ultimate symbol of freedom—a symbol our people with our history can embrace like no other! Join Christian Cooper as he leads this short-distance birding outing over easy, flat terrain (both paved and unpaved paths). Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dusty, and desert rules apply: Dress in layers, and bring water.

Happening in conjunction with the annual Wellness Summit, this will be a great opportunity to begin a full day of Sunday activities with the Real Deal-authentic Soul Food brunch @ noon and a play by award-winning actress Regina Taylor @ 2:00 PM both located at the Mizell Center.

Get tickets here:

http://therealdealbrunch.eventbrite.com

Brothers of the Desert is conducting our 6th Annual Wellness Summit— in-person on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, at the new Riviera Resort Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.

The summit will focus on Black gay men and our allies in the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Living authentically and being confident in expressing yourself is tied to overall health and well-being and can be challenged and supported by several factors. It is important for us in this moment to reflect on how we best find and live in our truth. “The Power of Authenticity” is the theme of our summit.

Join us as we offer the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of health and wellness experts. The one-day event will feature inspiring keynote presentations and innovative workshops on various topics, such as spirituality, relationships, mental health, aging considerations, racism, physical health, communication, healthy sex, and creative expression as a means of healing. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The summit begins with a meet-and-greet at 8:30 AM, and the program will start promptly at 9:00 AM. Participants can choose to attend concurrent workshops at three different times during the day and meet and connect with new people. Lunch will be provided, along with raffle prizes and entertainment. Space is limited, and registration is required.

A donation of $25 is suggested, and any amount given will be appreciated. The entire speaker line-up for 2025 will be revealed in the coming months.

Workshop presenters will include, Dean of USC School of Music, Jason King, President of the Black Nurses Association, Sheldon Fields, PhD, author and innovator, Dante King, physician and health expert, Leo Moore, MD, organizational development trainer, and author, Lauren Nile,  LGBTQ+ advocate, Dr. Imani Woody, facilitator, L Trey Wilson, community leaders and Brothers of the Desert members, Will Dean, Anye Elite, and Lorenzo Taylor and national public health experts, JaDawn Wright-Morgan, Aunsha Everett-Hall and Tai Few.

Get Tickets: https://BODWellnessSummit2025.eventbrite.com

Go to https://www.brothersofthedesert.org/wellness-summit to see videos and photos from our previous summit.

Brothers of the Desert would like to invite you to the 4th Annual Meet the Speakers for the 6th Annual "Health" summit Friday, March 21st at 5:30pm at the Start Light Lounge at the Riviera Resort Palm Springs.

Reserve Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-meet-the-speakers-opening-reception-tickets-1229250022909?aff=oddtdtcreator

Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.

To RSVP, email  Info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org

Members & Allies Lunch | Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Low Desert Modern Mexican

1775 E Palm Canyon Drive #405 Palm Springs, CA, 92264

Join us for lunch after the Members’ Meeting at Low Desert Modern Mexican!

Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).

Please make your reservation with David before Friday, March 7th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch.

Email: DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com

Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members.

Zoom Link | HERE

Black History Month | February 2025

Join us each Thursday in February at 5:30 pm at the Palm Springs Museum. Free Admission!

The Black History Committee celebrates Black History Month through a series of impactful events that honor and recognize the rich contributions of the Black community throughout history.

Mark your calendar for Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20, and 27!