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It’s hard to know what to write here this week – how many times can we talk about how “unprecedented” things are? We’re living through a pandemic and white supremacist terrorism and what feels like an eroding of the social fabric and things that tie us together on a larger scale.
And yet, we are here. We are living. We are finding connection and meaning where we can. We are doing the best we can. So if you’re finding yourself in need of laughs, connection, or community, you’ve come to the right place. Check out Missing Mrs. Maisel this Saturday for laughs with Mina Hartong, join our weekly chat and support spaces, or give yourself something to look forward to by signing up for future programs.
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Let us know which of these upcoming programs you are interested in checking out:
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Meditation & Intuition Development
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Queer Spirituality Discussion Group
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Last week over 500 folks participated to let us know their thoughts about getting a vaccine.
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As you can see, an overwhelming number of you are planning on getting it once it’s available. With that said, please be on the lookout for scams related to the vaccine, like being asked for your Social Security number, or paying to get put on the vaccine list early.
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Hope and despair.
Last week still swirls in me. The morning joy of the first black senator elected in Georgia. A minister in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s church. Hope, courage, work, decency, compassion, and truth yield their bounty.
Then the insurrection. A stare into the abyss of the human heart. Lies, deceit, arrogance, greed, cowardice yield their bounty.
Even after the riots and loss of life, politicians challenged the certification of Joe Biden's win. Some opportunists, others fools believing in a fools propaganda.
A new administration begins in January, but those who embrace lies and deceit, arrogance and greed and cowardice remain. The need for courage and work, decency and compassion and truth continue for us.
Mr. Rogers once said during horrific events look for the helpers. Let us find them and let us be them.
At The Center we are here for you.
Kim Kieler
Director of IT & Business Systems
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Comedy & Laughs this weekend
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5PM - 6PM, this Saturday, January 16th, 2021
Spend an hour with award winning Emcee and Comedienne Mina Hartong
(Carolines; Ciprianis; Amsterdam Pride) - The girl next door who dares to say what is on everyone’s mind, Mina says it with humor, grace and empathy.
After a short set, Mina will answer questions about the LGBTQ comedy scene AND she will get you started on writing your own short comedy set or story.
Register for Zoom link here
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Everything LGBTQ+ in the Coachella Valley
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Pandemic or no pandemic the 4th Annual INFO-A-GO-GO will take place in 2021 with a new twist. INFO-A-GO-GO is a one-stop-shop for all thing’s LGBTQ+ in the desert. Our community has so many amazing activities to become involved with and this is an opportunity to explore them all in one place…virtually and safely!
Instead of our usual physical event, this January 26th and 27th we will provide folks the chance to connect virtually. We've divided our list of participants into categories and each day of the event specific groups will be highlighted. Details can be found here.
Virtual Online Event
January 26th and 27th 2021
for more info contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Brand New Programs - Sign up today!
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Develop your Meditation & Intuition - starts 1/25
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By finding our inner gifts and tools to access a quiet peaceful place using meditation techniques, we can better achieve our goals in life.
With this new 8-week program, Barbara Lippert will guide you to a peaceful place and access your own spiritual intuition and help better understand what can work best for you.
Starts Jan 25, 2021
Mondays 2:30PM - 3PM
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Queer Spirituality starts next month on 2/1
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This group provides a safe place to discuss all aspects of what it means to be queer and spiritual. We explore, learn and support each other on our individual spiritual journeys without judgement, fear or expectations.
Starts Feb 1, 2021
First and third Mondays
10AM - 11AM
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Behavioral Health Groups
Postponement and New Dates!
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This has been pushed
back two weeks to 1/27
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A new 12 week, closed session (no drop ins) of the Long-term Survivors Support Group for Gay Men Living HIV and AIDS begins via HIPAA-compliant Zoom calls.
The intention of this group is to provide a safe space and support for processing of unresolved losses, strengthening resilience, ending isolation and loneliness, and developing strategies for aging well with HIV.
Facilitated by a Clay Sterzik, AMFT.
Starts Jan 27, 2021
Wednesdays 2PM - 3PM
To register, email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or call 760 416 7899
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This new 12 week, closed sessions of Bereavement Therapy Group is offered via HIPAA-compliant Zoom calls.
The program is for those who have lost a loved one and want assistance in dealing with their loss and to talk with others who understand what they are going through.
Facilitated by a MFT Intern under the supervision of a licensed therapist.
Starts Feb 8, 2021
Mondays 5PM - 6:30PM
To register, email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or call 760 416 7899
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These Programs are Back Online
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Making Connections During COVID - 3 sessions left
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These are challenging times to figure out just how to meet and date. The desire for connection is confounded by the need to stay safe. This group discussion is an opportunity for gay men to get together in a safe space to talk about our challenges, possible solutions and coping strategies. This is NOT a dating or meet group or a therapy group.
Hosted by Dr. Arlen Leight.
Three sessions left!
Jan 16, 2021
Feb 6, 2021
Feb 20, 2021
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Explore the backcountry in a 4WD on 1/27
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Where does this road go and what is out there? Take the road less traveled. Join us for a look at some of the nearby backcountry 4x4 routes and discover what you may find along the way. Buckle your seatbelt for a ride to some amazing places.
Wednesday, Jan 27 @ 7PM
Meeting ID: 842 4221 9520
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In need of more connection? Join us Monday through Friday online in our Zoom Meetings, like Knit Together, Women's Chat, Men's Chat, and much, much more.
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The Community Food Bank @ The Center
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Located at 610 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, The Community Food Bank @ The Center is open for distribution every Thursday from 5PM - 7PM.
Drop-offs welcome on Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:00 am to Noon and NEW Curbside drop off hours: Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Collecting barrels will be available in front of our food bank facility for easy, safe, self-service drive by - drop and go!
Also please consider purchasing online at websites like AmazonSmile® or from other online food suppliers of your preference, and deliver direct to The Center @ 1301 N Palm Canyon Dr, 3rd Floor. Palm Springs, CA 92262.
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Get tested for COVID to help our County!
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You can help decrease transmission rates by following public health guidance, physical distancing, wearing a mask, and confirming your status by getting tested for COVID at these locations, including sites in Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, and Indio.
Testing is for everyone, regardless of immigration status or insurance.
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Support those who give!
Please help support the businesses who support The Center, the work we do, and who give back so generously to our community. Click here for a list of Business Partners with The Center.
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If you have Medicare questions, Humana can help. Sometimes the help you need is finding the right answers to your questions and sometimes it’s finding the right plan for your needs. At Humana, it's always about putting you first.
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Learn more about our Platinum Business Partner here.
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PALS seniors and future seniors, planning ahead prior to a health issue requires connections. Come join the conversations.
PALS Café:
Every Wednesday, 4 PM – 5 PM
January 13, 2021 - Spending time on hobbies and tinkering
January 20, 2021 - COVID/Vaccine update by Dr. Rick Loftus
January 27, 2021 - Seven Essential Conversations You Must Have Now
Seminar:
Saturday, January 23, 2021, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Own Your Future: Seven Essential Conversations You Must Have Now.
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Join BOTD this Monday 1/18
for a celebration of MLK
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Join a unified celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's life and message of
hope, justice, and unity this Monday, January 18th @ 4PM
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BOTD Speaker Series
"For Your Own Protection"
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Yolo Akili Robinson
Founder and CEO
BEAM Community
(Black Emotional and Mental Health)
Saturday, January 23rd
11AM - 12:30PM
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Please join Brothers of the Desert to hear this interactive and dynamic presentation by award winning author and acclaimed speaker, Yolo Akili Robinson who will speak about healing related to the experiences of Black Queer Communities.
For free tickets click here
If you have any questions email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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They were here, and they were ours
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Here we honor the memory of folks in our community who have passed.
Rick Hackett (1956-2018)
Rick was the husband of one of my hiking buddies. Although he never went hiking, I knew him to be a bright man who had amazing computer skills, especially related to photography. I miss him! - John Tuttle
Stephen Blauner (1953 - 2020)
Stephen was the 40-year husband of one of my high school classmates. He was a brilliant lawyer, financial advisor and a much-admired equestrian. I miss him! - John Tuttle
Submissions received by 5PM Friday will be included in the next week's newsletter, for two consecutive weeks.
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The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert | 1301 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262
1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236
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