The LGBTQ Center of the Desert — known as simply ‘The Center’— started out as Gay Men’s Social Club. As the culture and community evolved, so did The Center of the Desert. Located in the McDonald Wright Building on North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, the organization expanded its programs and staff during the pandemic. The programs now include emphasizing outreach into the younger, more-Latinx eastern Coachella Valley. In 2021, the efforts culminated with the opening of a second physical location in Coachella.
Committed to the founding principles of integrity, equity and joy, The Center— and its combined 24 employees and numerous volunteers— strive to use their individual lived experiences and collective power to nurture and support the community. From AA sober living support groups to pinochle and yoga, The Center’s vision is to create and support a thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community where all can live authentically. James Lindquist says: “As the Director of Development, my work is a deeply fulfilling experience that allows me to contribute to a vibrant and supportive community. The Center plays a crucial role in enhancing the lives of individuals by offering a safe space, valuable resources, and a sense of belonging.”
That sense of belonging is a core part of The Center’s mission, which is to create a vibrant community by helping LGBTQ+ people along their way. Ending isolation and loneliness — which was amplified during Covid— is a core strategic initiative, along with connecting people to services while enriching the individual and collective experiences of the community. Roger Estrada, the Director of Creative & Communications spoke personally about the impact of The Center’s bereavement groups, and how the participants create unique bonds and friendships that flourish after the sessions are completed. Whether folks want to learn to knit or play the guitar, The Center’s offerings are as diverse as the community it serves. Fierce Femmes is a support group providing a safe and inclusive space for individuals who identify as transfeminine; The Center’s Community Food Bank provides fresh produce, baked goods, proteins, pantry items, dairy, and more to residents in need of food assistance. With more than 24,000 people served in the last 12 months, the food bank is open every Thursday evening throughout the year to offer free, nutritional food in a clean, safe setting.
The Center in Palm Springs has a Behavioral Health Clinic and has an ongoing partnership with Eisenhower Health. Individual counseling is on a sliding scale and group offerings include a therapeutic dance class, a religious trauma group, caregivers support, and diabetes behavioral therapy. These sessions offer balm for the mind and soul, comfort, connection, and friendship.
Miguel Navarro, the Director of Community Programs in Coachella, emphasized the profound nature of his work with the Catholic and conservative Latinx community. The Center offers privacy and confidentiality at their teen drop-in center. The Center helps youth navigate a safe space at home, foster self-esteem and create a healthy environment where a youngster can live an authentic life. Navarro says they have been embraced by the Latinx community, and they offer parents and caregivers a support group in Spanish. Many parents need information, resources and support about gender identity/ sexual preference, pronoun usage, and name changes. Done in a safe and inclusive environment, The Center helps teach parents to be the best advocates for their child.
Navarro described one family— a single mother in her mid-40’s— with an 11yo trans child. A loving and accepting mom, Navarro said she needed guidance. She had two jobs and was working seven days a week. The Center helped this family by providing transportation so the child could come to The Center. The mom was able to meet other parents navigating the same path, and she became a member of the food bank, which helped alleviate other financial stressors.
All of this outreach requires funds to match the need. The Center has two important fundraising events this season. October 19, 2024 is The Center Stage Gala fundraiser at the Palm Springs Air Museum from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm. The event highlights and celebrates the work of The Center across the Coachella Valley and raises essential funds that support these programs and services. The evening includes a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, a live auction, Legacy Award Honorees John McDonald & Rob Wright and a special musical performance by the local luminescent American Idol Winner, Abi Carter. The popular annual Red Dress party is set to take place on March 15th, 2025. The biggest party in Palm Springs, Red Dress/Dress Red, is a night of community, fun, and fantasy. The theme of “Red” guides our imagination as everyone comes dressed to impress. Imagine the best Halloween and Mardi Gras parties you’ve ever attended.
The Center is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) public charity and relies on individual philanthropy for financial support. For more information about services, volunteer opportunities, donations and tickets to annual events go to thecentercv.org.
