Here’s a Look at the Week of Jan 5, 2026 🌴 Gay Desert Guide & KGAY

Heated Rivalry has taken the world by storm. And now, a little-known app called “Quinn” has capitalized on the success with Ember & Ice.  The first audio-only episode on Dec. 30th crashed their servers under the weight of adoring fans wanting in on a little hockey player fantasy.

The relationship between Ember & Ice and Heated Rivalry is driven by the casting of Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, who star in both projects. While they are separate stories, Ember & Ice is widely viewed by fans as a “spiritual successor” and a way to see the actors reunite.  (Until season 2)

I’m intrigued as this spinoff confirms the power of the audio medium.  As a “radio guy”, I’ve experienced the power of the non-visual medium all my life.  I could picture the Hindenburg zeppelin crashing, the aliens aiming their death rays on War of the Worlds and more recently the scenes described in the podcast accompanying Only Murders in the Building.

That Hulu series is perhaps the most famous recent example of how audio is used to “paint pictures.”  Its entire plot revolves around the creation of a true-crime podcast, making it a masterclass in how sound shapes a narrative.  And like Ember & Ice, Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast uses sound effects brilliantly.

Our KGAY/Sunny 106.5 team creates some brilliant advertising using audio.  While we have to be more forward to communicate a concept or sell a product in 30 or 60 seconds, we don’t just throw some words together with the hackneyed phrase “for all your ___ needs”.

No, we paint a picture of what Club 541 might be like inside!   Like Heated Rivalry, we’re giving straight people a look at our world.  But it’s much more than that.  I don’t have the space to go into it here, but a New York Times op-ed piece sums it up well. (Paywall).

Jim Downs authored the piece “Heated Rivalry’ Is Gay Culture’s Next Frontier” and observes, “There are queer politicians and lawyers, Olympians and celebrities. But representation is not the same thing as intimacy. We still need more stories about us, our relationships, our romances, our desires.”

Non-sequitor – We’re hosting Pride Night with the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Saturday night.  Are there any Shane and Ilya’s in the AHL???

Brad Fuhr, your KGay Desert Guide

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Here’s a sampling of events going on this week, beginning with the Palm Springs International Film Festival running through Sunday, January 12, showcasing 169 films from more than 70 countries across venues including the newly added Plaza Theatre.

On Monday, January 5, the Desert Business Association hosts its New Year Celebration at Boozehounds, followed in the evening by Modern Men’s auditions for a landmark season honoring Artistic Director Dr. Stan Hill.

Tuesday brings two meaningful gatherings: the Positive Life Series program on elder abuse at the Mizell Center and the grand opening of Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art Gallery in the Back Street Art District.

The McCallum Theatre offers a full slate of performances throughout the week, from Neil Berg’s The 60’s to The Magic of Jen Kramer, Christine Ebersole, and Chopin – The Romantic.

On Thursday, January 8, Contour Dermatology welcomes guests to its Hair Transplant Consultation Day, and on Friday, January 9, One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel brings a powerhouse tribute to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa.

On Saturday, January 10, Acrisure Arena hosts Firebirds Pride Night. a high‑energy evening of hockey, performances and LGBTQIA+ community impact. Earlier that day, THRIVE: A Path to Well‑Being offers a wellness program at the Annenberg Center for cis, trans and queer‑identifying lesbians, featuring speakers, exhibitors and interactive sessions.

Saturday night, A Piece of Thread is at Revolution Stage Company’s 10‑minute Play Festival and the Plaza Theatre welcomes Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone for a nostalgic, hit‑filled concert. The Purple Room presents Debby Holiday’s Tina Turner tribute on Friday and Saturday, along with The Judy Show! on Sunday.

• Palm Springs International Film Festival
  Jan 2–13 – Passes on Sale Now
• Hair Transplant Consultation Day
  Thu. Jan 8 from 9 am–3 pm at Contour Dermatology
• The Female Form: Tom Wesselmann & Mickalene Thomas
  Dec. 22–Jan. 25 at the Palm Springs Art Museum
• Rock the Park: Bee Gees Forever
  Wed. Jan 7 at Palm Springs Downtown Park
• Firebirds Pride Night at Acrisure Arena
  Sat. Jan 10 from 6–9 pm
• A Piece of Thread at the 10-Minute Play Festival
  Sat. Jan 10 at 7:30 pm and Sun. Jan 11 at 2 pm at Revolution Stage Company
• One Man, Two Guvnors, presented by CVRep
  Jan 14–Feb 1
• Melissa Manchester w/The Desert Symphony
  Thu. Jan 15 at 7 pm at The Show
• Camp Morning Wood, presented by Prism Theater
  Jan 16–Mar 22

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5. Every Gay TV Show That Defined 2025: Renewals, Cancellations, and Cultural Impact

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