The Archives currently has a collection of Publications: newspapers, magazines, newsletters, event & program guides, brochures and books.
The collection also includes photographs & artwork, film clips and memorabilia. Of course we are always looking to add to our Collection, so if you have items you would like to donate to the Archives, please feel free to contact us.
As the Archives obtains funding, we will begin scanning many of these items and making them available online.
Publications
Newspapers & Magazines
The Bottom Line – Begun publishing in 1979, the Bottom Line was a bi-weekly magazine published through 2012. Publishers/Editors included David Cobbs, Peter Woolsy, James Suguitan, William Gordon, Ric Saputo, Nino Eilets, among others. The collection currently consists of only a few issues from 1998-2003.
Desert Daily Guide – Begun in 1996 as a weekly guide to local bars, restaurants & events, it is still being published. The collection currently consists of more than 100 issues from 1996-2006.
Desert Outlook – Published by The Desert Sun and Gannett Publishing, from 2012 to 2018, it was the nation’s only LGBT publication printed by a non-gay major publishing company. Will Dean was the Editor. The collection currently is complete with issues from April 2012 through Summer 2018.
MEGA-Scene – Published bi-weekly by Bob Hoven from 1990 through 2006, it was a tabloid size newspaper covering local & national news and events, as well as local events and entertainment, in two sections. The collection is currently not complete, but consists of more than 100 issues from 1990 through 2006.
Other newspapers and magazines currently in the Collection consisting of only one or two issues are Centaur Magazine: The Anheshe Society; David Magazine; Just Magazine; and Shore Patrol to name a few.
Newsletters
Newsletters were often a means by which organizations communicated with their members and interested readers. Among those in the collection, which are by no means complete, are newsletters from the following organizations: Desert Winds Freedom Band (In Tune); Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers (Road Runner News); PFLAG – Desert Cities; and Prime Timers of the Desert (Desert Prime Timer)
Program Guides
Program guides from various yearly or charity events also help chronicle the LGBTQ+ local history. Among some of these in the collection are from Greater Palm Springs Pride (2001-2022); AIDS Assistance Program: Evening Under the Stars; The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert: Center Stage; Desert Winds Freedom Band (various concerts); Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast (2012-2022) and others.
Photographs & Artwork
Original photographs of individuals, events, businesses and organizations, (some included in scrapbooks), as well as digital photos are part of the collection. In addition, the Archive has many posters from events and businesses, as well as a few original artworks of importance to the history of the local LGBTQ+ community.
Audiovisuals
Electronic media that includes video clips, slideshows, and short films that represents LGBTQ life in the Coachella Valley or signifies important history of the local LGBTQ+ community of the desert.
Video – Dedication of the Arenas Road Time Capsule, September 2001 at Street Bar by bartender Paul Danos. (Click on Thumbnail image or Title to view video)
Memorabilia
Memorabilia and souvenirs such as t-shirts, pins, hats, matchbooks, and other miscellaneous items make up the Collection.
