At least once a year, the Archive sponsors a major exhibit highlighting some aspect of the LGBTQ+ History of the Desert.
Upcoming Events
October 30 – November 2, 2025
UNBRIDLED SPIRIT: Celebrating 35 Years of Leather in Palm Springs
Hotel Zoso, 150 S Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert is excited to present our major exhibition for this fall, UNBRIDLED SPIRIT: Celebrating 35 Years of Leather in Palm Springs. The exhibit will run from Thursday, October 30 through Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Hotel Zoso.
Curated by Mike Király, MPA, Adjunct Faculty, Social Sciences, Santa Rosa Junior College, and Vice President of the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert, the exhibit will explore the significant impact of the leather community on the cultural and social landscape of the Coachella Valley over the past 35 years.
An often overlooked and sometimes hidden aspect of the general LGBT community, it is the goal of this exhibition to bring to the fore how the leather community has helped shape and often fight for gay liberation and rights locally.
October 30, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Leather Women Celebrating Our Sexuality
Hotel Zoso, 150 S Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
In conjunction with the exhibit Unbridled Spirit, the Archives will present a FREE lecture featuring a panel of five women and a moderator discussing women’s sexuality and their role in the Leather community.
This program will be at the Hotel Zoso in the Palladium North room located on the lower level of the hotel. As part of CIRCA: Queer Histories Festival this program will also be LIVE STREAMED, to attend virtually, register at: circafestival.org.
Panelists for the program include Cindy Bookout, Ms. Oklahoma Leather 1993 & International Ms. Leather 1994; Shann Carr, Ms. Portland Leather Woman 1987 & International Ms. Leather 1988; Jessica Collins, Ms. Indulgence Spirit of Leather 2025; Sarge, Ms. San Diego 2014 & International Ms. Leather 2015; and Victoria Rendall, (DJ Mixie). It will be moderated by Lex Ortega, Board Member, LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert & Program Coordinator – Palm Springs, The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert.
This program is underwritten by Diane McKenzie.
Past Exhibitions
June 1 – 30, 2025
National Pride Month Display During the Month of June
Highlighting recent acquisitions to the Permanent Collection of the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of Desert
Welwood Murray Memorial Library
300 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
October 12 – November 12, 2023
Weekly, Thursday – Sunday THURSDAYS – 2 P.M. TO 8 P.M. FRIDAYS – SUNDAY 12 P.M. TO 6 P.M.
“Out On The Walk” Celebrating the LGBT Honorees on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars
Since 1992, more than 450 stars honoring notable entertainers, humanitarians, civic leaders, architects, artists, authors, athletes, and veterans have been inducted on the sidewalks throughout downtown and uptown Palm Springs.
Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm
Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History
Our Exhibition, Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History, will once again be shown at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, 100 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, on Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm, in conjunction with the City of Palm Springs 85th Anniversary Celebration!
November 3, 2022 – November 6, 2022
Telling their Stories – Celebrating their Legacy
This second major exhibition of the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert tells the stories of local LGBT organizations, businesses and events celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.
November 3-6, 2022 – Welwood Murray Memorial Library, 100 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
Hours: Thursday, November 3, 4-7:30 pm; Friday, November 4, 12:30-5:30 pm; Saturday, November 5, 10:30 am-5:30 pm; Sunday, November 6, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History, Inaugural Exhibition
A chronological history of events, organizations, and individuals that have helped to make the greater Palm Springs area the welcoming place that it is for LGBTQ+ individuals today.
- November 4 – 7, 2021, displayed at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library during PS Pride.
- March 25-27, 2022, displayed at the Cathedral City Gay Days, in the lobby of the Mary Pickford D’Place Theatre.
- June 1 – 30, 2022, displayed at the Palm Springs Public Library
The Power of Story: How Local Media Put Gay Palm Springs on the Map
June 1 – 30, 2022, showcasing various LGBTQ+ news articles through the decades.
Displayed at the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatres lobby.