Board Vice President, Eric Davis

As we say goodbye to summer and say hello to fall, we hope you are enjoying the new look of our website, and online store. We are excited about the new fresh look, and look forward to continuing to add new benefits, so keep us in your favorites, and look for our member section coming soon! We are creating a more detailed membership section which will engage and upgrade our communication to all of you. We have had huge success in promoting connection and building community through our monthly in-person Barbershop discussion groups and online Brothers Rising, we want to continue to offer other opportunities for engagement.

 

We are making a strategic move by expanding our presence on gay dating sites like Jack’ d and Grindr. Brothers of the Desert has hired a host/promoter and outreach coordinator to engage with individuals in various social platforms. We are committed to broadening our support and touch points for those who have previously found in-person events to be inaccessible. By establishing a presence on these platforms, we, and our host Anye Elite (Icon City), aim to initiate dialogues with individuals who may have been outside of our traditional reach. This presents an opportunity to gather valuable insights into what barriers exist for individuals who may not have participated in the past. Additionally, for those visiting or considering living in the valley, this serves as an opportunity to act as a welcoming ambassador for other Black gay men in the Coachella Valley. And with that said we have grown our membership over the past few months with a half dozen new members.

 

At our core, Brothers of the Desert remains steadfast in our dedication to empowering Black gay men and our allies throughout the Coachella Valley. This innovative approach underscores our unwavering commitment to reaching individuals wherever they may reside. It epitomizes our forward-thinking ethos, ensuring that every Black gay man feels embraced and valued, irrespective of their circumstances or geographical location.

 

We welcome October together, reach out to another member and see you both Saturday, October 12th at 11am 3rd floor at the LGBTQ Community Center for our in-person appreciation meeting.

Time flies, and Barbershop: A Black Men’s Space for Honest Talk about Sexual Wellness celebrates its first anniversary on October 10, 2024.  Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation.

 

The meetings are inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics are equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.

 

The group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:30 PM and is facilitated by Stuart Huggins and Will Dean.

Barbershop received its initial funding from a $10,000 grant from BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective). Its founder and Executive Director, Yolo Akili Robinson, is a past recipient of the Legacy Award by Brothers of the Desert. The grant application was a collaboration between Tim Vincent, President of Brothers of the Desert and Jax Kelly, President of Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (AIDS Survivor Syndrome).

 

Jax Kelly, President of LKAPS.org, leveraged the grant to be included as an HIV and Aging Scholar by the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. His scholarship mentor, Dr. Sheldon Fields, President of the Black Nurses Association and presenter at the most recent Wellness Summit, was on the initial planning group for Barbershop along with many members of Brothers of the Desert.

Barbershop meeting topics have varied among aspects of health including, sexual, emotional and physical. Feedback from past surveys of Barbershop participants included:

To learn more about Barbershop, send an email to info_Barbershop@LKAPS.org.

For the past few years, Brothers of the Desert (BOD) has been working hand-in-hand with OneFuture Coachella Valley to help more high school students continue their education beyond graduation. Staying true to BOD’s mission, we’re focused on breaking down barriers and providing much-needed support to students and their families. Together, we’re building systems to ensure that students:

OneFuture has also zeroed in on students in the community who could really benefit from specialized programs, particularly those targeting careers in the healthcare sector. To steer this important work, the Black and African American Scholars Advisory Committee was created within OneFuture, and we’re proud that Dr. Larry Kidd, a board member of Brothers of the Desert, was appointed to represent us on the committee. This group includes leaders from various healthcare sectors, all dedicated to crafting a plan to boost the number of Black and African American students completing the necessary education for higher learning.

 

Over the last several months, and with the support of Brothers of the Desert, the committee has been hard at work developing educational programs, providing mentoring, and offering financial guidance. The goal? To ensure students not only complete their studies but also enter the workforce with salaries that allow them to live comfortably.

 

Excitingly, the committee will soon be launching a one-of-a-kind series of workshops focused on supporting Black and African American students in our community. These workshops will cover key areas where students often face challenges in preparing for and completing higher education. After the workshops, the program will be evaluated to see how effective it was and how we can make future sessions even better.

 

The workshops are being rolled out in partnership with various organizations, including local school districts. Brothers of the Desert members, we need your help to spread the word and ensure this vital information reaches our community! The workshops will be offered both in person and online via Zoom.

 

We’re thrilled to continue this partnership with OneFuture as we help students pursue higher learning and inspire them to live their best lives.

 

Since 2003, The National Black Justice Collective, NBJC, has been America’s leading national civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+, and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS through coalition building, federal policy change, research, and education. 

 

On October 1st at 1:00 PM (EST), the National Black Justice Coalition will present the 4th annual James Baldwin Legacy Awards to honor the invaluable contributions of Black men within the Black LGBTQ+/same gender loving (SGL) movement and community. The awards show is an opportunity to honor iconic Black LGBTQ+/SGL men who have blazed trails across many fields and careers, and the ceremony will premiere live on NBJC’s website, 

 

Seven leaders will be honored and include Tim Vincent, president and co-founder of Brothers of the Desert. Two other Coachella Valley based leaders and members of Brothers of the Desert are also among the honorees, activist Gilberto Gerald and former Mayor of Palm Springs, Ron Oden. 

LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert

1301 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 United States

 

Brothers of the Desert members meet monthly to discuss recent and upcoming events, share updates on the organization, celebrate our accomplishments, and have an opportunity to connect with new and existing members. This meeting we will be celebrating our membership. In appreciation of our membership, we will have a lite buffet lunch in person so please RSVP at Vicepresident@brothersofthedesert.org by Thursday, October 10, this will give us an accurate count for food.

 

Living in the Coachella Valley offers breathtaking scenery and a laid-back lifestyle, but for Black gay men, it can also present a complex mix of challenges and beauty. In a region known for its diverse population, there’s still a sense of isolation that comes with navigating the intersections of race, sexuality, and cultural identity.

 

The Challenge of Dual Identity
Being Black and gay means living with a dual identity that isn’t always understood or represented in mainstream spaces. While the Coachella Valley may be a hub for LGBTQ+ culture, particularly during events like Palm Springs Pride and the famous Coachella festival, it’s still rare to see spaces specifically catering to Black gay men. This lack of representation can sometimes make it feel like you’re caught between two worlds—each with its own set of expectations, joys, and challenges.

 

For many Black gay men, there’s the added pressure of not only finding acceptance within the broader LGBTQ+ community but also staying connected to their cultural roots. In predominantly white LGBTQ+ spaces, there may be a sense of invisibility, while in Black communities, it can be difficult to find spaces where both identities are celebrated and affirmed.

 

Finding Community in Seclusion
Coachella Valley’s physical and cultural isolation presents its own hurdles. Outside of larger urban hubs like Los Angeles, it can be hard to find other Black gay men to connect with or spaces that reflect your experiences. This can lead to feelings of loneliness or a lack of belonging, especially when you're trying to balance both aspects of your identity in a place that doesn’t always reflect either.

 

However, the region’s sense of solitude can also be a source of personal growth. It offers the chance to dig deep into who you are and fully embrace your identity in ways that might feel more challenging in other places. The beauty of the desert, with its wide-open spaces and serene landscapes, provides a backdrop for reflection, grounding, and coming into your own.

 

Building Safe Spaces and Brotherhood
One of the most important things we can do is create spaces that celebrate and support Black gay men. Organizations like Brothers of the Desert offer a vital sense of community, where we can be fully seen and accepted. Whether through social events, discussions, or shared experiences, these spaces provide the connection and understanding that can be hard to find elsewhere in the desert.

 

Through these connections, we’re reminded that we’re not alone. We can build networks of brotherhood and support, nurturing friendships that empower us to embrace both our Blackness and our queerness with pride.

 

The Beauty of Diversity
Living in the Coachella Valley also provides a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of diversity. While we may sometimes feel secluded, we’re also part of a larger, vibrant LGBTQ+ community. This diversity is something to celebrate, and it can encourage us to step outside our comfort zones, build bridges between different communities, and challenge the limitations of what we think is possible.

 

By showing up as our authentic selves—Black, gay, and proud—we have the opportunity to redefine what it means to be part of this community and create space for others to do the same.

 

Moving Forward Together
Navigating the intersection of race and sexuality in the Coachella Valley isn’t always easy, but it comes with its own rewards. There’s beauty in the challenge of standing tall in your identity, even when it feels like the world around you doesn’t always reflect who you are. By building community, fostering connection, and celebrating both our Blackness and queerness, we create a path forward not just for ourselves, but for those who come after us.

 

In the end, the desert is a place of resilience and growth—and so are we. Together, we can continue to thrive in this unique landscape, embracing the beauty, strength, and power of our identities.

Each month Brother's Drumbeat profiles one of our outstanding members. This month we introduce the amazing Keith Holmes, who has been graciously providing space for our monthly Barbershop meetings.

 

My residency in Palm Springs has been part-time for thirteen years.  Previously, I lived in Chicago, Illinois for twenty years. I moved to Palm Springs full time in August of 2022.  Detroit is where I was born and raised.

 

For the past thirteen years I worked for the Department of Water Management - City of Chicago, as an Assistant Commissioner.  I previously worked in the automotive industry for thirty-one years in a variety of positions, including Labor Relations, New Model Launch Manager, and Lean Manufacturing Manager.

 

As a member of Brothers of the Desert, I feel a sense of belonging.  Within BOD, there is an atmosphere of fraternity.  It is a true brotherly love that unites us.  We are our brother's keepers.

 

Traveling, photography, hiking, cooking, and gardening are some of my favorite activities.

 

It is my intention to travel and explore California, Europe, Asia, Central America, New Zealand, and Hawaii as often as possible.  Take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, both old and new.  It is my intention to live every day to the fullest until the end of my life. 

 

At the Mizell Center (480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs)

 

Brothers of the Desert is excited to present our Saturday, November 9th speaker series with keynote speaker Dr. Leo Moore, REAL Talk, REAL Health, a Wellness Summit preview.

 

The speaker series begins with a meet-and-greet at 9:00 AM and the program starts promptly at 9:30 AM. Guest will be able to hear an open discussion and participate in a question-and-answer session hosted by Icon City/Anye Elite and featuring speaker Private Chef Betty Berrysmith on how to have a healthier food lifestyle, and exercise expert Chad String in how exercise relates to a healthy lifestyle. You will have a chance to ask questions related to creating a healthier lifestyle. This will be followed by a special presentation from Dr. Leo Moore, called REAL TALK, REAL HEALTH.

 

Connect with new people and old friends.  In the morning coffee , juice, pastries will be provided, and this is a free event, however registration is required. Please click on the button below to register.
 

A donation to Brothers of the Desert is encouraged and any amount given will be accepted and appreciated.

DAP Health ensures that people who need health care have access to it. To support this mission, Brothers of the Desert is participating in this year's DAP Health Equity Walk. Let's experience the joy of Brotherhood as we participate in this year's DAP Health Equity walk. If you cannot join us for the walk, consider using the link below to make a donation to our team Brothers of the Desert. 

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/daphealthequitywalk2024/team/968363/

Online registration is easy – it only takes a few minutes! Dap Health Equity Walk, October 26, 2024 is an important event for us, and I hope you can join us! Please click on the link below to make a donation to the Brothers of the Desert team.

If you’d like more details about the event, please visit DAP Health Equity Walk.. You can also feel free to email  thomasarkis@gmail.com or text me at 760-567-8177 team leader.  if you have any questions.

10:00 am November 3rd, 2024   

We’re calling on all passionate souls to represent Brothers of the Desert in the Pride parade and shine with us! 🌈✨ This is your chance to make a statement, celebrate with pride, and be part of something truly special.

 

Ready to step up and strut your stuff? Secure your spot by October 30th! Just shoot an email to Eric Davis at Vicepresident@Brothersofthedesert.org or Wes Rankins at Wesmess20@hotmail.com.

 

Let’s make this parade legendary together! 🎉🏳️‍🌈

Hey there, Brothers of the Desert community! I’m Ayité, your new editor of The Drumbeat! I'm a professional touch/cuddle therapist, men's intimacy coach, and masseur —basically, I help men reconnect with themselves in ways that are both meaningful and deeply relaxing. (Yes, it’s a real job!) It's a pretty sweet gig, I must say.

 

Outside of work, I’ve been known to hop on a plane at the drop of a hat (38 countries and counting!) and I am a regular at plays, musicals, concerts, and any event with a stage and a spotlight. If I’m not at the theater, you’ll probably find me cooking up a storm or getting lost in a new recipe. Oh, and did I mention horseback riding? (Think less “Wild West” and more “Don’t fall off, Ayité!”)

 

One of the first things you might have noticed is that The Drumbeat has had a bit of a glow-up. I’m excited to bring you a clean and fresh new look to our newsletter. Think of it as the newsletter equivalent of getting a crisp new haircut—refreshed, but still you! So, get ready for a more visually appealing and engaging read.

 

My vision for the newsletter is to make it a space where we can highlight the richness of our community, share our stories, and celebrate the diverse experiences that make Brothers of the Desert such a powerful collective. I want The Drumbeat to be more than just a newsletter—it’s going to be a platform for connection, dialogue, and inspiration. Expect to see stories that reflect our journeys, and plenty of community shout-outs to keep us all motivated and uplifted.

 

I’m thrilled to be on this journey with all of you. Together, we’ll make The Drumbeat not just a newsletter, but a reflection of who we are as a community—bold, creative, and full of life. So buckle up—it’s going to be a fun ride!

Gordon Berry- 9/25

Eric Harris- 9/15

Eugene Coates- 9/10

 

Raynard Pearson- 10/28

David Brutus- 10/24