Dear Brothers and Allies,

 

As we step into a new year, the Board of Directors of Brothers of the Desert extends our warmest wishes for a 2025 filled with hope, health, and happiness. January offers us a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve traveled together and to envision the road ahead. It is a time to recommit ourselves to the values of brotherhood, support, and community that form the foundation of our organization.

 

In the spirit of renewal, let us embrace the opportunities this year brings to strengthen our bonds and uplift one another. Brotherhood is more than a connection—it’s a commitment to stand together, celebrate our victories, and navigate challenges as one. It’s about creating spaces where every voice is heard, every story is valued, and every individual feels seen and celebrated.

 

This year, we are excited to expand our programs and initiatives to better serve our members and allies. From thought-provoking workshops to joyful social gatherings, we aim to provide opportunities for personal growth, meaningful connection, and collective empowerment. We invite you to join us, whether by attending events, volunteering your time, or simply reaching out to a fellow brother in need.

 

As we move forward, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can continue to build a community that reflects the best of who we are: resilient, compassionate, and driven by purpose. We are grateful for each of you and the unique contributions you bring to our shared mission.

 

Here’s to a year of possibility and progress. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember—a year where our brotherhood grows deeper, our impact reaches farther, and our spirits soar higher.

 

In solidarity and gratitude,

The Board of Directors

 

 

Building upon the tradition of barbershops in Black communities, the discussion group is designed to encourage open and honest conversation. The meetings will be inclusive, welcoming the full spectrum of Black men each month: gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and straight allies. The wellness topics will be equally diverse, ranging from dating and intimacy to aging with HIV, how we get and offer support, and exploring our identities as Black men.

 

To RSVP, email  Info@Barbershop@LKAPS.org

Brothers of the Desert is conducting our 6th annual Wellness Summit focusing on Black gay men and our allies in the Coachella Valley and beyond in-person on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, at the new Riviera Resort Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.  Join us as we offer the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of health and wellness experts.

 

The one-day event will feature inspiring keynote presentations and innovative workshops on a range of topics, such as relationships, mental health, aging considerations, racism, physical health, spirituality and religion, and creative expression as a means of healing. Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

We are excited to announce that we have New York Times best-selling author of All Boys Aren't Blue, George M. Johnson, nationally renowned public health expert, Dr. David Malebranche and religious trailblazer, Bishop OC Allen, as keynote speakers and returning to host our event, film director Nathan Hale-Williams.

 

Space is limited, and registration is required. Lunch is included. A donation of $25 is suggested and any amount given will be appreciated. Go to  https://www.brothersofthedesert.org/wellness-summit to see videos and photos from our previous summit 

George M. Johnson (they/them) is an Emmy nominated, award-winning, and bestselling Black nonbinary author and activist. They have written on race, gender, sex, and culture for Essence, the Advocate, BuzzFeed News, Teen Vogue, and more than forty other national publications. George has appeared on BuzzFeed’s AM2DM as well as on MSNBC. They are also a proud HBCU alum twice over and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Their debut memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue, was a New York Times bestseller and garnered many accolades. It was the second-most banned book of 2022 in the United States, according to the American Library Association. For their work fighting book bans and challenges, the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) honored George with its Free Speech Defender Award, and TIME Magazine named them one of the “100 Next Most Influential People in the World.” While writing their memoir, George used he/him pronouns. Originally from Plainfield, New Jersey, they now live in Los Angeles, California.

David Malebranche, MD, MPH, currently serves as Senior Director, Global HIV Medical Affairs at Gilead Sciences. He is a board-certified internal medicine physician with over 25 years of clinical experience in sexual health and the prevention/treatment of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, as well as men's health, correctional health, student health, racial inequities in medicine, and LGBTQ health.

 

Passionate about community engagement, outreach and activism, Dr Malebranche has appeared in the video series #AskTheHIVDoc, as well as the YouTube series Revolutionary Health with the Counter Narrative Project. He also has a long history of conducting qualitative HIV behavioural prevention research among Black same-gender-loving men and has published more than 50 articles in medical and public health journals. He has held several academic faculty appointments, most recently as Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of Student and Employee Health at Morehouse School of Medicine. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III, is a religious trailblazer, author, human rights advocate, an international and community leader and entrepreneur. Bishop O.C. Allen is the Senior Pastor and Founder of The Vision Cathedral of Atlanta known as “The Vision Church”. The Vision Church has 3 campuses, The Vision Church of Atlanta, Vision Church of Raleigh, Vision Church of Los Angeles and Vision Church of Nashville. He is the founder and Presiding Bishop of the United Progressive Pentecostal Fellowship of Churches (UPPC), a progressive Christian and inclusive religious organization which oversees senior pastors, ministers, churches and faith-based organizations throughout the United States and abroad. He also is a Commissioner on the Atlanta Human Rights Commission.  

 In 2015, Bishop Allen was appointed by President Barak Obama to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). In 2016, he was appointed the Southeastern Chair of the DNC-LGBT Advisory Board and a co-chair of the DNC LGBTQ Policy Group. He has served as the National Ambassador and consultant for the NAACP – Black Church/HIV Initiative. Bishop O.C. Allen also serves as Faith Consultant for the CoPN Covid and Vaccine Network.  He is also the Executive Director of Vision Community Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization created to address socioeconomic and health gaps in the greater Atlanta community.

 

 

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.

 

If you are joining us for the first time, please email us at info@brothersofthedesert.org.

 

Join us after the Members’ Meeting at Peruvian Fuego for lunch!

Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry).

Make your reservation with David before Friday, January 10th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch. DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com

 

The Brothers of the Desert invites you to take a great, nature walk with two of our own – Gerard McCallum and Will Dean.

 

We will hike the Murray Canyon trail within Andreas Canyon. Roundtrip it’s about 3.7 miles and is considered to be a moderate and scenic hike. With only one slightly challenging passage the rest of the hike will reveal an oasis of Palm Trees, streams and waterfalls. At this time of the year, the stream can be quite full from the rainfall and melting show, which may mean your footwear may get wet. So be prepared as some of you  may want to pack sandals or water shoes as they may get wet.

 

Please bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks. We  will stop for photos, and partake of a snack or two along the trail. We will have lunch at the conclusion of the hike at the picnic tables located near the entrance.  Carpooling is recommended.

 

As with all outdoor adventure, you should sunscreen and plenty of water with you.

 

Attendees should plan to meet at the site by 8:30 am and will receive all of the information about the trip once they RSVP. Canyon entrance: Adults $12, Seniors (62+) $7, and Students $7. Please RSVP by Thursday, January 16 or write for questions at davidmaurice.jones@gmail.com.

 

Most gay/queer individuals experience some amount of pushback from family members during the coming out process. I, Patty Cakes, certainly did. But what if this pushback is a coordinated declaration of war from all sides initiated by family and recruited licensed “professionals” designed to annihilate one’s sexual/gender identity? The analogy, I imagine, compares to a lobotomy just without the scalpel. Well please attend as one of our audience members. Bring your empathy and your questions. Come hear firsthand about Mr. Curtis Galloway’s experience with conversion therapy. And his founding of www.conversionsurvivor.org and how you can help. DISCLAIMER: Show topics may change based on guest appearances. Tickets, however, are only refundable if Patty Cakes is unable to host.

 

In the vibrant and diverse community of the Coachella Valley, the importance of allies in supporting Black LGBTQ+ men cannot be overstated. Allies play a crucial role in fostering understanding, creating safe spaces, and amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized. But being an ally isn’t just a title—it’s an ongoing commitment to action, learning, and growth.

 

So, what does it mean to be an ally in action? Let’s explore why allyship matters and how you can be a more effective supporter for Black LGBTQ+ men in our community.

 

The intersection of race and sexuality often brings unique challenges. Black LGBTQ+ men navigate a world where systemic racism and homophobia can create barriers to opportunities, safety, and acceptance. Allies can help dismantle these barriers by:

When allies step up, they help create a more equitable and inclusive world—one where Black LGBTQ+ men can thrive without fear or limitation.

 

Allyship isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires intentionality, empathy, and a willingness to learn. Here are some practical ways to show up as an ally:

Be Humble and Open to Feedback Allyship is a journey, not a destination. Be open to learning from your mistakes and receiving feedback with grace. Acknowledge when you’ve fallen short and commit to doing better.

 

Being an ally isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. By taking intentional steps to support Black LGBTQ+ men in the Coachella Valley, you’re helping to build bridges of understanding, respect, and love. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to live authentically.

 

Let’s make allyship more than just a word—let’s make it a way of life.

I have been in Palm Springs since July 2024. I moved from Washington State where I was born and raised. A summer visit turned into an extended stay because I fell in love with the city and the community. 
 

I work in the medical field as a medical coder and I am also a professional actor and model. 

 

Joining Brothers of the Desert has been a great experience for me. Being in a community of positive, motivating and friendly black gay men and allies has made me feel welcomed to the Palm Springs area. Between the member meetings, barbershop discussions and community events I feel proud and excited to be a part of a great group doing great work in the community. 

 

When I am not working and pursuing my dreams I enjoy exercising, taking walks, exploring the beauty of Palm Springs, cooking/baking and spending quality time with friends and family. 

 

My lifelong dream is to continue working at being a successful artist and building a brand that  encompasses acting, modeling, music and entertainment. 

Trevor James, a touch and intimacy coach is seeking talented photographers to contribute to Desire and Intimacy: Men, a groundbreaking coffee table book that celebrates the power of touch, desire, and intimacy between men. We’re looking for images that reflect diversity in age, ethnicity, and body type, capturing the beauty and complexity of connection in all its forms.

 

If you’re a photographer with work that fits this vision, we’d love to see it. Or, if you know a photographer whose work deserves to be featured, please share this opportunity with them!

This is your chance to be part of a project that redefines how we see and celebrate male intimacy. Submissions are open now—don’t miss your chance to contribute to this inspiring collection.

 

Learn more and submit your work at www.trevorjamesla.com/desire.

 

Let me tell you a little secret: I’ve never been great at New Year’s resolutions. Every January 1st, I make an ambitious list—things like “go to the gym five days a week,” “stop eating carbs after 7 p.m.,” or “learn conversational Italian in six months.” And every year, by January 15th, I’m eating a bowl of pasta at 9 p.m., watching Netflix with subtitles, and telling myself, “Maybe next year.”

 

This year, I’m doing things differently. Instead of resolutions, I’m setting intentions. Why? Because resolutions feel like a rigid checklist, while intentions are more like a gentle compass. Resolutions say, “Do this, or you’ve failed.” Intentions whisper, “Let’s explore this together.”

 

Resolutions demand perfection. They’re like that one teacher who used a red pen for everything and made you feel bad for missing a comma. Intentions, on the other hand, are your favorite teacher—the one who saw your potential and encouraged you to grow, even when you colored outside the lines.

 

For example, instead of resolving to “lose 10 pounds by March,” I’m setting the intention to “nourish my body and move in ways that feel good.” Instead of vowing to “stop procrastinating,” I’m intending to “be curious about how I spend my time and what brings me joy.”

 

See the difference? Resolutions are about fixing what’s “wrong” with us. Intentions are about honoring who we already are while inviting growth.

 

Here’s what I’m focusing on this year:

Intentions aren’t about succeeding or failing. They’re about showing up. Some days I’ll nail it, and some days I won’t. And that’s okay. The beauty of intentions is that they’re forgiving. They let me recalibrate and keep moving forward, no guilt trips required.

Plus, they make space for surprises. When you set an intention to “be open to new experiences,” you might end up taking a salsa class, adopting a rescue dog, or starting a podcast about your favorite obscure hobby. Who knows?

 

So, what about you? What intentions are you setting this year? Maybe it’s to laugh more, stress less, or finally learn how to keep a houseplant alive. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to approach it with curiosity and kindness.

Because life isn’t a race to the finish line—it’s a dance. And this year, I’m dancing to the beat of my own drum.

 

Happy New Year, my friends. Let’s make it an intentional one.