Board President, Tim Vincent

This is the time of year when we pause to celebrate and support our health and wellness, and we are proud to host our 6th annual Wellness Summit and Wellness Weekend from March 21st-23rd.  It is critical that we continue to lift each other up in times of challenge and change and continue to fight for the rights, and freedoms for ourselves and our community. 

 

The theme of this year's summit is the power of authenticity.  Through dynamic presentations and innovative workshops, we will focus how we prepare and commit ourselves to stay true to our values, experience and the wisdom of our history. As with all our events, everyone is welcome, and solidarity is key.

 

Some highlights of our Saturday full day summit include presentations from author George M Johnson on the Power of Black Storytelling, Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, The Power of Authenticity, workshops on Art’s Power for Change, Increasing your Resilience, Health Navigation in our Current Era, How to be a Ride or Die Ally, and Black n Gay Back in the Day.

 

The weekend begins with a free community event on Friday evening and culminates Sunday with a soul food brunch, called The Real Deal and an afternoon performance by Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominated actress and playwright, Regina Taylor in her original play, called EXHIBIT.

 

We have always been a resilient and creative community, and we are excited to be able to offer this relevant and entertaining weekend. See our preview Wellness Summit video here for 2025 and read more about the Summit and the weekend events below. We hope to see you there.

Palm Springs, CA, 92262. 

Brothers of the Desert would like to invite you to the 4th Annual Meet the Speakers for the 6th Annual Health Summit Friday, March 21st at 5:30pm at the Starlight Lounge at the Riviera Resort Palm Springs.

Join Brothers of the Desert as we continue to celebrate our Wellness Weekend with an authentic soul food brunch, The Real Deal, at the Mizell Center from noon - 1:30PM. For the brunch, you will have a choice one of the following four entrees:  Shrimp and Grits, Chicken and Waffles, Catfish, with Southern Style Grits and Eggs or Grits with Roasted Mushrooms, Root Vegetables, and Crispy Kale (vegan option).  Coffee/Tea/Orange Juice will be included along with side of fruit and muffins. Brunch is $30 per person. Mimosas will be available for a $5 cash only donation each. Brunch will be prepared by the Brothers. There will be limited seating available. You will not want to miss this soul food brunch; it's The Real Deal!

Award winning actress, playwright, and director Regina Taylor will perform her one-woman play, EXHIBIT followed by an interview with actor, and playwright L Trey Wilson Sunday March 23rd @ 2PM. The show will be performed at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs, It will be a timely and relevant way to close out our Brothers of the Desert's Wellness Weekend. Everyone is welcome to attend. Doors open at 1:30, a donation of $20 is suggested and limited seating is available. 

 

About the play: 

In “EXHIBIT”, we follow Iris, an artist triggered by today’s backlash and rollback of social progress. As she retraces her childhood memories of the martyrdom of innocence for a cause in a violently fractured civil rights era America, Iris grapples with the question: What is the cost of a ticket to freedom—and when will we ever arrive? “EXHIBIT” is the Recipient of the 2023 Theatre Aspen Solo Flights Award. Taylor is presenting public readings of the work in selected cities during this very incendiary times.. The play will premiere at Denver Colorado’s Curious Theater in May 2025.

Our Black Gay Diaspora Podcast is a global biweekly podcast where Creator, Host, and Producer Erick Taylor Woodby interviews Black LGBTQIA citizens who share about their countries and professions. In over 100 episodes, 25 countries have been represented. Erick highlights a population often overlooked by mainstream LGBTQ+ and Black media outlets.

Episode 103 focused on the creation of Brothers of the Desert and what we have learned and created since we organized it features Tim Vincent, co-founder and president along with Aignier Ellis, founder and chief project manager of Icon City Entertainment and member of Brothers of the Desert.

Listen here to the podcast:

 

Hey, Brothers of the Desert! March is rolling in, the sun’s starting to flex its muscles, and the desert is whispering, “Get outside already!” What better way to celebrate the season—and each other—than with some hearty, desert-inspired grub? Cooking in the desert isn’t just about filling bellies; it’s about bringing us together, swapping stories over a crackling fire, and maybe burning a tortilla or two for good luck (don’t worry, we won’t tell). Here is a simple recipes to spice up your March gatherings—no culinary degree required, just a willingness to get a little sandy and laugh at yourself.

 

Flatbread might sound fancy, but out here, it’s just dough, fire, and attitude. We’re tossing in some mesquite flavor—because if the desert gives us anything, it’s that smoky, rugged vibe—and topping it with stuff you can prep ahead or scrounge up on the spot. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s perfect for tearing apart with your hands while the fire crackles.

Why It Works: This flatbread’s a beast—crisp, smoky, and loaded with flavors that nod to the Southwest without needing a kitchen. The mesquite ties it to the land we love, and the toppings make it feel like a party. Plus, it’s interactive—everyone’s tearing, eating, and probably arguing over who gets the last bite. It’s low-fuss but looks like you tried, which is the sweet spot for campfire cooking.

 

The desert night’s cooling down, the mesquite’s popping, and you’ve got a crew of happy folks digging in. Who needs a diner when you’ve got this? Next gathering, let’s see who can flip theirs without dropping it in the sand—loser’s on dish duty!

 

Brothers of the Desert has been giving to scholarship funds since we began organizing over 6 years ago. We awarded Jessica Collins with a scholarship through our affiliation with Safe Schools of the Desert Cities. We asked her to speak about her journey and plans for the future.

 

Hi, I’m Jessica Collins, a junior Performing Arts major at College of the Desert, and I proudly identify as a pansexual student in the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m passionate about creating safe spaces and advocating for women and marginalized groups, always pushing for inclusivity and self-empowerment.

 

In 2020, I began working with Boo2Bullying, a non-profit focused on youth development and suicide prevention. As a Women’s Ambassador, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to over 3,000 students, families, and educators, sharing my experiences with bullying, homelessness, and family struggles, and offering support for those going through similar challenges.

 

At College of the Desert, I’m actively involved as the President of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) Club and a Pride Student Leader. I’ve helped organize and participate in the Palm Springs Pride Parade for two years straight and volunteered my time to choreograph and teach a dance for the event. We also got to throw a SAGA winter dance for those affected by COVID and International students who didn’t have a change to go to or get a dance. As well as a drag show giving students who don’t have a chance to perform due to clubs being 21+ got a chance too and we’ll be throwing another this semester! I’m also planning for the upcoming COD Pride Showcase and Palm Springs Bed Race.

 

Since receiving a scholarship for my essay about overcoming personal adversity, I’ve kept pushing forward. I created my own dance team, Dance Dy'Nasty, where we don’t discriminate under any circumstances as well as plan events to help the community, and was honored to be crowned Ms. Indulgence Spirit of Leather 2025, becoming the first minority queer woman to hold this title in the valley. With my title, I get to plan leather-oriented events throughout the year for the valley then compete internationally. I’m also part of College Corps, where I’m furthering my commitment to giving back to my community through food security. We have helped a large amount of the valley get food boxes, we have packed food boxes, as well as helped with food distributions with Find Food Bank.

 

Moving forward, I’m focused on completing my associate’s degree in 2026, continuing my leadership role at SAGA, and exploring my passion for music and songwriting. I also still have big plans for the future, including opening a gym/dance studio and a non-profit to provide opportunities for low-income students to access extracurricular activities like the arts, STEM, and sports—something I didn’t have growing up. My life experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m committed to using my voice to make a difference in my community and beyond.

 

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my journey. I’m excited to continue making an impact and working toward my academic and career goals.

 

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.

Join us for lunch after the Members’ Meeting at Low Desert Modern Mexican! Both members and allies are welcome to attend (Cash and Carry). Please make your reservation with David before Friday, March 7th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch. Email: DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com

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

For a long time, the world told us that masculinity meant being tough, independent, and always in control. “Real men don’t cry.” “Man up.” “Don’t be weak.” We’ve all heard these messages, whether from parents, teachers, movies, or even our own friends.

But let’s be real—has shutting down our emotions and pretending everything is fine ever made us feel truly connected to others? Has it brought us deeper friendships, fulfilling relationships, or a sense of belonging?

 

If anything, it’s done the opposite.

 

Many of us have spent years perfecting our “strong” facade. We laugh things off when we’re actually hurting. We keep conversations surface-level to avoid exposing our struggles. We try to handle everything alone, thinking that asking for help would make us look weak.

But behind that mask, there’s often loneliness. A quiet ache for deeper connection. A longing to be seen—not just for our achievements, toughness, or ability to keep it together, but for who we truly are.

 

Here’s the truth: Strength isn’t about hiding what you feel. It’s about having the courage to be open. Vulnerability—sharing your real thoughts, feelings, and fears—is what builds trust, deepens relationships, and allows others to show up for you in meaningful ways.

Think about the people you feel closest to. Chances are, they’re the ones you can be yourself around. The ones who’ve seen you struggle and didn’t walk away. The ones who don’t need you to “have it all together” to love and respect you.

When we drop the act and let people in, we create space for real connection. And that’s where true masculinity lives—not in the performance of strength, but in the confidence to be fully ourselves.

 

If you’re not used to being vulnerable, it can feel scary at first. Here are a few ways to practice:

The old definition of masculinity—stoic, unshakable, emotionally closed off—is fading. A new version is emerging, one where being a man means being real.

Where strength is measured not by how much you can carry alone, but by how willing you are to let others in.

Where connection, not competition, is the foundation of relationships.

Where vulnerability isn’t a flaw, but a superpower.

So, let’s embrace it. Let’s redefine masculinity in a way that allows us to experience more joy, deeper love, and a sense of belonging that’s real. Because at the end of the day, that’s what true strength looks like.