Will Dean

When Brothers of the Desert convened for its monthly meeting on March 8, a new-but-familiar face was among its board directors.

Will Dean, who had served for a year on the inaugural board, was welcomed back, supported by the votes of Brothers of the Desert members. Will fills the board seat vacated earlier this year by long-standing member Larry Reese Kidd.

"I am excited to once again be on the board," Will said. "The Brothers of the Desert is an organization that is important for our community and for me personally. I have been a proud member since its inception."

Since October 2023, Will has co-facilitated a monthly discussion group for Black gay men called Barbershop. The group was founded and funded by Brothers of the Desert and Let's Kick Ass Palm Springs.

"Barbershop is just one example of how Brothers can make a difference in the lives of its members -- providing a welcoming, confidential space to be fully themselves and discuss the issues that matter to them," Will said. "But there's more work to do, and I look forward to contributing to the various ways we support our members, allies and community."

We had nearly 250 attend our 6th annual Wellness Summit, The Power of Authenticity, Saturday March 22nd which was the largest group we have ever assembled for this event. Three dynamic keynotes from George M Johnson, David Malebranche, MD and Bishop OC Allen anchored the day. Twelve different interactive and informative workshops were presented. Friday evening, we had an opening reception with over 100 people produced by Icon City Entertainment. We followed up the Summit on Sunday with a sold-out soul food brunch with 75 people at the Mizell Center and closed there with a reading of a new play by award winning actress Regina Taylor.

Here are some comments from participants about their highlights and takeaways.

Here is a link to photos from our Wellness Weekend:

Brothers of the Desert is committed in investing in our future and contributing to the success of Black students throughout the Coachella Valley. We recently supported the following efforts:

NASF (Negro Academic Scholarship Fund) held their 55th annual scholarship banquet on Saturday March 15th. Brothers sponsored a table and contributed $1,000 towards future scholarships.

One Future Coachella Valley held their 20th year celebration, The Future is Ours on March 21st. Our former board member, Dr. Larry Kidd is part of a committee that heads up the African American healthcare scholars’ program. For the event, with his match, we contributed $1500 to this program.

Palm Springs Unified School District supports an annual trip in April for eligible African American students to tour some Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Each year, Brothers of the Desert contributes $1,000 to help with student expenses and our members also add individual contributions. We presented a check to Jarvis Williams for $1500 March 31st.

The Brothers of the Desert Scholarship was initiated this year and will be awarded to an eligible student who identifies as Black, African American of African descent, male and within the GBTQ+ spectrum. The applications close on April 21st and we will award one or two students with our first annual scholarship. If you would like to donate to this fund:

We are excited to continue our tradition of holding a NYE celebration to celebrate our growth and raise funds to build and continue our programs at Brothers of the Desert. This year's theme is Carnival, please visit brothersofthedesert.org in the coming weeks for more information.

 

Spring is here, and with it comes a sense of renewal. April has always been a reminder that change is not just possible—it’s natural. The flowers bloom, the days grow longer, and the energy of the world shifts into something more vibrant. But what about our inner worlds? As Black gay men, how do we embrace this renewal for our mental health and self-care, especially in the whirlwind of the Coachella Valley festival season?

 

I’ve found that this time of year offers the perfect opportunity to check in with myself, release what no longer serves me, and make space for joy, creativity, and self-expression. Whether you’re navigating stress, seeking deeper connections, or simply trying to show up as your best self, here are some tailored strategies for thriving this season.

 

Before diving into the excitement of festivals, social gatherings, or creative projects, take a moment to ask: What do I need this season? Maybe it’s more rest, more connection, or more self-compassion. Writing down your intentions can help bring clarity and keep you grounded when life gets overwhelming.

 

The festival season in Coachella Valley is electric—music, art, and community all coming together. But overstimulation can be real. If you’re attending events, remember to schedule downtime. Whether it’s a slow morning with meditation, a quiet walk in nature, or a night in with your favorite playlist, rest is just as important as celebration.

 

One of the things I love about this season is the opportunity for artistic exploration. Creative expression—whether through dance, poetry, music, or even fashion—can be a powerful way to process emotions and reclaim joy. At last week’s Wellness Summit, we explored how tapping into creativity can be deeply therapeutic. Express yourself in ways that feel authentic to you.

 

As Black gay men, finding safe spaces where we can be seen, heard, and affirmed is essential. Whether it’s attending LGBTQ+ events, joining a support group, or simply surrounding yourself with people who uplift you, community matters. If you’re in Coachella Valley, look for gatherings that celebrate our culture and experiences—being in spaces where we don’t have to explain ourselves is a form of self-care.

 

With the shift in weather, it’s a great time to move your body in ways that feel good. Whether it’s yoga, dancing under the stars at a festival, or a mindful hike in Joshua Tree, movement can help reduce stress and boost mood. Listen to your body and honor what it needs.

 

In a world that often overlooks our unique experiences, self-love is an act of resistance. Speak to yourself with kindness, practice daily affirmations, and don’t be afraid to take up space. You are worthy of rest, joy, and healing.

 

Mental health is a journey, and sometimes we need professional support. Therapy, coaching, or mentorship can be game-changers. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to someone you trust. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

 

As we step into this season of renewal, let’s commit to showing up for ourselves in the ways that matter most. Whether through community, creativity, or quiet moments of self-care, let’s embrace the beauty of this time with intention and joy. You deserve to bloom, too.

After wildly successful past seasons, the Palm Springs EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST is back as the preeminent specialty wine event of the year featuring LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Women owned and/or produced wines. Bringing together some of the world’s finest vintners in an exclusive invite-only participation of wineries, EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST will showcase the immense depth and diversity of wines from premiere wine regions. Festival goers will enjoy over 100 wines, food samples, live entertainment, demonstrations, silent auction, and VIP experiences, all creating an environment that fosters community among everyone involved in enjoying every sip and taste. Your generous support will help elevate diverse talent, foster community, and bring these important conversations to the forefront, while supporting forward-thinking charities. Benefiting Brothers of the Desert, reserve your ticket today .

Benefiting Brothers of the Desert. Please join EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST, GED MAGAZINE, and BROTHERS OF THE DESERT for a private kick-off event and learn about what’s planned for this year’s Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest at one of the featured participating wine lounges and restaurant... BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS.

Appetizers sponsored by GED MAGAZINE and BOOZEHOUNDS. Wine/Cocktails available (no-host). Stay for dinner by making a reservation at BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS on OpenTable. Dinner seating begins at 6:00 PM on April 16th. Reserve your spot today at GEDMag.ticketbud.com

 

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

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 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!

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

Please make your reservation with David before Friday, April 11th, as we want to let the restaurant know how many will be having lunch.

Email: DavidMaurice.Jones@gmail.com

Hey, Brothers! Can you feel that shift in the air? April’s here, and the Coachella Valley is coming alive—wildflowers are popping up along the highways, the festival season’s about to kick into high gear, and that desert sun is warming us up in more ways than one. It’s my favorite time of year, and I’m so excited to bring you this month’s newsletter, brimming with the kind of energy and inspiration that keeps our community tight and thriving. We’re just coming off the high of our 6th Annual Wellness Summit on March 22 at the Riviera in Palm Springs—man, what a day that was! The wisdom from folks like George M. Johnson and Dr. David Malebranche, the real talk in those workshops, and the love we poured into every moment—it’s still ringing in my ears. That theme, “The Power of Authenticity,” hit me deep, and I’ve been carrying it with me as we step into spring.

 

This issue’s all about renewal—spring renewal, to be exact. I wanted to lean into what that means for us as Black gay men living our truth in this vibrant, sometimes wild corner of the world. You’ll find a piece I wrote about mental health and self-care, with some thoughts on keeping our heads right as Coachella (April 11-13 and 18-20) and Desert Rodeo (April 25-27) turn the Valley into party central. It’s personal for me—I’ve had my share of festival seasons where I ran myself ragged trying to keep up, so this time, I’m sharing what I’m learning about pacing myself and finding peace in the chaos. I hope it resonates with you, maybe even gives you a nudge to try something new this month.

 

We’ve got more in store too—spotlights on our community’s heart, updates on what’s ahead, and a little nudge to keep leaning on each other. That’s what Brothers of the Desert is all about, right? Holding space for one another, lifting up our voices, and growing stronger together. I’d love to hear what’s on your mind as we roll through April—drop me a line with your thoughts, your stories, or just a quick hello. Let’s make this season one where we shine, inside and out. Stay proud, stay you, and let’s keep this journey rolling.