Board Vice President, Eric Davis

Everywhere we look the sun is shining and illuminating the earth, and it is all created for us to play in the field of adventure as we continue our journey!  I invite you to get outside, get your toes in the sand or the grass, allow our heads to be warmed by the sun and our hearts to receive the healing balm of illumination.   

 

This time of year, brings spring flowers, sunshine, chirping birds, illuminated trees and magical rainbows.  As if the earth is screaming out to us, “be present to the joy of this summer arrival, it is here to bless you with a healing balm of love!”  Ah, yes, we are being blessed and reminded to stand in the light and enjoy this precious incarnation. The light and warmth of this time of year has a message for us, if only we shall catch it. Our opportunity is to listen, and receive the message this season holds for us.

 

Sometimes, upon the journey of life, something may occur where we make a choice to dim our own precious inner light.  When this occurs, we then begin to place shades of protection on our simmering joy that truly just wants to be revealed.  Some of us may have been told to not be so loud, so bright, so talkative, so inspiring, or so excited.  Often those upon the path with us may express their discomfort in our light shining so brightly.  At this point, we put the dimmer switch on. We begin to fear the world would not welcome all that we have to give, but nothing could be farther from the truth.  

 

The world wants your light to shine brightly; the world NEEDS your beautiful joy to be expressed.  Each and every individual upon the earth has a unique gift to deliver, a light that only they can shine.  If we dim our own light, we are hiding our gifts.  We are denying our expression, and our souls calling.  The path of inner trust must be cultivated, to trust that we are here for divine purpose. Our gifts must be delivered for our expansion and for the world's blessing, they must be delivered.  

 

So, today, in this season of warmth, check in with yourself… are you standing fully in your light and letting yourself shine?  Or are you dimming yourself so as to not be too bright?  Where in your life are you not letting others see the fullness of your magnificence?  The earth is not shy in the manner in which it expresses itself, so why should we be?  The sun boldly makes itself known and seen and invites you to do the same.  You too can choose to stand bold and bright in all the ways that you express yourself.  Today, let the bright and beautiful sun, the golden sky, and the healing earth remind you to shine brightly.  Wherever you are, allow yourself to be fully you.  Enjoy creating the light, enjoy your life and let yourself glow with the inner brightness of illumination!

Arnold McCuller is a renowned American vocalist, songwriter, producer, and coach whose rich, soulful voice has resonated through the music industry for over five decades. Born on August 26, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, Arnold was immersed in music from an early age, influenced heavily by his parents' vibrant participation in church choirs. These early experiences shaped his vocal style, characterized by emotional depth, clarity, and powerful delivery.

 

McCuller's professional musical journey took flight when he toured nationally with the iconic musical "Hair," which allowed him to showcase his vocal versatility and stage presence. Following this initial success, Arnold became part of the vocal quartet Revelation from 1974 to 1979, further refining his craft and gaining attention within the music industry.

 

Arnold’s impressive career has been punctuated by his collaborations with an extensive list of legendary musicians. Perhaps most notably, he has been a key part of James Taylor's touring ensemble for decades, delivering unforgettable solos like the beloved "Shower the People." His association with Taylor has made him a favorite among fans, admired for his vocal power and heartfelt performances. Another significant collaboration includes working alongside Phil Collins, with whom he toured extensively, notably performing the hit "Easy Lover" live, bringing a dynamic energy to their shows. In addition to James Taylor and Phil Collins, McCuller has shared the stage and recording studios with numerous other influential artists, including Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett, Todd Rundgren, and Beck. Each of these collaborations not only highlights Arnold's adaptability as a vocalist but also underscores the respect he has garnered across genres and generations in the music industry.

 

Aside from his performing and recording career, Arnold McCuller is dedicated to nurturing and training upcoming vocalists. To achieve this, he created VocalEase, a specialized app designed to provide vocal warm-up exercises, guidance, and practical techniques for both aspiring and professional singers. VocalEase 4 U, available on various digital platforms, includes a series of warm-up routines and vocal exercises crafted to improve users' vocal strength, range, and overall technique. Esteemed colleagues, including Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt, have praised VocalEase for its practicality and effectiveness, cementing Arnold’s reputation not only as a performer but as a committed vocal mentor.

 

Beyond his musical pursuits, McCuller has taken his life experience into a deeply meaningful direction as a recovery coach and interventionist. Arnold, in recovery himself since 1984, has become a beacon of support and guidance for individuals grappling with addiction and mental health challenges. He currently serves as a case manager and addiction counselor at Desert Willow Wellness in Palm Springs, California, where his compassionate and experienced approach helps clients navigate their paths to recovery.

 

His commitment to recovery extends beyond individual sessions. Arnold actively participates in organizations such as Harmonium, which provides sober support spaces at music festivals and other events, reinforcing his dedication to building healthier, supportive communities within and beyond the music industry.

Arnold McCuller’s multifaceted career exemplifies an inspiring blend of artistry, mentorship, and advocacy. Whether captivating audiences with his remarkable voice, coaching aspiring vocalists through his innovative VocalEase app, or providing compassionate support as a recovery coach, Arnold continues to profoundly impact lives, driven by a deep passion for music and a heartfelt commitment to healing and growth.

Back By Popular Demand! Brothers of the Desert members and allies will join Front Runners and Walkers for a friendly three-mile walk or five-mile run at Sunrise Park near Mizell Center.

Walk/run at 7:30 am. Free breakfast social at the Mizell Center at 9:00 am.

Free Event

For more info and to RSVP: Lorenzo Taylor – taylorenzo@gmail.com

Saturday, May 10, 2025

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert

1301 North Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA, 92262

 

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.

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 willdean66@gmail.com

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 May 16 and we will award one or two students with our first annual scholarship. If you would like to donate to this fund:

 

Dear Brother,
Dear Friend,
Dear You—

If I could take your face in my hands right now, look you in the eye, and tell you one thing—it would be this:

 

For years, I didn’t believe that.

I thought I had to perform, impress, seduce, fix myself, be more masculine, be less emotional, be more spiritual, be more sexually confident—be anyone but myself—just to be loved, touched, or truly seen.

And you know what that belief gave me?
Empty connections. Performative sex. Deep loneliness.
A smile on the outside, a storm on the inside.

 

It took me years—and honestly, I’m still learning—to realize that intimacy isn’t something we achieve.
It’s something we allow.
It’s not a reward for being good enough.
It’s a birthright.
Yours. Mine. Ours.

 

Here’s another truth I want you to know:
Being intimate doesn’t make you weak.
It means you’re brave enough to be human.

It means saying, “I need to be held,” or “I don’t know how to do this,” or “I’m scared.”
It means letting someone feel your heartbeat—your real heartbeat—not the performance of who you think you’re supposed to be.

 

You don't have to figure it all out before you let someone in.
You don’t need a six-pack, a tantric diploma, or perfect emotional regulation.
You just need to be willing.

Willing to slow down.
Willing to tell the truth.
Willing to let love in through the cracks.

And if you're afraid? That’s okay.
So was I.

 

That’s why I’m here. That’s why I do this work.
Not because I’ve mastered intimacy—but because I know how painful it is to live without it.

And I want better for you.

So if no one’s told you lately:
You’re not too much.
You’re not too broken.
You’re not behind.
You are lovable, right now, as you are.

And you are not alone.

 

 

Brothers of the Desert is a proud community sponsor for a powerful cinematic event: the Palm Springs screening of Veils—Requiem for Trayvon, a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that pays tribute to the legacy of Trayvon Martin and the enduring strength of Black mothers in America.

 

The film event will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 6:00PM and will be followed by a community conversation and panel discussion featuring the film's creators, director Courtney Baker-Oliver, screenwriter, Steven Butler and joined by Palm Springs City Councilwoman, Grace Garner.

 

Join us as we delve into important discussions about social justice, race relations, and cultural awareness. Be part of this eye-opening experience as we watch the film together and then engage in a stimulating conversation with the panel. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insights and be part of a meaningful dialogue.

 

We are hosting this event along with our friends and partners from Icon City Entertainment and the City of Palm Springs in support of the Palm Springs High School Black student Union. 

 

WINE TASTING WITH A CAUSE

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.

In celebration of our beloved brother Stuart Huggin’s birthday, we’re coming together not only to honor his life but to embody his spirit of generosity and community.

Join us in a special Food Drive to benefit the local Food Bank.
This initiative reflects Stuart’s ongoing commitment to lifting others up—especially those in need. Your participation will help feed families in our community and make Stuart’s birthday a day of real impact.

Purchase directly from Stuart’s Amazon Wish List, which goes straight to the Food Bank:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3NM9JE0VEUT2H

Whether you give a little or a lot, your offering matters.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. When we talk about self-care, too often it gets flattened into scented candles and bubble baths. Don’t get me wrong—if that’s your jam, enjoy it fully. But for Black men, especially queer Black men, self-care must be something deeper. It’s not just about relaxation; it’s about reclamation—of our bodies, our stories, our right to joy, and our sacred wholeness.

 

For too long, society has asked us to armor up, stay strong, keep going. But I believe real strength lies in softness—in knowing when to lay down the weight and tend to our own needs. Holistic self-care isn’t just about surviving. It’s about aligning body, spirit, and soul so we can thrive.

 

Let’s be honest. Most of us weren’t raised with the luxury of “self-care.” We were taught to work hard, keep our heads down, push through, and not let anybody see us sweat. Rest? That was something you earned. Vulnerability? That was risky.

 

But here’s what I’ve learned: that mindset may have helped us survive, but it doesn’t help us thrive.

 

As Black men, especially those of us who are queer, our lives are layered. We move through the world carrying history, expectations, trauma, brilliance, and beauty—all at once. And in the midst of it, we’re often told to disconnect from our own needs. But self-care isn’t soft. It’s not selfish. It’s strategy. It’s survival. And when done right, it becomes liberation.

So how do we take care of ourselves in a way that speaks to the fullness of who we are?

 

Here’s what that can look like.

 

Our minds are often in survival mode. Constantly calculating how to stay safe, be accepted, stay productive. But what if we made space for rest? For honesty? For healing?

Try this:
Every morning, ask yourself two simple questions: How do I feel? What do I need today? No judgment—just curiosity. Give yourself permission to answer truthfully.

Therapy, journaling, prayer, or even five quiet minutes of deep breathing can shift everything. Mental health is not separate from our power—it’s part of it.

 

Whether it’s a church, a forest trail, a yoga mat, or a Kendrick track that speaks to your soul—spirituality doesn’t have to follow a rulebook. What matters is that it reconnects you to yourself and something greater.

Try this:
Light a candle. Take ten slow breaths. Say a few words of gratitude or intention. Let it be simple. Let it be yours.

 

We live in a culture that often objectifies or ignores our bodies. But your body is not a project to fix or a machine to push. It’s your sacred home.

Try this:
Move your body with love, not punishment. Stretch. Walk. Dance. Get a massage. Go to the gym not just to look a certain way, but to feel alive in your skin.

And yes—touch matters. We are starved for affectionate, non-sexual touch that says “You matter.” Whether it's a long hug, a massage, or a session with a cuddle therapist, touch is medicine.

 

So many of us have been touch-starved for years—held only in moments of crisis or lust, but rarely in love. Whether through professional massage, cuddle therapy, or simply asking a friend for a hug, healing through touch is real. It resets the nervous system. It softens the walls. It reminds us we belong.

Try This:
Next time you receive a hug, don’t rush it. Breathe into it. Feel your body soften. Let it nourish you.

 

Too often, we treat these areas—mind, body, spirit—as separate. But real healing happens when they come together. When we tune in. When we listen to ourselves. When we slow down enough to feel what’s really going on.

Start small. Start with one breath. One stretch. One honest moment of reflection. That’s all it takes to begin.

 

You are not just a mind or a body—you are a constellation of experiences, emotions, gifts, and needs. Your healing is not a luxury. It’s a birthright. Taking care of yourself—fully, holistically—is not a trend. It’s a revolutionary act of self-love.

 

This month, I invite you to explore what true self-care looks like for you. Start small. Stay curious. Stay kind to yourself.

 

This isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about remembering who you are underneath all the armor. It’s about showing up for yourself with the same love you offer others. And it’s about doing it not alone, but in community—with brothers who see you, honor you, and walk beside you.

 

You are not broken. You are not too much. You are not alone.

You are worthy of rest.
You are worthy of pleasure.
You are worthy of peace.