Safe Schools | Desert Cities

08/31/2026

What happens when more than 40 educators who support LGBTQ+ students come together in one room?

New ideas, new partnerships, and a renewed commitment to making schools safer and more affirming for every student.

On Saturday, August 29, Safe Schools Desert Cities welcomed more than 40 GSA advisors, counselors, educators, and school staff to our annual GSA Advisor Luncheon at Mission Hills Country Club.

Representing schools from across the Coachella Valley, the high desert, the Banning Pass, and surrounding communities, advisors gathered to reconnect, share ideas, learn about upcoming SSDC programs, and strengthen the network of support for LGBTQ+ students throughout our region.

We are deeply grateful to the dedicated adults who create safe, affirming spaces for young people every day. Your commitment changes lives.

A special thank you to John Burton; and Bob Smiland, owner of Desert Hand Car Wash, for helping make this year's luncheon possible.

We're excited for the year ahead and look forward to continuing our work together in support of LGBTQ+ youth.

06/15/2026

Grateful for the spotlight from The Desert Sun and for the partners who help us expand leadership, education, and advocacy opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth.

A recent grant from the Inland Empire Community Foundation will further help the youth as they consider broader education goals. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Safe Schools Desert Cities

06/15/2026

Join us and Miss Patsi on Wednesday, June 17, from 5:00–8:00 PM at Tony’s Burgers in Cathedral City for an evening of great food, community, and support for Safe Schools Desert Cities!

We’re grateful to be this month’s beneficiary of Dinner With Patsi. Proceeds from the evening will help us continue empowering LGBTQ+ youth and building safer, more inclusive schools and communities across the Coachella Valley.

🍔 Hosted by Tony’s Burgers
📍 35903 Date Palm Dr., Cathedral City
📞 760-832-7794
⏰ 5:00–8:00 PM
✅ Walk-ins welcome; reservations recommended

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to support the Cathedral City Senior Center Food Bank.

Come enjoy a delicious meal, connect with community, and make a meaningful impact. We hope to see you there!

06/12/2026

On June 12, 2016, 49 lives were lost at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.

Ten years later, we remember them. We honor their lives. We stand with those who continue to mourn.

At Safe Schools Desert Cities, their memory strengthens our resolve. We will continue working toward a world where LGBTQ+ youth are safe, supported, and celebrated—exactly as they are.

06/06/2026

FINAL CALL — the 2026 Camp starts in 4 days!

This is what Safe Schools Desert Cities’ LGBTQ+ Leadership & Empowerment Camp looks like.

We still have open spots for our FREE, 3-day mountain retreat (June 11–14) for LGBTQ+ youth and allies in grades 9–12.

Participants will experience:
- Leadership workshops
- Outdoor activities
- Community & connection
- A safe, affirming space to be themselves

Bus transportation from the Coachella Valley provided | All meals + lodging included | No cost to attend

Spots are limited and applications will close as soon as we’re full.

If you know a student who would benefit from this experience, please share this with them today.

Apply now: https://www.safeschoolsdc.org/event/summer-leadership-empowerment-camp-2026

06/01/2026

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
You matter.
You belong.
You are celebrated.
Safe Schools Desert Cities stands with LGBTQ+ youth and those who uplift them—today and always.

05/16/2026

Thank You for an Unforgettable Pride Prom! We’re so grateful for the incredible community that made this year’s Pride Prom such a joyful and affirming night for our LGBTQ+ students and their allied friends.

Thank you to our amazing board members and volunteers for your hard work, dedication, and late-night efforts to make it all happen—you are the heart behind this event.

Shoutout to our fabulous entertainers and partners:
💫 Bella Da Ball Brian Wanzek
💫 Mizz Kush
💫 Lorelei
💫 Matthew Hocutt (Olive Martini!)
🎧 DJ Alf Alpha
🍴 F10 Catering + Events

And deep appreciation to our generous sponsors & supporters:
Goldenvoice • Dinner With Patsi • Dance Ranch • Barry Manilow's A Gift of Love VII • Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers • Barton CPA • The Gregory-Ornelas Family Living Trust • Tori St Johns • Ray Culver & Shawn Williams • Dana Dukelow • Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health (TAY)

Because of you, our youth felt celebrated, seen, and supported.

04/26/2026

We’re excited to offer our free Leadership & Empowerment Camp, a three‑day retreat designed to help LGBTQ+ youth and allies build confidence, leadership skills, and community.

Open to 9th through 12th grade students, the camp takes place in the San Bernardino Mountains and includes workshops, outdoor activities, and guided discussions led by trained facilitators.

Free bus transportation from the Coachella Valley is provided.

Free for all participants.

Exact location shared with registered attendees.

Please share with students and school communities.

Register at https://www.safeschoolsdc.org/event/summer-leadership-empowerment-camp-2026

04/25/2026

Pride Prom 2026 is coming up — and we can’t wait to celebrate our LGBTQ+ youth and their allies! A night of music, dancing, performances, food, and joy, all in a safe and affirming space where students can be fully themselves.

Featuring DJ Alf Alpha and special guest performers.

Tickets are $20 per student.
Location: Coachella Valley (exact venue shared with registered attendees)

Join us for one of the most meaningful nights of the year.
Tickets at https://www.safeschoolsdc.org/event/pride-prom-2026