The Palm Springs Guys 4/4/25 The Palm Springs Guys 4/4/25

Is Mid-Century Modern on Hulu Just Gay Fiction? Here’s the Real Palm Springs Tea

Thinking about vacationing in Palm Springs? Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern is fueling the fantasy, but the real-life version is even better. Here’s what gay life in Palm Springs actually looks like — and why it should be your next getaway.

Let’s be real: Mid-Century Modern on Hulu is everything Gay Palm Springs. Iconic architecture. Sarcastic gay men in their prime. Poolside drama. Linda Lavin.

But the real gag? You don’t have to binge a sitcom pretending to live your best gay life when you can actually be here surrounded by palm trees, pool floats, and Palm Springs mid-century perfection.

Because here in Palm Springs, it’s not a fantasy. It’s the lifestyle!

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve been flirting with the idea of moving here permanently (you wouldn’t be the first!), let’s break down what this Hulu hit got right, what it got hilariously wrong, and why Palm Springs is still the desert capital that gay dreams are made of.

If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us and let us know (and let us know why)!

In the meantime, here’s the real Palm Springs tea…

Mid-Century Modern: Glammed-Up Fiction or Desert Reality?

In Mid-Century Modern, three gay besties — Bunny, Jerry, and Arthur — move into a mid-century house in Palm Springs after a funeral and proceed to live together, surrounded by martinis, misadventures, and passive-aggressive zingers. Throw in Bunny’s live-in mother Sybil, and you've got a cross between Golden Girls and Will & Grace – but make it desert-chic.

Is this what life’s really like for gay men here in Palm Springs? Honestly? Kind of. But it’s also way better than you can imagine.

Yes, the Architecture Really Is That Sexy

Palm Springs is internationally known for its mid-century modern architecture. We’re talking:

Butterfly rooflines
Clerestory windows
Vintage breeze blocks
Pools that belong on a Slim Aarons postcard

Whether you’re strolling through Twin Palms, Vista Las Palmas, or Deepwell Estates, you’ll see homes that make you feel like you're in an Architectural Digest spread — except with fewer stylists and more shirtless men walking their dogs (aka their babies).

Want to geek out on architecture before you visit? Check out our Palm Springs Guys mid-century modern self-guided tour (Google Maps GPS-ready!) and discover the magic of Desert Modernism architecture for yourself.

Chosen Family Vibes? Very That.

The premise of friends becoming a chosen family? Not only realistic — it’s Palm Springs culture in a nutshell.

The community here is tight-knit, supportive, and refreshingly unbothered. Whether you’re single, partnered, throupled, or “it's complicated,” you’ll find your people here faster than you can say “poolside cocktail at 2.”

In fact, Palm Springs has the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents of any city in the U.S. That means the whole place is basically a gay friend group waiting to happen.

So… Should You Visit?

Uh, yes. Immediately. Especially now (considering the state our current government, if you can even call it governing). Palm Springs is like a double layer of protection for our beautiful, vibrant, and inclusive LGBTQ+ community and our allies here in Southern California. But I digress.

Mid-Century Modern may have put Palm Springs back on the map for Hulu-watching audiences, but the truth is — we’ve been living this dream in real time for years.

Here’s why gay men from across the country (and around the world) flock here year-round:

Weather That’s Practically a Drag Queen: Always Serving Looks

300+ days of sunshine
Stunning mountain views in every direction (in the desert? Yes)!
Pool season is… every season
Even our winters are giving “hot tub and rosé”

Culture & Events That Keep It Cute

Modernism Week is a dream for design lovers
Palm Springs Pride is one of the largest, most inclusive and joyful in the country
Drag brunches, cabaret nights, spa days, and shopping galore

Basically: There’s always something going on, and you’ll never feel out of place doing it

A Place Where You’ll Actually Make Friends

Whether it’s happy hours at Chill Bar, lounging at your boutique resort, or exchanging flirtatious smiles at the guy across the table at FARM — making new friends (and maybe more?) is the Palm Springs way.

You’ll meet locals. You’ll meet travelers. You might even meet someone who convinces you to come back... permanently. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Final Thoughts: Palm Springs Is the Gay Getaway You Deserve

If you’re looking for a place that combines stylish relaxation, a welcoming LGBTQ+ community, and enough retro-chic vibes to make your Hulu watchlist jealous, Palm Springs is it.

Come for the mid-century fantasy — stay for the sunshine, culture, and community that makes real life here even better than the show. Whether you're in your 20s or your golden years, Palm Springs is ready to show you a good time on repeat.

Which Mid-Century Modern character are YOU — Bunny, Jerry, Arthur, or Sybil? Have you been to Palm Springs before? What’s your favorite spot? Share your experiences!

If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, The Best Sex Shops and Adult Play Gear for Gay Men in Palm Springs, and Escape to Bliss: Best Gay Men's Spas and Spa Resorts in Palm Springs.

**Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?**

In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – **Glen Nadeau** is one of Palm Springs’ top-producing Realtors, known for his no-pressure approach, deep market expertise, and genuine commitment to his clients.
A member of The Caldwell & Linger Group – ranked a Top Real Estate Team by *Palm Springs Life Magazine* – Glen is also backed by COMPASS, which remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country. Glen takes great pride in knowing that his clients are in such good hands.
“Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves.”
Visit **Modern Living Palm Springs**, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
🔎 My Google Business Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

More Gay-Friendly Resources

Gay Desert Guide Directory

"The Gay Agenda" at VisitPalmSprings.com

The Palm Springs Guys 2/17/25 The Palm Springs Guys 2/17/25

Rainbow Entertainment Group: Bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown

Discover how Rainbow Entertainment Group is bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown some of the most fabulous gay events a boy could hope for. From dazzling drag performances to tribute shows, plan your ultimate LGBTQ+ getaway!

As 2025 unfolds, our little desert city is set to dazzle with an array of LGBTQ+ events all year long. Some of our favorite Palm Springs events have been curated by the illustrious Rainbow Entertainment Group (such as drag superstars Dina Martina, Coco Peru, and Ginger Minj)!

With a legacy of crafting unforgettable experiences, they're busy bridging the gap between Palm Springs, California and Provincetown, Massachusetts (aka Ptown) – bringing a lineup that's as diverse and dynamic as our community itself.

If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us and let us know (and let us know why)!

Rainbow Entertainment Group: Bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown - The Palm Springs Guys - Gay Palm Springs

Meet the Maestro: Richy Pugh and Rainbow Entertainment Group

Rainbow Entertainment Group: Bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown - Richy Pugh - The Palm Springs Guys - Gay Palm Springs — Helmed by the visionary CEO Richy Pugh, Rainbow Entertainment Group has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ entertainment for over a decade. From orchestrating a successful holiday decor and event company between 2011 and 2019 to serving as the Executive Director of Entertainment for a prominent Provincetown-based company in 2023-2024, Richy's commitment to top-tier entertainment is unparalleled.

His collaborations read like a who's who of queer culture, featuring icons such as Miss CoCo Peru, Varla Jean Merman, Miss Richfield 1981, Dina Martina, Miss Conception, Ross Mathews, Kathy Griffin, Debby Holiday, and tribute bands honoring legends like Freddie Mercury, George Michael, and Elvis. Notably, he was a driving force behind the triumphant return of BOYZ Night OUT in the summer of 2023. Now, with Rainbow Entertainment Group, Richy is infusing Palm Springs with a series of events that always promises to elevate your desert experience.

Rainbow Entertainment Group: Bridging Palm Springs with Provincetown - Lady Bunny, George Michael Tribute, Dame Edna Tribute - The Palm Springs Guys - Gay Palm Springs

Upcoming REG Events in Palm Springs

Mark your calendars, boyz! Here's what Rainbow Entertainment Group has in store for Palm Springs in the coming months:

Lady Bunny in "Don't Bring the Kids"

Date: Friday, February 21, 2025, at 7 PM
Venue: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
After multiple sold-out residencies in New York, the legendary drag queen and razor-sharp comedian Lady Bunny brings her raunchy tour de force to the desert. Combining singing, comedy, and dance, this show is sure to make even the most conservative attendees squirm with delight. As the New York Times raves, it "will have audiences weeping with laughter while groaning in disgust."

George Michael Reborn

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 7 PM
Venue: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
This incredible tribute to the late, great George Michael is a must-see! Starring Robert Bartko, who exudes the energy and passion of George in the '80s and '90s, the performance features live vocals (no lip-syncing here) that will have you dancing to hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and swaying to the soulful "Careless Whisper." Bartko's uncanny resemblance, vocal range, and charisma make this a tribute that truly honors the legend himself.

"With Love From the Bush" – A Dame Edna Tribute

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 7 PM
Venue: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Rd
You’ve never seen Dame Edna like this! With Love From the Bush is a hilarious and tuneful celebration of Australian comedy icon Dame Edna Everage starring renowned actor, singer, and tribute artist Michael Walters! Get ready to explore the deepest, most private parts of the Diva from Down Under with lots of laughs, show-stopping musical numbers, and glittering gowns! Totaltheatre.com says "The closest thing to enjoying Dame Edna’s outrageous comedy on Broadway is to laugh ‘til you cry over Michael L. Walters’ Dame Edna!” and the original Dame Edna, Barry Humphries, says Michael’s homage is “SPECTACULAR!”

Upcoming Events in Provincetown

For those planning a coastal escape, Rainbow Entertainment Group has a VERY exciting lineup in Provincetown for Summer 2025 too. Here’s a quick-look:

CoCo Peru: One Night Only

Date: Friday, August 22, 2025, at 8 PM

Venue: Provincetown Town Hall, 260 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657

Sutton Lee Seymour – "Witch, Please!"

Dates: Multiple performances throughout Summer 2025