Our Mission
Advocate for a world where every LGBTQIA+ person is respected, accepted, and empowered to live authentically.
Why We Exist
Unity in the Desert exists to support, uplift, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Indian Wells Valley and beyond. In communities where acceptance is not guaranteed, our mission is to make sure no one feels alone or unseen.
Our work includes mental health advocacy, community support, education, and direct services tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals—especially in rural and underserved areas.
What We Stand For
We believe in inclusion without exception. Our programs are open to all, regardless of age, race, gender identity, religion, immigration status, or economic background. Allies are welcome. Intersectionality is essential.
We center the voices of the marginalized and focus on dismantling the systems that perpetuate harm, while cultivating a culture of joy, pride, and resilience.
Understanding LGBTQIA+
The term LGBTQIA+ encompasses a wide range of identities, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual individuals. It also includes those whose gender or sexual identity does not conform to societal norms.
We use this term as a broad, inclusive banner that affirms the right of every person to define themselves and live openly without fear or shame.
When Justice Isn’t Equal
In 2023 alone, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across the United States. These attacks on rights and visibility have real impacts from mental health distress to job discrimination, housing denial, and restricted healthcare access.
In Ridgecrest and the surrounding valley, these challenges are intensified by geographic isolation and limited local resources. Many LGBTQIA+ residents travel long distances just to find affirming care, or just go without it entirely.
Our Response
We launched Unity in the Desert because the silence had gone on too long. Too many people were suffering in isolation, afraid to speak their truth or seek help. We stepped forward to offer a new path—one rooted in visibility, inclusion, and collective care.
We are here to build a better future. One where every queer teen sees a place for themselves in this community. One where trans people feel safe accessing care. One where no one has to leave their hometown to find their pride.
Together, we are creating home.
Unity in the Desert is not just an organization... it's a movement. And there's room for you in it.