Mariah Hanson, promoter of The Dinah, the biggest Dinah Shore Weekend party in Palm Springs every April. The Dinah is a huge lesbian party that attracts thousands of women from all over the world every year.

The Dinah Shore Weekend. "Weekend" is a bit of a misnomer, as the event spans five full days and features a non-stop schedule of pool parties, comedy shows, music acts and lesbian debauchery that rivals any Spring Break captured by MTV.

Originally a staid golf tourney hosted by the 40s singer, Dinah Shore, (a conservative who hated having her name associated with the lesbians) the annual event gradually moved away from ladies sweating on the back nine to girls sweating on the dance floor. Each year, the Dinah Shore Weekend attracts a larger crowd, bigger acts and smaller bikinis. No longer an event known mostly to Southern California women, the Dinah Shore Weekend is now a pool party pilgrimage for lesbians from all over the country, and the world.


For the first time in the history of The Dinah, and probably the history of lesbian events, they have two top ten artists at a gay event in 2009. (Lady GaGa and Katy Perry.) It’s pretty big news because there are two top ten artists playing the Dinah. And they’re both leaving their tours to do it. Mariah was so excited. It really does speak to the coming of age of our community.

On The Dinah's 20th anniversary Mariah SAid:

"I think it's changed in ways that reflects the way the community is changing. Twenty years ago, the Dinah Shore Weekend was not as diverse as it is today. It was very Southern California, and now it's a very international event. That's really amazing — to walk through a party and see every conceivable type of lesbian, together, enjoying each other's company. I think that's part of the Dinah magic. There's something about that free-for-all, that liberating experience, that commonality, that helps people get beyond borders. And I love it. I'm really proud how The Dinah has evolved."

Tags: Famous Lesbian Mariah Hanson