Nestled in the sun-kissed haven of Palm Springs, California, the renowned Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend has become synonymous with LGBTQ+ celebration, unity, and unforgettable experiences. In an exclusive interview, we delve into the visionary mind behind it, Mariah Hanson, as she takes us on a journey through The Dinah’s inception, growth, and impactful presence as it celebrates its 33rd anniversary.
Hi Mariah! I truly appreciate your time in discussing Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend. To start, can you unravel the origins of The Dinah and how you turned your vision for this event into a reality?
I threw great parties in college, and that easily segued into throwing great parties for my community. Turning a vision into reality is truly about taking the first step. That’s the hardest step to take. Funny thing about taking your first step, though, is that the second step naturally follows.
Funny thing about taking your first step, though, is that the second step naturally follows.
Mariah Hanson
Since 1991 the sunny oasis of Palm Springs, California, has been the backdrop of The Dinah Shore Weekend. Why did you choose Palm Springs, and how does the location amp up the overall experience?
Palm Springs is the perfect place to hold The Dinah. Throughout the years, the city government has become diverse, progressive, and inclusive. They honor The Dinah and are committed to our group. We are designated as a legacy group by the CVB. They understand the significance and importance of having our unique and diverse women’s group in the city. Of course, the weather doesn’t hurt at all … and the city is filled with ancillary opportunities for visitors to enjoy oneself, like hikes up the mountain, tram excursions, or visits to the Indian Canyons.
Every adventure comes with its challenges. What hurdles did you face at the start, and how did you navigate through them?
The town was very conservative when I first came here, so jumping that hurdle and helping the city see how amazing our community is and how profitable the LGBTQIA market is, began the ascent to where we are today.
Events tailored for lesbian and queer women have a unique vibe. Can you tell us why these events are so important in today’s landscape?
We need our places to commune, to feel safe, and to thrive. Friendships are made here that span decades. Shared experiences and the joining of so many different backgrounds, all united by the common thread of our LGBTQIA experience, help to create bonds that are unbreakable.
We need our places to commune, to feel safe, and to thrive.
Mariah Hanson
Creating a welcoming haven is crucial. How do you ensure that The Dinah remains a safe space for attendees of all identities?
As community members, we know all too well the challenges we face politically and how easily our rights and safety can be shattered. We’re all seeing this in real-time today, and it’s frightening both for LGBTQIA and for women. We create a space where women and friends can come together and feel the power of our numbers, of our shared experiences, of our co-mingled identities in a way that serves to recharge us. On a logistical front, we employ a fantastic security team composed of a mix of retired police officers and highly trained security teams to ensure the event is well run, safe, and insular.
Now, let’s rewind to some unforgettable memories – The Dinah has drawn renowned figures from the entertainment world, including The L Word, Pussycat Dolls, Lady Gaga, Pat Benatar, Margaret Cho, and The Indigo Girls, among others. Could you share some unforgettable moments from previous Dinah events that have left a lasting impression on you?
Eve coming out to dance with the crowd after her set. Chaka Kahn coming on the red carpet with a whip. Natasha Bedingfield’s effusive admission that she was so honored to be at The Dinah. Katy Perry throwing herself into the crowd, Lady Gaga in a bubble suit, Jesse Reyes’s chilling rendition of what I consider her LGBT tribute, so many memories.
Given that music and entertainment play a pivotal role in shaping the vibrant atmosphere of The Dinah, could you provide insights into your process of curating activities for the event? Also, could you give us a peek at what attendees can look forward to this year?
We are headlining Princess Nokia, DoeChii, G Flip, Phem, and two up-and-coming unsigned artists.
Do you partner with local businesses and organizations, and how has this collaboration contributed to the event’s overall success?
I work with Margaritaville, The XDoubletree, Chill Bar, and Reforma Nightclub to create the most spectacular event we can imagine.
Time to spill some secrets – any amusing or quirky behind-the-scenes tales that shed light on a legendary event like this?
I never kiss and tell.
Mariah, reading through your achievements is impressive! From Club Skirts to Equality California and beyond – which triumph holds a special place in your heart when you reflect on your incredible journey?
Helping the community galvanize, through my work on EQCA (Equality California), to win the right to marry. That was absolutely epic and life-changing.
Wrapping up – what are your aspirations and goals for The Dinah in the coming years? What legacy do you envision leaving through your remarkable contributions to the LGBTQ+ community?
I hope to continue the event as long as people want to attend. It’s a magical five days that leave our guests feeling uplifted and changed. For five days, we offer a glimpse of hope of what our world can be like if we drop our isms and embrace each other right where we are at and for exactly who we are.
Once again, thank you for generously sharing your time and wisdom. We’re raising a rainbow-colored toast to your achievements and eagerly waiting to see where your extraordinary endeavors take you and The Dinah into the future.
THE DINAH WILL TAKE PLACE September 20th – 24th, 2023.
Buy tickets for Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend.