By Sara Collas AKA Peru
All Photos: THT/Sara Collas
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/30/24 – The importance and freedom of self-expression, as well as joy was evident at the 33rd Dinah, held from September 25 – 29, 2024 at the host hotel, Margaritaville in Palm Springs, California. If you haven’t heard of The Dinah (Thedinah.com) or have yet to attend, it’s a glorious event that fosters a sense of pride, community, and connection! This 5-day music festival, which dubs itself as the world’s largest lesbian and queer women’s event is held annually in the sweltering heat of Palm Springs and attracts attendees from all over the United States and world. The event is inclusive welcoming nonbinary and trans folks.
Two of the Dinah transcendent musical performers on their way to Hollywood stardom were Whitney Peyton and Iniko. Whitney who was featured at Friday’s “Girl Spot Pool Party” capped her rock-star performance with a literal splash by jumping in the pool surrounded by her adoring fans. I was reminded that music can save lives. I was getting water to drink when I saw Whitney with her entourage. One of Whitney’s fans had tears coming down her face as she shared that Whitney’s music and lyrics provided healing during a difficult time. Peyton after leaving Dinah was going to hit her tour with dozens of stops that included San Antonio, Minneapolis, and Des Moines. Another incredible performer was Iniko who has over 2 million Instagram followers performing at Saturday’s Hollywood Party. Iniko had the rapturous crowd on their feet from her opening number to her cover of the Bee Gee’s Stayin’ Alive. The Dinah founder Mariah Hanson is known for recognizing super talent. She has done it once again showcasing these two future megawatt stars: Whitney Peyton and Iniko.
In addition to being an amazing musical event, there are cool pool parties, fabulous DJs like Tatiana, and even a red carpet that makes everyone feel like a Hollywood Star. Talking to one of the many twenty-somethings in the pool, we were surrounded by beach balls with the sponsor Tito’s emblazoned label. The attendee said they learned about this event while watching the L word demonstrating the blurring of popular culture with reality. Schlepping all the way from Australia she shared that it had been a dream to attend since watching the show.
The freedom to “express yourself” as Madonna says took all kinds of creative forms. There was Chanell, one of the featured dancers who teaches burlesque in Los Angeles. We saw her sashay and slew her way as she entered the evening party. Her entree was riveting as attendees showered Chanell with dollar bills. We saw her at the pool with her crew the next day in which we took a photograph and shared our dreams and aspirations. When is a network going to give this incredible dancer her own reality show? There was a twerking contest in which attendees competed for first prize. We also saw plenty of creative performance art grinding at the pool. The memories I’ll take are the new and lasting friendships I made through the sense of community and connection with Cowboy and Croatia who I first met three years ago at the Dinah. They are now married living in Los Angeles, enjoying their cat, nights at home, and partying at Abbey’s. We met Hippie and Maddie, a couple from Canada who were attending the Dinah for the first time. It felt as if we had known them for years. Next year’s Dinah will take place from September 24-28, 2025 at the Riviera Resort located at 1600 North Indian Canyon Way. Mariah Hanson is committed to the Dinah’s importance, and enduring legacy. We hope the Dinah continues for another decade. But nothing survives without the continuing support of the attendees. We hope to see you next year! The Dinah will get you through another year inspiring hope, love, and the freedom to express yourself while splashing around in the pool with the thousands of beautiful people from all over the world!
