By Sara Collas
Photos THT
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/1/25 – The 34th Dinah, founded and built into legend by Mariah Hanson, felt like Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” come to life, chaotic, fierce, and unstoppable. Despite technical glitches, a flawed wristband check-in process that frustrated guests, and even three bar fights leading to evictions, thousands of attendees left with the same takeaway: Dinah still inspires, affirms, and unites.
Next year, the party will return in April, but under new leadership. Who inherits this queer crown jewel is still a mystery, and so is Hanson’s future. When pressed about her plans, she was evasive. In the official Dinah program, she jokingly floated the idea of opening a bar with The L Word stars Leisha Hailey and Kate Moenning, who were on hand promoting their new book So Gay for You: Friendship, Found Family, & The Show That Started It All.
The irony wasn’t lost, many in the crowd wondered if the actresses truly believed The L Word “started it all,” when queer history runs far deeper. Still, their star power was undeniable. Fans lined hallways and staircases for book signings, and the two briefly took a turn as guest bartenders at Saturday’s pool party, until security whisked them away after just an hour, leaving disappointed admirers in their wake.
Alcohol lines, meanwhile, sparked tensions—culminating in one of the bar fights Saturday night. Tito’s Vodka, as in years past, was everywhere: on banners, bandanas, beach balls, and $14 lemonade cocktails. Dinah’s premium tier also drew criticism, $650 memberships guaranteed elite guests private bars and gate-kept spaces, underscoring a growing divide between “VIP lesbians” and everyone else.
But Dinah has always been about stars, past and future. Hanson’s track record includes booking Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Doja Cat before their names topped charts. This year’s candidates for breakout fame included rapper-singer Niki Holland, who delivered standout lyrics like “I’m a good girl, but I’m gonna have a bad day,” and DJ Tatiana, whose Reforma set resurrected the spirit of ‘80s queer discos in full euphoric force. Princess Nokia may also be next in line for mainstream recognition.
When asked about the chaos, Hanson brushed it off with optimism: “Ninety-nine percent of the partygoers had a great time,” she said. And many did.
My Wish List for Dinah’s Next Era:
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More female artists on the DJ playlists.
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More chairs, Dinah isn’t just for 21-year-olds.
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Events for early arrivers on Wednesday/Thursday.
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A complete overhaul of the check-in process.
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Replace the failed wristband vendor.
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Clearer signage at all venues.
Whether Dinah will keep its crown without Hanson remains to be seen. What’s certain is that her 34-year reign leaves behind an indelible mark on queer culture, one that mixed glamour and grit in equal measure.
