The longest-running festival for queer women globally, The Dinah, draws thousands to Palm Springs as a safe and welcoming space in challenging times.
33rd Annual Dinah Festival Celebrates Inclusivity in Palm Springs
PALM SPRINGS – The Dinah, hailed as the longest-running festival for queer women globally, celebrates its 33rd annual event this year. Known affectionately as “A party with a cause,” the festival has once again transformed Palm Springs into a bustling hub for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Drawing thousands of attendees from across the United States and the globe, The Dinah has become synonymous with creating a welcoming environment where security and enjoyment are paramount. Visitors, such as Candice Connors from Massachusetts, consistently praise the festival for fostering a safe space conducive to forming lasting friendships and relationships. “Definitely an environment that is safe, secure, a lot of fun,” Connors remarked, noting the ease with which festival-goers can strike up conversations.
Such is the event’s allure that it has secured a spot on the bucket list of many of its loyal attendees. Beyond the social and cultural impact, The Dinah significantly contributes to Palm Springs’ economy. Festival founder Mariah Hanson highlights the economic benefits, describing the festival-goers as a consumer base that is enthusiastic about spending money and eager to feel welcomed. “It really just creates this very financially positive experience for Palm Springs and also for our customers,” Hanson stated.
In a year marked by political instability, Hanson emphasises the crucial role of The Dinah in offering a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community. “I think that the LGBTQ+ community is potentially facing an onslaught of hate-filled rhetoric and legislation all across the country,” she observed. The festival, therefore, provides a rare opportunity for attendees to simply exist and be content without fear. Connors echoed this sentiment, pointing out the current climate of societal backlash: “You’re seeing a lot of people attack the LGBTQ+ community, that we have an opportunity to create a safe environment and space for us to just exist, and be happy, and be open, and love who we love.”
Palm Springs has proven to be the ideal location for The Dinah, bolstering its reputation as a diverse and inclusive city. “I think Palm Springs is a model city for any city in this country about inclusivity and diversity. So I’m proud to present the Dinah here,” Hanson expressed.
This year’s festival has achieved a significant milestone with a 100 percent buy-out, selling every room at the Riviera and spilling over into other local hotels. This success underscores both the festival’s and the city’s capacity to host large-scale, inclusive events that leave a lasting positive impact both socially and economically.
The continued success of The Dinah in Palm Springs serves as testament to the city’s commitment to inclusivity while providing a much-needed refuge for the LGBTQ+ community amid increasingly challenging times.
Source: Noah Wire Services