As the last beats pulsed through the speakers at Reforma’s nightclub on Sept. 28, The Dinah’s 34th year ended — and with it, an era under founder Mariah Hanson.
The fête, a music festival for LGBTQ+ women, began in 1991, hosted in tandem with the Colgate-Dinah Shore Winner’s Circle women’s golf tournament. At its first iteration, attendees danced alongside priceless art pieces at the Palm Springs Art Museum, inspiring Hanson to continue the event.
“Obviously I’m sad that it’s the end of an era, right? But I think it’s also incredible because at the same time, it’s like a reunion,” says Nik Kacy, creator of Equality Fashion Week and a longtime guest on The Dinah’s red carpet (their first Dinah was in 1998). “Everybody and everyone that I’ve ever met here is back. They don’t want to miss out on being a part of this moment and honoring and celebrating Mariah for the incredible work that she’s done for our community and creating this incredible space; this unique event that doesn’t exist anywhere else.”
Guests who have watched the growth of the event from early on reflected on how it transformed the queer women’s landscape. “Mariah has been such a gift, honestly, to the queer community for decades,” says actor Haviland Stillwell. “I’m here to celebrate her last year and to offer my thanks and appreciation.” Other veteran stars agree, with celebrity Chef K and actor Mackenzie Lansing citing similar sentiments.
The Dinah festivities will pause in 2026, but an in-person raffle during the Lucky Sunday Pool Party validated the event’s continuation in 2027.
While the next generation of leadership for The Dinah has yet to be announced, Hanson remains hopeful for the festival’s future, citing the need for community. She told us earlier this year that people need to be seen, heard, and valued in every aspect of the event, which naturally builds a strong community.
Regardless of who carries The Dinah forward, Hanson’s legacy endures in every memory made, every forged friendship, and every moment of feeling seen and included.
