Yes, I am a Fucking Lesbian
Dinah Shore: The Largest Girl Party Music Festival in the World
History
The original Dinah began in 1991 by Mariah Hanson when she booked the event at the Palm Springs Modern Art Museum. Women drank martinis while surrounded with millions of dollars in art. The idea of creating a lesbian world within Palm Springs took off and has continued to this day, often featuring guests like Tegan and Sara, Salt ‘N Pepa, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. These days, the party stays poolside during the day with DJ’s and bikinis. And as the sun goes down, the party people move to music venues where drinks flow and live performances steal the night.
Getting There
So let's just say I never imagined myself at such an event (and even poked fun) until I finally experienced it for myself. A friend of mine and her wife organized most of the details (against my better judgement) but it turned out to be quite an amazing time. We flew out from Chicago early Thursday morning and landed in Los Angeles. Although Palm Springs has a local airport, it was much cheaper to fly into L.A. and make the two hour drive with a rental.
Day 1
Once we arrived, we settled in to the Hilton Palm Springs and checked in with the event coordinator to get our wristbands. We deliberately chose to stay at the Hilton because they were hosting the Dinah pool parties that year and figured what better way to enjoy a pool than be as close as possible. That way we could run up to the room to grab a quick cocktail or freshen up, which turned out to be a perfect plan.
Before the rental car was due we picked up some snacks and drinks at a local grocery store, then began exploring the hotel and downtown area. To my surprise, Palm Springs was unmistakably adorable. Everyone was friendly and full of positive energy. The sunny skies and warm weather didn't hurt either.
In the evening, an opening party was hosted at a local bar called Zelda's. We had picked up our ticket package beforehand which included entrance to all events, no lines, for $200. The evening was so much fun, full of amazing DJ’s, special performances, new faces and countless drinks. My personal favorite was the performance by the super talented Butterscotch.
Happy there was so much excitement in the air, it was really something special to be a part of, a group of women so open and free. I saw tons of familiar faces and even bumped into a friend from Chicago.
We all danced late into the night and eventually made the trip back to the hotel to pass out. Talk about a great way to start an incredible weekend.
Day 2
The following morning, the girls and I went for breakfast after picking a spot by the pool. We returned poolside for the rest of the afternoon, indulging in sunny skies, beautiful women and loud pumping music. Water stations were set up alongside the pool, as were booths selling cocktails. I’d recommend giving your bartender a hefty tip to ensure a nice pour.
Just outside the pool grounds were a bunch of vendors set up in booths selling products and bringing awareness to many issues facing the LGBTQ community. Wandering around, I made some new friends including a photographer who was there shooting the event. Talk about an amazing gig.
After the pool party, we ventured into town for something to eat and reflected on our first day. I can't say I've ever had so much fun and I can’t believe it happens all over again tomorrow.
After dinner, we went over to the Hard Rock Hotel for the evening's White Party. There were several spaces set up for guests and downstairs in the main hall, live performances were the highlight of the night.
Day 3
Saturday morning we were off to the pool again. We spent the day tanning our bodies and listening to the incredible DJ’s. It was so entertaining to sit back and enjoy the crowd. I've always been a people watcher but this was a whole other level, beautiful happy gays and they’s everywhere.
What shocked me most was the diversity. Every kind of girl you could possibly imagine was there at Dinah, all for the same reasons: inclusion, support, fun and community. It honestly gave me a sense of belonging I've never felt before and a sense of pride in a community that I was still unfamiliar with.
After pool time we went out to grab a bite and rest up for the evening.
That evening was the main event, the Black Party. Once again, great music and live performances filled the night. We roamed the party making new friends and danced late into the night.
Day 4
The following morning was Dinah's final pool party at the Hilton, the Wet and Wild Pool Party. Of course it didn't disappoint. We got in our last days worth of sun and felt more at home than ever. Over the past few days we had gotten used to the routine and made countless new friends which made the experience all the more enjoyable.
The girls left the pool early while I stayed on. I couldn't get enough of the warm weather and positive vibes. After a recharge (nap time) we went out for dinner at The Tropicale for delicious food and a charming outdoor patio. Zelda's was hosting the final night and Closing Party and we went for a short time but felt pretty spent after so many days of sun and fun, calling it an early night.
Day 5
Monday morning we packed up our belongings and began the journey home, picking up our rental car and driving to LAX. It was time to get back to the real world and bitter cold of Chicago.
I'll have to admit, I thought this weekend would be full of drama and raunchy behavior but it was the complete opposite. And it was such a surprise to meet so many phenomenal women. It just goes to show that even when you think you’re alone, there are others out there going through the same thing. The energy surrounding the event was nothing but positive and I loved every single minute.
