I travel a lot. I spend a lot of time all over the country and different parts of the world, going places, meeting people and attending events, my community truly rocks my world. This is what’s rocking my world this week – Robyn
A More Colorful Dinah
For the last 27 years, late March/early April has been marked by the migration of thousands of women-loving-women from across the county and the world to the warm, desert climate of Palm Springs, California, to celebrate what has been called, “lesbian Spring Break”, or Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend. At last count, upwards of 15,000 women come to dance, drink, and celebrate all things women. In the past, it has been said that “The Dinah” is really for white women and the women that love them. These days, things are definitely changing.
I’ve covered The Dinah for the last four years. There has clearly been a focus on being more inclusive in the artists being included. In the last two years alone, I have seen both powerhouse Eve and Rap Artist Angel Haze performing in the premium Saturday night spot on the Dinah stage. Last year, they dedicated themselves to the DJ and there were several women of color in the mix. The crowd is also reflective of the shift happening. In the last four years, I have seen a definite uptick in the number of women of color attending, as well as walking the red carpet.
This year’s theme is Building Community and Breaking Barriers. At this time in history, this kind of theme can really bring home the idea that we are traversing a new landscape as QPOC. We can no longer silo ourselves within our own community. We must find ways to come together in many different ways. As I always say, a party is a great way to bring all of your friends together. This is why, at a time when lesbian bars, spaces, festivals and publications are vanishing across the country, now more than ever events like The Dinah are necessary to reconnect our community. We must find new ways to connect, new ways to change the narrative about who we are and what it really means for how we show up in our community, even when we’re talking about a party.
I think that the two best things creating opportunities to come together in community are food and music. The Dinah has always been first and foremost about the music. 2017 is no exception. They have quite a lineup of QWOC as hosts and talent this year –
My friend, Million Dollar Listing and Real L Word star Rose Garcia is back as a host, Latin Hip Hop Artist Lady Cultura will be performing. I had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of years back, here in Oakland during Queer Fashion Week. Also performing, Singer/Songwriter Rap Artist Tish Hyman. You know when people begin invoking Lauryn Hill’s name when they speak about someone, you’re in for something good. Comedienne Gina Yeshere, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’s own Margeaux Simms, will be bringing their special flava to the mix. Hip Hop Artist newcomer Lizzo, if you don’t know, you need to. I am particularly looking forward to hearing and seeing her perform Saturday, bringing her own brand of curvy girl fierceness. Then for those of us that love R & B, Diva CeCe Peniston herself will be appearing. Just to hit the highlights.
When there are many that are trying to find ways to divide us or keep us down, it is rocking my world to see Mariah Hanson and her team at The Dinah, looking for ways to lift us up. Here’s to another year celebrating the woman.
If you are interested in attending The Dinah this year, tickets are still available at: www.thedinah.com
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