The Most Star-Studded DINAH SHORE WEEKEND in History!

PALM SPRINGS, CA - There are absolutely no words to encapsulate what happened at the 2016 Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend. To say that the event gave enough reasons to experience a severe case of FOMO is to put it mildly. Pulling all the stops, the event was not just epic, but was also pure magic.

The famed weekend was filled with unique moments, exceptional firsts, unforgettable milestones, and unexpected surprises that made up for one of the most surreal and mind-blowing Dinah ever.

The legendary Palm Springs’ signature event defied all expectations on so many different levels. From Kate Moennig and Camila Grey (aka The X-Names) giving an exclusive surprise performance Friday night, to Golden Globe winner and international pop icon Lady Gaga making her unexpected return to The Dinah enjoying a little fun in the sun at the Saturday Cabana Pool Party with buddy Samantha Ronson, one thing for certain is that you never know what extraordinary thing might happen at The Dinah.

There are plenty of good reasons to want to experience The Dinah, be it the massive pool parties, the star-studded red carpet soirees, the top-notch live concerts by established performers and fast-rising newcomers, the celebrity sighting, or the hottest DJs and dancers around the world. But while The Dinah might represent different things for everyone, the one common thread is its unique ability to bind us all together as one big family and organically impart a sense of solidarity and normalcy.

“The message is always the same: Here’s a space for you to celebrate your life, live out loud, and simply love,” says Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend.

The empowering effect of the event was already palpable in its stellar entertainment roster led by a strong and diverse presence of kick-ass female artists such as celebrity DJs Samantha Ronson, L Word iconic star, Kate Moennig & UH HUH HER’s lead singer Camila Grey (who together form The X-Names), newcomer JoLivi, and one of Rap’s most vocal and lyrical MC’s,  Angel Haze.  And if “girl power” was the flavor of the weekend, the color du jour at The Dinah was certainly orange with Orange is the New Black stars DJ Taryn Manning (Tiffant “Pennsatucky” Doggett) spinning at the Sunday Pool Party and comedian Lea DeLaria (Big Boo) headlining the comedy show Saturday night.

It was a weekend of high-energy performances whether singing in front of a mic or spinning records behind the turntables.

Perpetuating the rise of women and now transgender DJs behind the decks, the Dinah put an extra focus on trail-blazing DJs with a diverse group of incredibly talented tastemakers who more than hold their own in this boy’s club: Dj Amara, DJ Asha, DJ Lezlee, DJ Angie Vee, DJ Automaton, Citizen Jane, DJ GoodBoy, DJ M.O., DJ Val G, and Leah V.

Also in attendance were some of our LGBT community’s most influential Youtubers including: ElloSteph, Arielle Scarcella, Ari Fitz, Ambers Closet, Bria And Chrissy, It’s Ally Hill, Shannon and Cammie, and Life of Bly.

Another smash hit at this year’s Dinah Shore Weekend was the Hot as L Pool Party hosted in association with Showtime - a Dinah exclusive.  Saluting a memorable era in lesbian culture, the event reunited some of the iconic series’ beloved actors including Clementine Ford, Elizabeth Keener, Tracy Ryerson, Amanda Leigh Dunn and Hunter Valentine who performed their farewell show to thank the fans for one hell of an amazing ride.

And while the Dinah was the all-female punk rock band’s scheduled last stop, it also marked pop music’ s new “it” girl’s first ever concert.World famous cover girl and super model Madison Paige gave an emotional but absolutely formidable first live concert on Sunday officially debuting her music career at Dinah. 

Yes, The Dinah 2016 was the most star studded Dinah Shore Weekend in history. But above it all, it was the most profoundly transformative and empowering Dinah EVER.

“I keep on hearing how this was the best Dinah yet, which of course puts a huge smile on my face.  I'm proud of my staff. They all execute the administrative part of the weekend with such grace even when under pressure. Of course, I’m also grateful and thankful to our incredibly wonderful and appreciative customers who remind us of exactly why we do what we do.  The magic of The Dinah is undeniable and irreplaceable, “ says Mariah Hanson. “I'm so moved and touched, I am already planning for next year  -- bigger and better!”

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Tickets to The Dinah 2017 go on sale July 1, 2016 at www.TheDinah.com

Full DINAH SHORE LINE UP Announced!

CLUB SKIRTS DINAH SHORE WEEKEND 

PRESENTS ITS BLOCKBUSTER ADDITION TO

 THE 2016 DINAH ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP:

DJ TARYN MANNING, 

KATE MOENNIG & CAMILA GREY, 

ANGEL HAZE AND MADISON PAIGE 

TOP THE BILL

PALM SPRINGS, CA – Club Skirts has revealed its entertainment line-up for The Dinah 2016.

The Palm Springs, California-based all girl party and music festival will again take place over the span of 5-days (March 30 through April 3, 2016) at the Hilton Hotel, the PS Convention Center and Zeldaz Nightclub.

Celebrating 26 years as the largest lesbian event in the world, Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend delivers yet again another roof-raising celebration with a steamin' hot lineup that will most definitely blow the lid off the sunny oasis!

“We have put together the most exciting Dinah line up ever.  If I could only pick one Dinah to attend, it would be this year.  I'm really happy how things came together.  Everyone we asked said yes, and as a result we have the most star-studded, talented Dinah ever!  26 years and we're better than ever, thanks to our customers and to the amazing talent who see this event as a must do.  It's going to be a supreme year,” says Mariah Hanson, founder and promoter of The Dinah.

The stellar entertainment roster is led by a strong and diverse presence of kick-ass female artists including two-time Grammy nominee Elle King, Orange is the New Black stars DJ Taryn Manning and comedian Lea DeLaria, celebrity DJs Samantha Ronson, L Word iconic star, Kate Moennig & UH HUH HER’s lead singer Camila Grey (who together form The X-Names), international top model Madison Paige, and one of the most exciting figures of today’s rap scene, Angel Haze.

They’ll be joined by pop newcomer JoLivi and the all-female power pop/punk band and The Real L Word Season 3 cast members, Hunter Valentine who will perform their farewell show - their scheduled last stop – to thank the fans for one hell of an amazing ride.

If that weren’t hot enough, did we mention the “Hot as L” party, one of the Dinah Shore Weekend’s signature events?

Bringing back the magic of Showtime’s hugely popular lesbian drama series and reality TV show, The L Word & The Real L Word, “Hot as L” will feature some of our community’s most beloved and popular stars including Elizabeth Keener, Clementine Ford and Tracy Reyerson.  

It will be a weekend of high-energy performances and premieres whether singing in front of a mic or spinning records behind the turntables. World famous cover girl and super model Madison Paige is set to debut her music career at the epic lesbian event this spring.

This year the Dinah is putting an extra focus on trail-blazing female DJs with a diverse group of high-profile talent all bringing something different to the decks.

Taryn Manning, international DJ, musician and star of the Netflix hit original series Orange is the New Black. is undeniably a go-to favorite of the entertainment industry. Whether on screen, behind a mic or putting the needle on the record or on a piece of fabric, this triple threat does it all and does it impressively well.

With an exceptional ear for music, DJ Taryn Manning has emerged as the club scene's golden child. Manning has booked gigs including high profiled events such as House of Hype's Sundance and Coachella parties, Rock The Vote Friends & Family Grammy Party, and Richard Bransons Rock The Casbah, to name a few.

Joining her are Camila Grey and Kate Moennig slated to bring their trademark tomboyish style, sexy swagger and killer turntables to the Dinah, adding their names to an already phenomenal 2016 Entertainment line-up. This will mark the first time the beloved ladies who together form The X-Names, will team up to showcase their spinning skills. 

What started as “dabbling” for this electrifying pair quickly spiraled into a DJ partnership that has been successful beyond anything they both could have ever imagined. 

Now together X-Names - who spin a blend of Indy, Deep House, Darkwave, Nuwave, Nowave, Electro, Disco, Hip-Hop, 70's and 80's - travel the world to play a variety of clubs and parties entertaining A-List clients such Stella McCartney and Amour Vert, to name a few.

These community icons are about to pack the Dinah dance floor with high voltage vibes taking the epic all-girl party to a whole new zenith. 

The five-day world-renown weekend is already making a lot of noise and is well on its way to be the most EPIC Dinah ever … you'd never seen anything like it yet!

OITNB's Taryn Manning, The L Word's KATE MOENNIG, and Camila Grey @ The DINAH

CLUB SKIRTS DINAH SHORE WEEKEND 

PRESENTS ITS BLOCKBUSTER ADDITION TO

 THE 2016 DINAH ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP:

DJ TARYN MANNING, 

KATE MOENNIG & CAMILA GREY, 

ANGEL HAZE AND MADISON PAIGE 

TOP THE BILL

PALM SPRINGS, CA – Club Skirts has revealed its entertainment line-up for The Dinah 2016.

The Palm Springs, California-based all girl party and music festival will again take place over the span of 5-days (March 30 through April 3, 2016) at the Hilton Hotel, the PS Convention Center and Zeldaz Nightclub.

Celebrating 26 years as the largest lesbian event in the world, Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend delivers yet again another roof-raising celebration with a steamin' hot lineup that will most definitely blow the lid off the sunny oasis!

“We have put together the most exciting Dinah line up ever.  If I could only pick one Dinah to attend, it would be this year.  I'm really happy how things came together.  Everyone we asked said yes, and as a result we have the most star-studded, talented Dinah ever!  26 years and we're better than ever, thanks to our customers and to the amazing talent who see this event as a must do.  It's going to be a supreme year,” says Mariah Hanson, founder and promoter of The Dinah.

The stellar entertainment roster is led by a strong and diverse presence of kick-ass female artists including two-time Grammy nominee Elle King, Orange is the New Black stars DJ Taryn Manning and comedian Lea DeLaria, celebrity DJs Samantha Ronson, L Word iconic star, Kate Moennig & UH HUH HER’s lead singer Camila Grey (who together form The X-Names), international top model Madison Paige, and one of the most exciting figures of today’s rap scene, Angel Haze.

They’ll be joined by pop newcomer JoLivi and the all-female power pop/punk band and The Real L Word Season 3 cast members, Hunter Valentine who will perform their farewell show - their scheduled last stop – to thank the fans for one hell of an amazing ride.

If that weren’t hot enough, did we mention the “Hot as L” party, one of the Dinah Shore Weekend’s signature events?

Bringing back the magic of Showtime’s hugely popular lesbian drama series and reality TV show, The L Word & The Real L Word, “Hot as L” will feature some of our community’s most beloved and popular stars including Elizabeth Keener, Clementine Ford and Tracy Ryerson.  

It will be a weekend of high-energy performances and premieres whether singing in front of a mic or spinning records behind the turntables. World famous cover girl and super model Madison Paige is set to debut her music career at the epic lesbian event this spring.

This year the Dinah is putting an extra focus on trail-blazing female DJs with a diverse group of high-profile talent all bringing something different to the decks.

Taryn Manning, international DJ, musician and star of the Netflix hit original series Orange is the New Black. is undeniably a go-to favorite of the entertainment industry. Whether on screen, behind a mic or putting the needle on the record or on a piece of fabric, this triple threat does it all and does it impressively well.

With an exceptional ear for music, DJ Taryn Manning has emerged as the club scene's golden child. Manning has booked gigs including high profiled events such as House of Hype's Sundance and Coachella parties, Rock The Vote Friends & Family Grammy Party, and Richard Bransons Rock The Casbah, to name a few.

Joining her are Camila Grey and Kate Moennig slated to bring their trademark tomboyish style, sexy swagger and killer turntables to the Dinah, adding their names to an already phenomenal 2016 Entertainment line-up. This will mark the first time the beloved ladies who together form The X-Names, will team up to showcase their spinning skills. 

What started as “dabbling” for this electrifying pair quickly spiraled into a DJ partnership that has been successful beyond anything they both could have ever imagined. 

Now together X-Names - who spin a blend of Indy, Deep House, Darkwave, Nuwave, Nowave, Electro, Disco, Hip-Hop, 70's and 80's - travel the world to play a variety of clubs and parties entertaining A-List clients such Stella McCartney and Amour Vert, to name a few.

These community icons are about to pack the Dinah dance floor with high voltage vibes taking the epic all-girl party to a whole new zenith. 

The five-day world-renown weekend is already making a lot of noise and is well on its way to be the most EPIC Dinah ever … you'd never seen anything like it yet!

 ###

Celebrities confirmed to be attending also include Ariel Shepherd-Oppenheim, Bridget McManus, Chef K, Erika Ringor, Haviland Stillwell and Ilea Matthews. 

For a full talent list visit: www.thedinah.com

Tickets to the event are now on sale at: www.TheDinah.com

Lea DeLaria (aka OITNB's BIG BOO) To Appear At The DINAH

‘ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK’ STAR

LEA DELARIA

BRINGS A NIGHT OF COMEDY AND MUSIC TO THE DINAH

Palm Springs, CA – Celebrating its milestone 26^th Anniversary, Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend, the largest lesbian event in the world, is, once again, upping the volume on your laughter, bringing one of the hottest veterans of Broadway musicals and stand-up comedy for an exceptional, MUST SEE evening!

Lea DeLaria, popularly known as "Big Boo", the butchest inmate at Litchfield on Netflix’s original hit series, “Orange Is The New Black” is bringing a special night of comedy and music to The Dinah.

“Lea is one of a kind. The first time I worked with her, I was just a young promoter. Here was this LGBT pioneer, this hot butch, a real comic genius and I was in awe.  That was almost 20 years ago.  The only thing that has changed is that she's an even hotter butch now than she was then and her genius knows no bounds. I'm happy to be working with her again and feel confident her singular brand of comedy will jingle some body piercings that evening, “ says Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of The Dinah.

A comedian, actress and jazz musician, Lea DeLaria is a force to be reckoned with. Lea is the first openly gay comic to perform on American television; she made history when she boldly declared in 1993 on Arsenio Hall’s late-night prime-time talk show, “I’m a biiiiigggg dyke!”

Since then, she has released her latest jazz album, House of David: delaria+bowie=jazz, had countless concerts, theater roles, movies and stand-up specials, and four albums with Warner Brothers. She is also for the second year in a row, hosting the Obie Awards In May this year. She’s of course enjoying a new level of fame now that she’s playing ‘Big Boo’ on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black. Last year, DeLaria received the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her work as a cutting-edge performer who has used her talent to entertain and enlighten millions of Americans.

An advocate of self-acceptance, she recently shed her clothes as the latest participant of StyleLikeU's video series, The What's Underneath Project.

Refusing to be invisible on screen and in life, DeLaria stripped down to her underwear in the name of body positivity to show that style is really about knowing who you are and being comfortable in your own skin.

Be sure to catch Lea DeLaria at The Dinah… in what is already billed to be an unforgettable evening of hilarious comedy!

For more information and/or to purchase tickets go to: www.TheDinah.com

#TheDinah 

#TheDinah2016 

#OnlyAtTheDinah

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK'S BIG BOO In New Web Series!

Lea DeLaria of “Orange is the New Black” is the first guest on BK Beats!

Dedalus Moving Pictures (www.DedalusMP.com) premiered its newest web series Brooklyn Beats & Eats on Wednesday August 6th, 2014! In true BK fashion, Brooklyn Beats & Eats is an irreverent and hilarious take on art, food, talk shows and music.  

Deep in the heart of Bushwick, host Sheena Alexis Suarez invites fellow creatives to put on an apron and exchange recipes, stories and perhaps a few too many drinks in her kitchen. Local bars, restaurants and venues are also featured, introducing the faces behind some of Brooklyn’s most creative and successful concepts. Each episode features some of Sheena’s favorite musical acts taking a seat on her couch for a live performance in The Green Room. 

The premiere episode features Lea DeLaria (Orange Is The New Black’s “Big Boo”) and Brooklyn-based band Darling Din. Brooklyn Beats & Eats is our love letter to the crazy, complicated and creative borough we call our home. By sharing these ideas and stories we hope to inspire people to make their own crazy passions a reality no matter where they live. Stay tuned for our next episode featuring the one, the only, Yo! MTV Raps legend Ed Lover.

Email: bkbeatsandeats@gmail.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ppIcTuAfU7m-sAlRKJmlg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynBeatsAndEats

The Greatest Gay Moments of 2013

What a year it's been.

There was a bunch of amazing stuff that happened for the LGBTQ community in 2013 that it's hard to keep track of it all. Here are just a few of our favourite gay moments from last year.

Tammy Baldwin Becomes the USA's First Openly Gay Senator

If politics isn't your thing, you may have missed this. But we all know that being gay in the most powerful country in the world is still (unfortunately) often seen as a taboo.

This year, Baldwin made history by becoming the first openly gay senator (for her home state of Wisconsin) - such a monumental achievement for our community.

The United Kingdom Legalizes Gay Marriage.

You probably didn't miss this one, but we all know gay marriage should have come sooner in the Land Of Hope and Glory. Hell yeah, the Brits!

The above image was actually taken from a super anti-gay website, which is why I've chosen to use it here: because they definitely did not create this image for good... But look how great it is! The Queen is officially a supporter, get over it.

Gay marriage will begin starting March this year - and I am so excited and proud to be going to my Aunt's wedding to her girlfriend! Bring on the festivities.

Rhode Island, Delaware, Minnesota, Hawaii, Illinois and New Mexico Get Gay Married.

That's right, the USA also finally got a move on with their legalization of same-sex marriage.

6 more states (please correct me if I'm wrong here!) legalized same-sex marriage, proving that the USA really is becoming the land of freedom and equality once and for all.

Here's to hoping that this will only continue in 2014 - it looks like Utah could be next!

2013 Gave Us Some Great Gay TV.

There are most definitely too many great gay TV moments to mention in this post.

However, some of the best gay on-screen happenings in 2013 came from the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black, in which we see Taylor Schilling and Laura Prepon (above) makin' out and doin' the nasty to no end.

BBC America's Orphan Black also gave us the ever-talented Tatiana Maslany who, whilst playing an army of other characters, brought us the delightfully nerdy queer Cosima.

On top of that, shows such as Grey's Anatomy (ABC), Lost Girl (Showcase Canada/SyFy) and Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family) continue to wow us with their portrayal of strong, female gays. And we just can't get enough!

Jodie Foster Comes Out... Officially.

Though homosexuals and heterosexuals alike could have probably told you this years ago, way back in January one of the greatest actresses of her time came out of the closet in an elaborate way: while collecting her award at the Golden Globes.

It's always great when celebs tell the world they are proud of who they are, but even better when they are as high profile as the lovely Jodie. Who do you reckon will come out next in 2014?

***

Of course there have been many more amazing moments for the LGBTQ community in 2013, but what was your favourite?

What did we miss? Let us know what you thought about 2013 in the comments!

Why Should You Watch Orange Is The New Black?

If you haven't heard of this show yet, you've been living under a rock.

Orange Is The New Black is the new, kickass, Netflix original series which centres around a woman who goes to prison for a crime she committed a decade earlier.

Based on a book of the same name, Orange has a starry cast, led by blonde newcomer, Taylor Schilling.

Photograph © Jill Greenberg, 2013

So why should you watch it and why is it appearing on a lesbian blog? Let us tell you.

1) This show is full to the brim with lesbian activity.

We're not kidding.

Everyone from That 70s Show's Laura Prepon to Natasha Lyonne (American Pie) show their lesbian tendencies in this masterpiece.

And damn, look how hot Prepon is these days:

Image: orangeisthenewblackx via Tumblr

2) Orange brings you the first real transgender woman in the mainstream media.

And my word, she is stylin'.

Laverne Cox plays post-op transwoman Sophia on the show, who is often seen giving the other ladies new haircuts and make up tips.

No seriously, this is amazing for transgender awareness. This show breaks boundaries. Get to watching it.

3) Captain fucking Janeway.

"What?" you might ask. Well, guess which Star Trek alum appears as Russian head chef, Red.

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. I'm not a trekkie, but I can understand how this would over-excite some of your science fiction nerd vaginas.

Janeway commands you to watch this show. No one disobeys Janeway.

4) So, so great for feminism.

You're probably thinking "how does a show about a bunch of convicts help the feminist cause?"

Well, almost the entire cast is female, for one thing. Proof that TV shows do not need a strong male character in the central role.

In fact, this guy is one of only three main male characters in the cast:

Yes, that is the pie guy.

But even Jason Biggs' character isn't one of the typical 'masculine', dominating personalities we see far too much of on television. Another main male character is simply the villain, who is sure to get some feminist fires flaring.

What's more is, sexuality is treated as normal in this show. As it should be. The lesbians integrate with the heterosexual characters, and there are arguably even some bisexual (and otherwise sexually identified) characters in the pipeline too.

Different sexualities are treated equally. Women are portrayed as strong. 

A feminist triumph, if you ask me.

***

Of course there are a million more reasons you should watch this show, but I hope the four above help to convince you just that little bit more.

I'd recommend it to everyone (over 18, of course) from all sexual orientations, all genders and all walks of life. It's a truly amazing show that you're sure to become emotionally attached to.