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

London UK To Host 2014 Winter Pride!

London, UK: The first ever Winter Pride UK is coming to London’s Tobacco Dock!

Immerse yourself in the party atmosphere as LGBT London comes together for the first-ever Winter Pride UK on 8th February 2014. Created for the LGBT community, and made possible with sponsorship from Smirnoff, Winter Pride UK is an exciting new venture from the creators of the hugely successful MINT Network, which will bring together the biggest LGBT club brands and international DJs to create a party like no other. The perfect antidote to the rain and bad weather, Winter Pride UK’s ‘inside pride’ at London’s Tobacco Dock has space for over 3,000 people throughout the night.

The vast, vaulted warehouse in east London will hold a winter paradise which is #yoursforthemaking. Popstarz, One Love, Work, MINT, Exilio, Bear Necessity, East Bloc - east London's coolest late night gay club, and media sponsor, Gaydio – the LGBT radio, g3 magazine, Out In The City magazine and Gaydar are just some of the iconic names involved so far.

Each vault will hold entertainment, community or retail stalls, meaning you’ll never find yourself without something to do. We have a commitment to the long-term impact that Winter Pride UK will make on the wider community, which is why £1 from every ticket sale will go to the Terrence Higgins Trust and the proceeds of a raffle to Stonewall, while our community vault spaces are free to charitable organisations. Each year, we’ll report back how you helped the good causes you’ll be supporting by attending Winter Pride UK, so you’re actually doing good, while having the time of your life. We call that guilt-free fun. 

Kiera Ridge, Community Fundraising Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We’re thrilled that Winder Pride have chosen our charity to benefit from their inaugural event. This kind of community event is vital, not only for raising funds but also creating a great opportunity for the LGBT community to come together and celebrate. We couldn’t be more grateful for their support.”

In addition to the Winter Pride UK party, Adam and Steve, and Ellen and Eve will be regrowing the Garden of Eden The Winter Pride UK Awards, which will be hosted by celebrity, Jodie Harsh, and include a new Art Award, sponsored by Smirnoff Gold and targeted at both emerging and established artists with a cash prize of £1000 for the winner. Many famous faces appear across the awards, including Ian McKellen, Clare Balding, Gareth Thomas, Nicola Adams, Heather Peace, Angel Haze, Daniel Radcliffe and national treasure, Stephen Fry, who said, "I am thrilled to be nominated as LGBT Luminary of the Year for Winter Pride UK. Artistic and cultural events of this kind are so important for the well being of the LGBT community". 

Jamie Young, Smirnoff Brand Manager, said, “We have supported the LGBT community for many years and in many ways and are very excited to be headline sponsors of the first ever Winter Pride in Europe. We strive to establish and hold our strong relationships within the community and what better way to do this than to support such a fantastic event.” 

www.winterprideuk.com

The Cliks on mtvU Freshman!

New York, NY - The Cliks' new music video "Savanna" has been officially added as one of the five competing videos on MTVU Freshman.

The winner will get regular rotation on MTVU and that’s 20-25 spins a week!  The video will spin on MTVU, on "The Freshman 5" show at least 15 times while the contest is going on!

The show spotlights emerging artists on air and online, with the chance for one of the videos to get an automatic add into rotation on the channel the following week. Fans can vote on these videos online, starting Monday 6/17, voting will end on Friday 6/28 at 2:00 PM (EST) and be tabulated. 

Let's make sure The Cliks take the prize home! 

After a five-year hiatus during which Lucas Silveira - the openly transgender lead singer of The Cliks - finally found his true voice (literally and figuratively speaking) - successfully going through a female to male transition process - he has now returned to the music scene with the a brand new Cliks album entitled “Black Tie Elevator”.

Silveira, now 33, made history in 2006, when he became the first out transgender man to be signed to a major record label. Silveira's band The Cliks, which formed in 2004, gained widespread acclaim after being featured on the soundtrack of the Showtime series "The L Word."

A stint performing alongside artists like Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright and Erasure on Cyndi Lauper's 2007 "True Colors" tour brought additional attention to Silveira and his bandmates.  The Cliks’ first two major label releases, Snakehouse (2006- Warner Music Canada/Tommy Boy) & Dirty King (2009-Warner Music Canada/Tommy Boy) brought the band international recognition.In 2007, the Toronto Star deemed a transgender "pop heartthrob," a title he cemented in 2010 when he was voted the “Sexiest Canadian Man” in a Chart Attack end-of-year survey.  

After half a decade of living as a man but appearing to most as a woman, he began the formal process of testosterone hormone therapy. The result was a voice that was changed, deeper and huskier, but somehow more soulful. In 2010, his rebirth landed him in Brooklyn, NY, a home away from home to concentrate on songwriting. He recorded a solo album “Mockingbird” and wrote new songs for The Cliks next music venture, the blues and Motown-inspired "Black Tie Elevator".

Transgenderism has been a hot topic lately particularly with the recent CNN interview of Kristin Beck, a former Navy Seal, who transitioned from man to woman and chronicled her life-changing experience in her book "Warrior Princess": http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/07/us/transgender-veteran/index.html?hpt=hp_c4

We also remember Jenna Talackova, the 23-year-old who forced Donald Trump to end a ban on transgender pageant contestants; not to mention ABC announcement that Chaz Bono had joined the popular "Dancing with Stars" primetime TV show a couple of years ago; as well as last year's breaking news about Tom Gabel, lead singer of "Against Me", who transitioned from man to woman and was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine.

Yet controversy is still swirling around the transgender issue as a majority of people still do not grasp the concept of transitioning from one gender to another. 

Learning about transgender lives can break stereotypes and help audiences see the human side of an issue they may not have encountered personally.

More than a story simply about a transgender’s ordeal, Lucas' tale is about an extraordinary journey into happiness and being at peace with oneself having found his true voice.

Here’s the link for voting:  http://www.mtvu.com/music/american-authors-breaking-laces-bridges-and-powerlines-max-gomez-the-staves/

Please note that voting is unlimited - fans can literally vote all day long for the video. 

(ABSOLUTELY NO VOTING ROBOTS!  USE OF BOTS WILL GET YOU DISQUALIFIED)

Lesbian Advice #2: Am I Transgender?

The month is February, which means it's time for a new Lesbian Advice!

Let's do this.

Disclaimer: This advice column is completely confidential - all questions are anonymous and the author will never reveal an inquirer's identity. All Things Lesbian and its contributors are not responsible for the personal interpretation of any advice given. Advice written here is the opinion and suggestion of the author, and the decision on whether to take said advice is completely down to the individual reader. We're not professionals - we're simply here trying to make things a little easier for you. Enjoy!

Question 1: A Trio of Troubles.

Q: I have 3 questions that I need some advice on. Help? - JE

1) How do you know that you are a lesbian?

A: Have you ever sat around with your girlfriends while they talk about guys and not felt comfortable? Maybe you stared at that cute girl's butt for too long in the grocery store. When you think about sex, do you picture yourself with a man or a woman?

Thinking about these questions may be one step closer to you figuring it out. Discovering your sexuality can be different for everyone, but if you find yourself being attracted to girls it's possibly time that you explore that. You might adventure out there and try to date/have sex with/kiss a woman and absolutely hate it. And that's totally fine! Remember there is a huge spectrum of sexual orientations out there. Figuring out what you like best is part of the fun! And in the end if you realize you're not gay, there's nothing wrong with that either. Explore your surroundings.

2) How do you know the straight lady you are in love with can accept you?

A: The problem with this one is, you can't be sure. Maybe subtly dropping the idea of homosexuality into conversation would be beneficial here; see if she's okay with gay people, whether she supports same-sex marriage, heck, even ask if she thinks Brittana are a cute couple. Get creative, and if in the end she doesn't accept you, she's simply not worth your time.

3) Is it possible for an Asian to be with a Caucasian?

A: I find it incredibly sad that some people still need to ask these sorts of questions. Love is not based on race, it's based on emotions. Remember that it is okay for anyone of any race, gender or sexual orientation to be with anyone they like. Personal traits should not matter.

Question 2: Am I A Man Trapped Inside a Woman's Body?

Q: How can I tell if I am not just a man trapped inside a woman's body vs a lesbian? I am attracted to women, and have dated a few of them, but part of me also acts a bit masculine and I love the feeling when wielding a dildo and I make love to my partner. It actually feels a bit more natural than without it. - A

A: I understand your dilemma here. Personally, I love the feeling of fucking a girl while wearing a strap-on, but I know deep inside that I am female. Although your gender should not be anyone else's business, it can be taunting when faced with such questions as these.

It sounds to me like you could do with some soul-searching. Do you feel like a woman? Or do you feel more comfortable as a man? It's also important to remember that you don't need to fit into society's gender binary system. Maybe you feel both male and female, and there's totally nothing wrong with that. 

There is a great information booklet you can read for free online from the Vancouver Coastal Health service. Click HERE and you may be a little closer to understanding who you feel you truly are. (And whoever that person turns out to be, remember that person is awesome!)

Question 3: I Thought I Was Straight!

Q: I was at a Valentine's Day party this week and I started to chat up a nice woman. By the end of the night, she had charmed her way back to my bedroom. We got there - a little tipsy! - and I woke up in the morning thinking the night before had been a dream. When I rolled over, I saw her lying naked in my bed and it all came flooding back to me. 

I had always thought I was straight and I never do one-night stands. I feel like my world has been turned upside-down; I thought I had to be in a committed to relationship to have sex with someone. I feel a little dirty and that I have let myself down a little, but I also feel some emotion or connection I've never experienced before. It's weird and scary, but I kind of like it. I thought because she'd given me a real orgasm (something I'd never felt before) it could be clouding my judgment. Any advice on this would be great!* - EB

A: I definitely understand why this would be a scary time for you. When you realize maybe you weren't who you thought you were, an identity crisis is completely normal.

There are two sides to this. Maybe you are straight. Maybe this was a one-time thing and the booze got a little too much for your self-control. However, maybe you do like women. Maybe you're bisexual, maybe you're gay. Exploring yourself and experimenting may be your answer here. Maybe try kissing a girl or chatting to a girl when you're sober, and see where it takes you and how you feel about it.

Also, you should really not think of yourself as "dirty" because you had a one night stand. Those kinds of thoughts are all related to slut shaming and oppressing women's sexual desires. If you want to have sex, go have sex! Of course you should always be safe about it, but if you want it, there is no one that can tell you you shouldn't be doing it. Explore your sexual fluidity while you explore what you like in the bedroom. And if you want to go back to only having sex in committed relationships, that's completely fine too! Just do what you feel is best for you. Hope that helps!

*This question has been edited due to length and structure.

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We love answering your questions here at All Things Lesbian!

To get your question in for the March issue of All Things Lesbian's advice column, email allthingsles@gmail.com in which your email will remain completely anonymous!

(If your problem was not answered in this issue, it will be carried over to an upcoming month. Some questions may not be published at all, but ATL tries our best to reply to each and every email, so send in your questions now!)