The Dinah - More Than a Party, a Celebration of Joy and Liberation
By Holly Owen, FestForums | June 05, 2025
Photo from Thedinah.com
In the landscape of LGBTQ+ events, few festivals capture the essence of community, authenticity, and transformative joy quite like The Dinah. We sat down with Mariah Hanson to discuss what makes this event so special, the evolution of Pride celebrations, and the profound impact of creating spaces where queer women, nonbinary folks, and allies can truly be themselves.
Building Community Through Celebration
Q: Can you tell us about The Dinah and what makes it unique in the LGBTQ+ event landscape?
The Dinah is more than a party — it's a feeling. It's this unapologetic, joyful space where queer women, nonbinary folks, and allies come together to celebrate each other without limits. What makes it truly unique is the way it blends music, community, and liberation. It's not corporate or performative — it's real. It's about taking up space and doing it boldly, loudly, with love. We've built a space that centers joy and connection — and that kind of energy is rare, especially in the queer event space.
The Magic of Transformation
Q: Do you have a favorite memory or story from The Dinah that really stands out to you?
There are so many. What we do isn't just fun — it's freedom. It's people coming into themselves, sometimes for the first time. That's everything. So any memory around that sentiment floods me with joy.
Q: Have you witnessed any particularly moving or transformative moments during the festival?
I've watched folks show up completely alone, unsure, and leave with lifelong friendships. The transformation is often quiet, personal — but it's deep. You see it in their eyes, in the way they start to carry themselves differently by Sunday. It's beautiful to witness.
Navigating the Evolution of Pride
Q: If you're comfortable sharing, what are your thoughts on the current state of Pride festivals and LGBTQ+ events?
There's been so much growth, which is incredible. We're more visible, louder, and in more cities than ever. But I also think there's a real need to protect the heart of these spaces. Pride started as a protest, and while celebration is important — necessary, even — we have to stay connected to the why. Joy is resistance, but it has to be rooted in community, not just marketing.
Q: What changes, if any, have you observed in how Pride events have evolved recently?
There's definitely more intersectionality in the conversation now — and that's a good thing. People are asking tougher questions about inclusion, accessibility, and representation. I've also noticed a return to more grassroots-style gatherings alongside the bigger corporate events. That balance is important. We need both — visibility and intimacy, celebration and reflection.
The Real Magic Behind the Music
Q: Is there anything you'd like people to know about the festival that they might not already?
The Dinah isn't just a destination — it's a rite of passage for a lot of people. It's not about the headliners or the parties (though those are epic!) — it's about the community it creates. Behind every splashy pool party is a story of someone finding their voice, their joy, their chosen family. That's the real magic. And I hope that legacy lasts far beyond the final beat of the weekend.
A Festival That Changes Lives
The Dinah represents something profound in the LGBTQ+ event landscape: a space where authenticity reigns supreme and transformation happens naturally. In a world where queer joy can feel revolutionary, festivals like The Dinah remind us that celebration itself is an act of resistance, one that builds community, fosters connection, and creates lasting change in the lives of those who attend.
As Pride events continue to evolve and grow, The Dinah stands as a testament to the power of maintaining authenticity while embracing growth, proving that the most meaningful celebrations are those rooted in genuine community and shared liberation.