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1. The Dinah has long been known as the most famous queer women’s music festival in the world. Why was it so important to you that it stays community-led and independently owned?
We are committed to ensuring this remains a community-led event. Because there are so few dedicated spaces for queer women nationwide, we prioritize staying closely connected to our patrons and incorporating their feedback to maintain this environment. Our goal is to ensure this space exists for many decades to come.
2. Rose, you have been a part of queer pop culture for a long time (a the real-life inspiration for “Papi” on The L Word and a fan favorite on The Real L Word) how does taking ownership make that responsibility more important?
I was a host and MC for Dinah for over a decade, starting from when the show first aired. The visibility from the show allowed me to connect with many people at The Dinah, many of whom have become good friends. I hold this position with a great sense of pride and a deep responsibility to my community. That connection is what made me want to take the leap into ownership. It’s for the love of this beautiful community.
3. Bella, you started as the Pool Party Stage Manager, then became the Operations Manager, and finally the co-owner. How does your deep understanding of how The Dinah works help you get ready for this next chapter?
I’ve essentially grown up professionally within The Dinah. Starting on the ground as the Pool Party Stage Manager gave me an intimate, street-level understanding of what makes the festival physically run, from logistics and vendor relations to the energy of the crowd and the flow of the entertainment. Moving into the Operations Manager role expanded that view to the entire organization, teaching me the high-level strategy, finance, and complexity of running a multi-day destination event. This deep, 360-degree knowledge of every single moving part, from securing talent to setting up a sound system to ensuring guest safety, gives Rose and me the confidence to step into this new chapter with an operational clarity that is unmatched. We are ready because we know exactly what it takes to deliver the high-quality experience our community expects. Plus, we have the full knowledge and support of Mariah Hanson who agreed to stay on as a mentor for the first few years. We also benefit from the complete knowledge and backing of Mariah Hanson, who has committed to mentoring us for the initial years.
4. In a time when many events for queer women are having a hard time staying alive, what has kept The Dinah going and even growing for more than thirty years?
The attendees are truly what have kept this event going for all these years. Mariah had a wonderful knack for keeping the crowds coming back by booking amazing acts and ensuring the space flourished. The event’s success is a testament to both the community and her dedication to its production. We intend to continue that on all fronts.
5. Mariah, you’ve said that The Dinah was the most important thing she has ever done. How do you plan to honor her memory while still bringing in new ideas and energy?
Bella and I both agree that there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Thirty-five years of success speaks for itself, and we plan to move forward by continuing the work on the incredible platform she built.She has been an invaluable sounding board for us and remains involved as we navigate 2026. We plan on bringing back some beloved activations, introducing some new activations for the community and continuing the tradition of booking amazing acts.
6. The 35th edition of The Dinah in 2026 is both a big deal and a new beginning. What will longtime attendees notice that is different about your leadership, if anything?
Moving forward, our plans include bringing back comedy and introducing new activations specifically for solo and single travelers. Additionally, we will be expanding our sports games, possibly kareoke, and adding sober bars to our events. We hope to implement these in 2026 and/or in the years to come.
7. You both have called The Dinah a “safe space.” How does that mission change in today’s political and social climate?
This space is more important and relevant than ever. Queer women and non-binary folks come from all over the country and the world to this space to be around their peers without judgment, labels, or fear.
8. What does success look like for this new era of The Dinah?
This is easy. Another 35 years!
