As many of us learned from a very memorable episode of the hot lesbian drama,The L Word, Dinah Shore Weekend is the world’s largest lesbian party. Every year since 1991, lesbian and bisexual women from all over the world converge in Palm Springs for this sensational five-day party, which includes live musical performances and wild events that bring party-goers face-to-face with famous lesbian stars, such as the cast members from The L Word.

Dinah Shore Weekend brings in more revenue every year than any other event in Palm Springs, giving a much-needed boost to the local economy. Even America's recent economic downturn can't get in the way of the party this year -- almost all of the hotels in Palm Springs are already booked! Just another example of the true extent of lesbian power.

This year the party takes place April 1st through 5th, and the lineup for Club Skirts' The Dinah is filled with more star power than ever before. Headlining is Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Katy Perry, who will be taking a break from her world tour just to perform at The Dinah, showing her support for the gay community and her lesbian fans. Her hit song, “I kissed a girl”, is guaranteed to whip up the all-lesbian and bisexual crowd into a frenzy!

★Visit Katy Perry’s official website here.

Another Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter appearing at this year’s bash will be Lady Gaga, whose platinum single, “Just Dance”, has topped both the U.S. and U.K. charts. Lady Gaga will also be taking a break from her world tour with the Pussycat Dolls just to perform for the ladies at The Dinah on April 4th.

Lady Gaga, one of the hottest icons in the electro scene today, is rumored to be bisexual. The artist herself only lets us in on the fact that “I don’t like labeling myself”. The video for her latest single, "Love Game", features a scene in which Lady Gaga locks lips with another woman, and queer women across America are eager to see what comes out of her performance in Palm Springs this year.

★Visit Lady Gaga’s official website here.

The fact that some of today’s hottest artists are heading to The Dinah to showcase their acts is a testament to how important lesbian and queer communities are to many Americans today. It’s also evidence of how large the lesbian market has become. As both LGBT issues and the buying power of LBGT communities have become the subject of increasing mainstream attention, artists are now keen to step up and show their support for the ever-expanding queer community.

The woman behind this high-profile lesbian entertainment event is out lesbian Mariah Hanson, who has been coordinating and promoting The Dinah for 18 years. Read on for the TW interview with Hanson!

Translated by Kumiko Matsumoto

【The 2009 Line-up】

Katy Perry
Lady Gaga
Margaret Cho
Jill Bennett
Elizabeth Keener
Suzanne Westenhoefer
Uh Huh Her
Yo Majesty
God-des and She
and more!

★For previous Dinah Shore Weekend event reports, see:
--2007 Report
--2008 Report
--2009 Report

★The Dinah's Official website: www.thedinah.com