Local & Community
Talking With Thalia: World’s Largest Lesbian Music Festival
The Dinah, widely known as the largest lesbian music festival in the world, is entering a new era with fresh leadership. Rose Garcia, known from The Real L Word, and her partner Bella have formed Bella Rose Productions and are stepping in to lead the iconic Palm Springs event. With plans to introduce new entertainment, sports activations, sober-friendly spaces, and the return of comedy, the duo hopes to expand the festival’s reach while continuing to celebrate and uplift queer women.
“In many ways, queer women don’t always receive the same level of sponsorship or support,” Garcia said. “But women do spend money, and they show up. We have Gen Z attendees as well as what we call our legacy guests who have been coming for more than 30 years.”
The festival’s wide age range reflects its long history and enduring appeal. Garcia recalled meeting a 73-year-old attendee at a recent event who was still dancing and celebrating alongside younger generations.
“We have space for everyone,” she said.
Palm Springs has long been recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly communities in the country. Some estimates suggest roughly half of the city’s residents identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, though exact statistics on the queer women population have not been formally studied.
Garcia says events like The Dinah help ensure queer women have a visible and celebrated space within that community.
While she personally embraces the term “lesbian,” Garcia acknowledges that language continues to evolve.
“I’m old school, so I love the lesbian moniker,” she said. “But now we often use the term ‘queer women’ because it embraces a broader spectrum of identities.”
With new leadership, expanded programming, and a continued focus on inclusivity, organizers say The Dinah will remain a cornerstone event celebrating queer women in Palm Springs for years to come.
THIS YEAR'S DINAH WILL TAKE PLACE FROM SEPTEMBER 30 THROUGH OCTOBER 4, 2026.
By: Thalia Hayden
March 10, 2026
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