A Twerking Contest, Hot DJS Spinning, Disasters, and Inequalities at the Dinah

• In Event: 50465 - Sexualities and the Sociology of Nightlife

Abstract

A twerking contest, hot DJS spinning at poolside, corporate sponsorship, disasters, and inequalities at Dinah. The Dinah is a high end lesbian party scene that was featured on the L-Word. It has been taking place in the sweltering desert of Palm Springs, California for the last 33 years. This photo-ethnography captures the celebration and the calamities at this lesbian centered event that welcomes non-binary and trans folks to the party. The following questions are addressed using field notes and photographs to document the event (September 25-September 29, 2024) Why is this lesbian party scene flourishing when lesbian bars are closing? How does this lesbian party scene challenge and reproduce aspects of the dominant culture? How did the disasters result in changes to The Dinah?

Author

• Sara Collas, Ball State University