Cameron Esposito is finally making it to The Dinah — it just took about 20 years.
The comedian, actor, and writer will perform at this year’s festival in Palm Springs, marking her first time attending the legendary LGBTQ+ sapphic event after years of watching it from afar. Esposito joins a 2026 lineup that includes headliner Hayley Kiyoko, Sasha Keable, Da Brat, The Aces, and fellow comedians Pink Foxx and Abe Farrelly.
This year also marks a new chapter for The Dinah, which returns September 30 through October 4 under new co-owners Rose Garcia and Bella Barkow. Among the changes is the return of comedy to the festival — and the pair say Esposito was a natural choice for the stage.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Cameron Esposito to The Dinah as we bring comedy back to the festival,” Garcia and Barkow tell Out. “As one of the most exciting and recognizable out queer voices in comedy, Cameron represents exactly the kind of bold, authentic talent we love celebrating. From her fearless stand-up to hosting King of Drag, we know she’s going to bring incredible energy, sharp humor, and unapologetic queer joy to The Dinah. We couldn’t be more excited to have her on our stage.”
And Esposito has plenty happening beyond Palm Springs. She’s stepping into the host role for the second season of Revry’s King of Drag, the drag king reality competition series that debuted last year. After appearing as a guest judge during season 1, Esposito will now preside over eight new episodes alongside judges Gottmik, Vico Ortiz, and Damian Pelliccione, with guest judges and appearances including Dustin Lance Black, Yvie Oddly, Ginger Minj, and select season 1 favorites.
Esposito also developing a new podcast, working on a novel, continuing to perform stand-up — and, as she tells Out, spending much of her time these days as a stay-at-home parent.
Ahead of her Dinah debut and the new season of King of Drag, Esposito opens up about finally experiencing the festival, why drag kings deserve much bigger audiences, finding resistance through queer joy, and what’s exciting her creatively right now.
Read Out’s full conversation with Cameron Esposito ahead.
You’re heading to The Dinah this year. What does it mean to you to be part of an event that has created space for queer community and connection for more than three decades?
I came out around the time of the first L Word’s run on TV so the Dinah has piqued my curiosity for 20 years. If you know, you know. And by the way: You’re looking very Shane today.
The Dinah has changed a lot over the years, just as queer culture itself has. What excites you most about getting to be part of it in 2026?
I’m only into queer spaces — and pools — that are inclusive, so that, obviously. Also, the line-up this year is packed with artists I really love. I’m sure the sea of bikini top and/or board short-wearing partiers would agree.
What are you looking forward to most about being at The Dinah — and what can people expect from you while you’re there?
I never went when I was younger and it is funny to pop in for the first time in my mid 40s. My wife and 8-month-old are coming with me too, so I’m looking forward to being old as hell and going to bed early, knowing the young queers will have shenanigans well in hand. Also, I am very very funny so people can expect that.
You’re also hosting season 2 of King of Drag. What drew you to the show, and what made you want to step into the host role this season?
I started my career in comedy working with a variety of artists in alternative spaces, not just comics. Queerness affords connection, always. Meaning: I’ve worked with kings for two decades, and hosted every type of event — though more recently my work in TV and film has overlapped less with the community. That’s exactly why I am excited for viewers to watch this season: These kings are incredible and haven’t had this platform (which is ridiculous) until now. I was a guest judge last season and found the experience as sexy and it was moving.
The first season of King of Drag felt significant because drag kings have historically received far less mainstream visibility than drag queens. What do you hope your season can add to that conversation?
First: The art form itself is being showcased. Audiences will see a huge range in the kings' work, so that rules. Also, shows like Drag Race have packed venues for their queens. I know these kings will continues to draw larger and larger audiences as they become more visible and at the end of the day, live performance makes all the difference for artists these days. Meaning: Go see these kings live in your area or drive nine hours to see them. They’ve got bills to pay and wigs to buy and you can make happen.
Comedy can be especially complicated right now, with LGBTQ+ people — and trans people in particular — being used as political targets. Has the current climate changed what you want to say onstage or how you approach your work?
I spent my early career trying to change hearts and minds. These days I find resistance through joy. We must continue to keep all members of our community safe, especially our most vulnerable and I believe the fight can go hand in hand with drowning out the nonsense spewed by ridiculous personalities with Hayley Kiyoko. In short: Vote. Donate. Organize. Then fuck them, let’s dance.
Between King of Drag, stand-up, and appearances like The Dinah, you’re reaching queer audiences in very different spaces. What feels most exciting to you creatively at this point in your career?
Yeah, I’m a lifelong multi-hyphenate. I’ve got a new podcast in the works and a novel I hope to see once it’s finished. I’m the meantime, I’m vibing as a stay-at-home parent when I’m not on the road. Got the shortest crop top and library story time every time, baby.
Catch Cameron Esposito at The Dinah, taking place September 30 through October 4 in Palm Springs, California. Tickets are on sale now. Season 2 of King of Drag premieres September 20 on Revry, with eight episodes leading up to the November 8 finale.
