<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2uYEf3_0vkctOAj00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2uYEf3_0vkctOAj00" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>Drag performer Romonica speaks at the Homecoming Drag Show taking place at the HUB in Alumni Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 25 2024, in University Park, Pa. Emma Lessick</figcaption></figure>Penn State’s Opulence Drag Ambassadors hosted its homecoming show in Alumni Hall at the HUB-Robeson Center on Wednesday.The show was composed of five ambassadors who all performed twice, giving two different “magnetic” performances each.First to steal the show was Romonica DiGregory, a performer with a rock-inspired first act that included lots of “hairography.”The outfits were fierce and the passion was heavy. The crowd, although small, had lots of energy and spunk throughout the entirety of the performance.“The vibe of the crowd – period, just period. It was hype,” Shana Powell said.During and after each performance, applause filled the room, along with roars from the crowd in an “inclusive” and “uplifting" way.“The crowd was excited and very supportive,” Adaeze Onuoha said. “Even when they didn’t know what was happening, they were cheering.”Jokes and laughter were in abundance, especially during the interactive portions of each set.While discussing the movie “Twilight” during a significant portion of the show, many goofy comments were made, making the vibe of the night extremely welcoming and fun.“The ‘Twilight’ portion was fierce,” Powell, a first-year studying psychology, said. “It was so unserious – I loved it.”Not only was the show funny, but it was a lighthearted and diverse way of showing what Penn State’s campus has to offer.“It is a very visual expression of how we are all welcome here,” Vedha Pranesan said.According to the club’s website, its mission is “to create a fun and free space for aspiring drag queens and kings or drag enthusiasts” and enhance awareness to “challenge the gender binary in a way that celebrates the social understanding and comprehension of gender norms.”President Carlos Kessler, also known by his drag persona “Delilah Frei,” gave some insight into the club's values.For Kessler, Opulence is mainly a queer organization and drag appreciation club that puts on shows for Penn State and encourages anyone interested to come out and join. But it’s more than that to its members; it’s a community.“We are trying to create a safe space and a fun time for everyone,” Kessler, a third-year studying psychology, said.The members aren’t the only ones who love drag; the audience is pretty fond of it as well.“My friend got me into drag – now I'm obsessed,” Powell, sitting close to the stage, said.Pranesan, a fourth-year studying psychology, was in the front row.“I love drag shows,” Pranesan said. “Anyone here loves them.”Onuoha, a fourth-year studying biobehavioral health, said the “crowd was there to show it.”After a multitude of diverse performances, dance styles and interesting music choices, some attendees highlighted the importance of the show during homecoming week.“It really just shows there’s diversity everywhere," Powell said.Kessler said it was great to have an organization like Opulence put on a show during homecoming week so more people could see and be aware of inclusive clubs on campus.“You need the gays, you need the girls, you need the theys,” Powell said. “You need them all – you need everyone.”MORE LIFESTYLE CONTENT</div></body>

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'Diversity everywhere' | Penn State's Opulence Drag Ambassadors perform homecoming show

Penn State’s Opulence Drag Ambassadors hosted its homecoming show in Alumni Hall at the HUB-Robeson Center on Wednesday. The show was composed of five ambassadors who all performed twice, giving two different “magnetic” performances each. First to steal the show was Romonica DiGregory, a performer with a...