The Wharton Alliance, Penn’s undergraduate LGBTQ pre-professional organization, will host their annual drag show, “Drag Me Through the Holidays,” on Dec. 1.
The holiday-themed event will take place at Penn’s LGBT Center starting at 5:30 p.m. and will feature three of the most prominent drag queens in Philadelphia: Little Piece, Xtrella, and Rocceaux.
This will mark the second year of the Wharton Alliance’s drag show, which simultaneously acts as a fundraiser for LGBTQ organizations in Philly. Last year, all proceeds from the event went to the Mazzoni Center, a local organization that provides health and wellness services to members of the LGBTQ community.
This year, all proceeds from ticket sales will support GALAEI, a local Queer and Transgender, Black, Indigenous, (and) people of color radical social justice organization.
GALAEI’s mission is to facilitate educational services, community wellness, and contribute to the healing of historical harm towards the Queer community. Through advocacy, workshops, and volunteer work, GALAEI strives to foster a home of compassion and a sense of family for all Queer, Transgender, Black, and Indigenous people of color.
Allyria Vazquez, GALAEI’s program coordinator and a drag queen, will also be in attendance.
“Drag truly is an embodiment of self-love. I hope for attendees to realize within themselves an awakening of self discovery and creativity,” Vazquez said.
Wharton Alliance hopes to provide a creatively enriching experience that is accessible to both queer and non-queer students, Wharton first year and member of the Operations committee Fen Cleveland said.
“Our main objective is to bridge the gap of understanding between the Queer community at Penn with the greater Queer community of Philadelphia,” he said.
The drag show will incorporate audience interactions into the performances. Though not required, attendants are welcome to dress in drag and bring a passionate energy.
“It’s unlike anything else that we have on campus. You will be surrounded by a group of peers who love the same environment of acceptance, diversity, and appreciation for drag,” Sahil Mehta, vice president of operations and a Wharton and College sophomore, said.
Attendants can expect drinks, refreshments, music, and winter holiday-themed decor along with the performances. The event will be held indoors and outdoors to accommodate greater capacity, Cleveland said.
Tickets for the show are now on presale for $12 per person and can also be purchased at the door for $15. Attendance is currently open to all students and faculty.
“Be courageous, challenge your mind, and open your heart up to the beautiful art form that is drag," Vazquez said.
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