amfAR’s EPIC VOICES: Ongina
amfAR’s EPIC VOICES: Ongina
“I live my life out and proud… and each day of my life is a celebration.”
Ryan Palao, whose stage name is Ongina, is a drag performer. He was a contestant on season 1 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where he emotionally disclosed his HIV status after winning a challenge on the show. As an HIV-positive gay man in Los Angeles, Ryan uses his platform as Ongina to be an advocate for equality, HIV/AIDS, and trans rights.