Backlash over Philippine Drag star’s faith-centric act sparks national debate
Photo courtesy of @ama_survivah/Twitter
Former Philippine “Drag Den” contestant, Pura Luka Vega has faced backlash from several municipalities of the Philippines, after her faith-centric Drag performance in July, which had gone viral. Vega received the title of “persona non grata” or an unwelcome person, from Manila; General Santos City; Floridablanca, Pampanga and Toboso, Negros Occidental.
“Tell me EXACTLY what I did wrong. I’m open for a dialogue and yet cities have been declaring persona non grata without even knowing me or understanding the intent of the performance. Drag is art. You judge me yet you don’t even know me,” remarked a dismayed Vega yesterday.
Public discussions on Vega’s polarising act have been rife, with viewers offering personal interpretations. Opinions varied, from applauding Vega’s courage to harsh criticism of her allegedly transgressing religious boundaries, disrespecting people’s beliefs in the process. Some remarks included…
“It was all wrong! You’ve disrespected the entire Roman Catholic Church!
“Drag is indeed an art form. However, that’s not a carte blanche for belittling people’s convictions. Your act could be just as entertaining without being offensive. If you think entertaining people gives you any freedom to do anything, you shouldn’t be performing at all.”
On July 13, undeterred Vega defended her act, “I understand that people call my performance blasphemous, offensive, or regrettable. However, they shouldn’t tell me how I practice my faith or how I do my drag. That performance was not for you to begin with. It is my experience, and my expression, of having been denied my rights.”
Her performance has elicited not just public comments but drew attention and remarks from local celebrities and significant political figures too. Senate President Miguel Zubiri referred to her performance as “the height of misuse and abuse of our freedom of expression that borders on criminal activity.”
Senator JV Ejercito had an equally strong reaction to Vega’s act, “This is blasphemy. This disrespects my faith. This is crossing a line.”
Although the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines made it clear that they would not take legal action against Vega’s performance, a coalition of Christian church leaders declared their intention of pressing charges against Pura over her controversial rendition reported Manila Bulletin.
