Following their controversial performance that offended Filipino Christians, drag queen Pura Luka Vega has been barred from entering two additional locations in the Philippines.
Drag queen Pura Luka Vega, also known as Amadeus Fernando Pagente, has faced multiple declarations of persona non grata, most recently from Manila and Bukidnon in the Philippines. This comes in response to their controversial performance that depicted Jesus Christ, sparking both condemnation and defense as an artistic expression. In Manila, the city council considered Vega’s act offensive and disrespectful to the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church, a significant religious symbol. The province of Bukidnon similarly found Vega’s video insulting to the Christian community and beliefs. These declarations add to a series of bans from General Santos City, Floridablanca in Pampanga, Toboso in Negros Occidental, and legal actions initiated by church leaders under allegations of violating the Revised Penal Code. Despite the backlash, Vega remains unapologetic, viewing drag as an art form that allows them to share their story and challenge oppressive norms.
