Drag artist Pura Luka Vega sparks controversy anew

National

CONTROVERSIAL drag artist Pura Luka Vega has once again become a topic of discussion online after participating in a worship service at Open Table Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in San Juan City on June 14.

Photos and videos shared by the LGBTQIA+-affirming church showed Pura standing at the altar and helping serve communion during the gathering, a report by Manila Bulletin said.

In a social media post, the church described the occasion as a celebration of inclusion and a way for queer individuals and other marginalized groups to reclaim their place within the Christian faith.

“Today is a very special day because we are joined by Pura Luka Vega to celebrate and to serve communion with us,” the church wrote. It added that the Eucharist is “an Open Table for all” and greeted supporters with a Pride Month message.

The event quickly drew mixed reactions online.

While some netizens praised the church’s message of inclusion, others questioned Pura’s participation in a religious service, recalling the drag artist’s controversial 2023 performance of “Ama Namin” while portraying a religious figure. The performance sparked backlash from religious groups and led to multiple complaints and legal cases.

Pura was arrested in 2023 following accusations of offending religious beliefs. However, the cases filed in relation to the performance were later dismissed, and the performer was acquitted in a cybercrime-related case in 2025.

As of writing, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has yet to comment on the issue.(Khea Raym Lubiano, PIT Comm Intern)