The number of local administrations branding drag performer Pura Luka Vega persona non grata due to their viral rendition of an Ama Namin remix is steadily increasing. The individual, known as Luka in their drag persona and Amadeus Fernando Pagente in real life, initially faced rejection from General Santos City in July. Subsequently, Floridablanca in Pampanga, Toboso in Negros Occidental, Manila, and Bukidnon took similar actions. Most recently, Cagayan de Oro and Laguna joined the list by declaring Luka persona non grata on August 14th.
Laguna board member Christian Niño Lajara explained that this choice was made to uphold the values of respect and dignity towards our fellow individuals.
Shortly after being deemed undesirable in Manila, Luka, a participant from ‘Drag Den’ season 1, expressed on Twitter their willingness to engage in a conversation, although the declarations had already been issued. The resolution from the Manila City Council cited that the drag artist had offended religious sentiments.
On August 10th, Luka posed the question, “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,”
Additionally, some individuals are questioning why other individuals and public figures who have made statements offensive to religious beliefs have not been subjected to the same actions as the LGBTQ+ artist.