Pura Luka Vega stirs fresh controversy—this time for serving communion at church
By Neil Ramos
At A Glance
- Controversial drag artist Pura Luka Vega is making headlines again after serving communion at an LGBTQ+-affirming church in San Juan City. The move sparked mixed reactions online, with some calling it "sacrilege" while others praised the church's message of inclusion.
Controversial drag artist Pura Luka Vega is at it again, making headlines and stirring debate online, that is.
No, it wasn't because of another drag performance portraying Jesus Christ or the Black Nazarene.
This time, the polarizing performer found himself at the center of discussion after serving communion during a worship service of Open Table Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in San Juan City.
The LGBTQIA+-affirming church even highlighted Pura's participation in a social media post, describing the occasion as a "celebration of inclusion" and a reclaiming of space for queer people within the Christian faith.
The church shared photos and videos from its June 14 gathering on Facebook, showing members of the LGBTQIA+ community attending the service and participating in religious activities.
"Today is a very special day because we are joined by @puralukavega to celebrate and to serve communion with us," MCC wrote in its post.
The group described the event as a meaningful act of inclusion for queer individuals and other marginalized sectors.
"This is reclaiming our space as queer people and as a marginalized community, because the Eucharist is a sacrament that is an Open Table for all. Happy Pride mga Mahal!" the church added.
For those not in the know, Open Table MCC is an ecumenical Christian church that focuses on supporting and serving members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is affiliated with the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), a global Christian movement with member congregations in 23 countries.
The development quickly reignited conversations online, particularly among Filipinos who still remember Pura Luka Vega's highly controversial 2023 drag performance.
In that performance, the drag artist appeared dressed as the Black Nazarene and performed to the prayer song "Ama Namin," drawing outrage from many Catholics and religious groups who viewed the act as disrespectful to their faith.
The backlash led to multiple complaints and legal cases being filed against the performer.
The performer was later acquitted of a cybercrime-related case in June 2025.
Expectedly, photos of Pura serving communion at the church gathering quickly spread across social media, where netizens expressed sharply divided opinions.
Many critics condemned the move, with one commenter writing, "The height of Sacrilege. Di na kayo kinilabutan!"
"Kabastusan!" another netizen wrote.
Some also questioned why the church allowed Pura to help administer communion despite the performer's previous controversies.
"Bakit pinapayagan 'yan?" one commenter asked.
Others referenced the drag artist's past issues, with one remarking, "Never learn... tsk tsk tsk."
However, several social media users came to Pura's defense and praised the church's message of inclusivity.
"To each his own. Respect na lang din," one netizen commented.
Another supporter wrote, "Inclusion at last!"
The contrasting reactions once again highlighted the deep divide in public opinion surrounding Pura Luka Vega, whose name continues to spark passionate discussions on religion, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and freedom of expression this side of paradise.