SOME members of the LGBTQ+ in Cebu found the “Ama Namin” drag performance of Pura Luka Vega as offensive and blasphemous.
In a tweet, drag queen Pura Luka Vega showed a video where he was performing as Jesus Christ, singing along with other people a remix of “Ama Namin” (The Lord’s Prayer), on July 10, 2023.
Emjee, who refused to give his full name, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, said it is not the song that lost its dignity, but the doer who mocked it.
“It is clearly offensive for the Catholics knowing that someone we adore and worship became an icon for entertainment,” said Emjee from Talisay City, Cebu.
“Blasphemy naman sya to consider kay bugal-bugal naman to (It was already considered blasphemy because the act was mockery). Wala naman niya giimitate or giemulate ang God figure ni Jesus (He was no longer imitating or emulating the God figure of Jesus),) he added.
Emjee also stressed that there was always a better way to entertain people without hurting the religious feelings or making fun of their beliefs.
Another member of the community from Dalaguete, Cebu who asked not to be named said every religious aspect should be respected and valued, and Vega’s action is an example of why LGBTQ+ does not deserve the Sogie bill.
The Sogie bill aims to end gender-based discrimination by penalizing people who discriminate people due to their Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (Sogie).
“It is critical to handle such performances with sensitivity and respect, as they can be contentious and may upset certain people with religious views,” he said.
Choky Repollo from Naga, Cebu, a church server, said he was saddened to hear what happened.
He said giving respect to the beliefs of Catholics and other religions is simple and “common sense.”
“Is it necessary to be perfect for you to give respect to holy things not only to Catholics but also other religions?” he said.
Calyxto, not his real name, said he felt insulted because it was losing the sacredness and the value of the Lord’s Prayer.
“I think this is too much nga kani siya is part of freedom of expression, naa na siya below the belt (I think it’s too much that even this (Vega’s impersonation of Jesus) is part of freedom of expression, it’s already below the belt),” he said.
“Whether the intention is good or bad, since nanobra naman, so sayop gyud sya (Whether the intention is good or bad, since it’s too much, it is wrong),” he added.
Franco Francisco, a worship committee head in District II, questioned how people currently interact with the Lord and if they even understand the fundamentals of the Catholic faith.
"The community has been longing for others to respect our sexuality, yet in this case, we are the ones who are not respecting others' beliefs. The longer this is tolerated, the more people are unaware of our beliefs and respect," he said.
"As a catholic and a drag fan, I was disappointed and saddened to know that he used the image of Christ in the art form of drag. A reminder that anything can be a kind of art or drag, but we must consider our boundaries," he added.
Vega, in a tweet on July 13, 2023, said that he understands the perspectives of people on his performance.
“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,” Vega said. (GK Marie Dejacto, CNU Intern)