Pura Luka Vega ‘serves communion’ at progressive church

Drag artist Pura Luka Vega participated in a religious gathering at a progressive church and was seen standing at the altar, holding and distributing what appears to be a consecrated bread.

Pura, who uses the pronouns they/them, attended a seeming Mass at the chapel of Open Table Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) on Sunday, June 14. The drag performer was all made up seemingly to look like Jesus Nazarene, wearing a gleaming gold strapless gown and black gloves, and long wavy hair.

The San Juan City-based Open Table MCC, which defines itself as a “progressive church that celebrates and affirms LGBTQIA+ people,” documented the religious gathering attended by Pura and its churchgoers through a Facebook post on Monday, June 15.

“Today is a very special day because we are joined by Pura Luka Vega to celebrate and to serve communion with us,” it said in the caption.

“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,” it added. “Happy Pride, mga Mahal!”

The matter raised eyebrows among some netizens, with the Facebook post garnering thousands of “angry” and laughing reactions.

Meanwhile, Pura reposted a photo from the event via their Instagram Stories, saying, “Be an instrument of love and peace. That’s what Jesus would have wanted.”

Just last September, all criminal cases filed against Pura for their “Ama Namin” drag performance were dismissed. Such complaints were filed by religious organizations in 2023 after Pura danced to an upbeat version of “Ama Namin” while seemingly portraying Jesus Christ.

The Catholic church through the CBCB has yet to comment on the matter. /ra