Drag as an art: The vibrant spectrum of rainbow that transpires.

Bright, flamboyant, brilliant–all these rainbow descriptions can be found in what the LGBTQ+ community's art has to offer–drag. This art emerged to present in a creative way the dismantling of conservative and radical ideas and views regarding the definition of gender.

In other people’s perspective, drag is not an art.

Despite the entertaining and quirky performances, Drag is not widely accepted due to its features of quirky and flamboyant themes that goes beyond what they recognize as socially acceptable. If the universal concept of art is liberating, why do other people are turning a blind eye to the obvious concept of drag as a form of art from the queer community that liberates themselves to own and live with their identity? Should there be limitations to the art of a colorful community?

Just like with the concept of drag, an artist has the freedom to craft her drag style based on her identity and expression. It does not have an exact shape or color that only the artist herself can create. This the drag artist’s privilege to own hes work based on his creativity and personality.

With the rise of drag in the mainstream media, its momentous popularity in the country cannot be denied. The infamous reality drag shows such as "Drag Race Philippines" and "Drag Den with Manila Luzon" is proof that this kind of art form has a unique story from the lens of us Filipinos who are still struggling to champion the rights and the welfare of our brothers and sisters in the queer community.

The narratives highlighted in every drag performances are liberating because more than its intention to entertain its audience, it also conveys the artist's messages and stories related to their every personal experience and beliefs in life. It is not just an ordinary the show that the people can see, because drag shows carries the standpoints and moral views of the artist as she shows her talents. And as this art form shines on different stages, whether in disco bars or on social media platforms, it shapes even more the image that the community is naturally creative and colorful.

Despite its popularity among the masses, the drag performance of the artist Pura Luka Vega sparked controversy. Pura's decision to portray Poong Nazareno in drag, while lip-syncing to a remix of "Ama Namin," elicited mixed reactions. Some Catholic devotees raised their eyebrows at this artistic expression, highlighting the sensitive nature of religious imagery in performance art.

Pura was crucified in the form of harsh criticism from those who witnessed her performance. While drag enthusiasts and followers applauded Pura's artistry, in the eyes of devout Catholics, it was deemed "blasphemous" and a disrespectful act toward God. This backlash led to Pura being declared persona non-grata by legislators in 18 places in the Philippines.

The drag artist was also arrested and was charged for allegedly violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code and the Cyber ​​Crime Prevention Act of 2012.

According to Pura, she does not insult God. Her drag shows is her way of devotion and faith as a Christian. Drag is her medium to show to everyone her expression as part of the LGBTQ+ community who have long been denied the right to be recognized and accepted within the Catholic church.

Drag, as an art form, allows artists to freely express their identity and perspective. However, in the eyes of self-proclaimed devotees of God, Pura was denied this freedom of expression. The criticism she faced regarding her portrayal of devotion hindered her ability to express herself authentically.

Some people argue that art cannot be considered art if its intention is to mock or harm others. In Pura's case as a drag artist, her drag is her testament and declaration of faith. However, in the eyes of conservatives, it is seen as degrading the name of the Lord. Comparatively, other forms of faith and devotion, such as penance, self-crucifixion during Lent, and dancing naked on the feast of Sto. Nino, are not widely practiced by Catholics. These practices raise the question: why are they more acceptable when they are not endorsed by the teachings of the church? Could it be because they are performed by straight people?

If we will look closely at queer community's attitude on religious issues, it is clear to us that there is little to no space for recognition and acceptance for them, which is why art becomes a medium for gays to express their faith. It is not new to hear that even drag is also considered an act of immorality because in the eyes of the religious, homosexuals should not be recognized as children of God.

In the Philippines where majority are sacred catholic devotees, it is not unlikely that they will denounce drag as art. It is inevitable that the teachings of their beliefs will be mixed in their eyes, which is the main reason for not being fully aware of another perspective of looking at drag as art. Add to that the fact that in a macho-feudal society, flamboyancy, emotions, and creativity have no space for tolerance if it is the product of homosexuals.

If we closely examine the queer community's stance on religious matters, it becomes clear that there is little to no room for recognition and acceptance, prompting art to serve as a medium for gays to express their faith. It's common to hear that even drag is deemed immoral, as homosexuals are not recognized as children of God by the religious. In the Philippines, where the majority are devout Catholics, it's unsurprising that drag is often denounced as art. The teachings of their faith may cloud their perspective, preventing them from fully appreciating drag as an art form. Additionally, in a macho-feudal society, there is little tolerance for flamboyancy, emotions, and creativity, especially if they are expressions of homosexuality.

Art knows no boundaries or limits. Through the extravagance of drag, it transcends expectations, delving deep into the soul of the drag artist. Through drag, individuals within the LGBTQ+ community are liberated, able to embrace their ambitions and dreams. This form of art not only advances rights and promotes gender recognition but also creates a space for the queer community to confidently assert their place in the world.

The LGBTQ+ community's decades-long struggle for equality and acceptance by society can be considered an overdue crusade. Although drag is not yet fully accepted as a form of art by many, no criticism and discrimination is more glaring than the colorful fact that the rainbow also flows through art.