October 3, 2025
MANILA – Drag has always been a medium of expression. It can be used as an instrument to poke fun at and comment on current events.
Therefore, drag is political.
On September 21, numerous drag queens joined the Trillion Peso March, a nationwide protest against corruption in government-led flood control infrastructure projects. Various groups, including unions, church organizations, student associations, private organizations, celebrities, and drag queens, participated in the protest.
Pura Luka Vega, Gabriela She Lang, Sheng Mai, and Maria Cristina were some of the drag queens who joined the protest against corruption in Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila. Meanwhile, other drag queens like Precious Paula Nicole, Captivating Katkat, Marina Summers, Maxie Andreison, Eva Lequeen, and Khianna expressed their support online.
Drag references through placards also graced the rallies.
PHOTO: KHIANNAWITHAK ON INSTAGRAM/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
In addition to that, ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’ international queens Yuhua Hamasaki, Kitty Space, and Siam Phusri also voiced their support for the Filipinos.
Another trending video about corruption in the Philippines is Viñas DeLuxe’s Sara Duterte impersonation. It was her entry for the ‘Snatch Elections’ segment of ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale.’ While poking fun at current issues, she raised awareness on confidential funds and the turbulent political landscape in the Philippines.
PHOTO: DRAG RACE PHILIPPINES/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
These acts are their pursuit against corruption, uniting to take a stand in different ways. However, some people had some unsavory remarks about drag queens mixing with politics.
News reports about Pura Luka Vega’s appearance at Rizal Park drew flak from the people. The general vibe of the comments was against Pura Luka Vega for being in the rally for attention.
SCREENSHOT COLLECTED BY PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
However, the blatant display of homophobia takes the attention away from what truly matters– the calls against corruption.
These drag queens were taking a stand in an unconventional way, and a stand against corruption, no matter how unorthodox, is a stand nonetheless.