NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A municipal government in Negros Occidental declared drag queen Pura Luka Vega unwelcome in its town on Tuesday, August 1. The persona non grata declaration by Toboso town’s legislature came in response to a controversial video that went viral, showing Vega wearing a Black Nazarene-inspired costume while dancing to a remix of the song of Ama Namin (Our Father) in a local bar on July 10. Vega, who prefers the pronouns “they” and “them,” has also been declared persona non grata in General Santos City. Persona non grata is a Latin phrase meaning “person not appreciated” or “person not welcome.” In the context of diplomacy, the designation holds serious implications, especially for diplomats who may face enforced departure as a consequence of their behavior or pronouncements seen as contrary to the interests of the host country or a violation of diplomatic norms.