Hawaii Rep Shouts Out 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Sasha Colby
Watch Sasha Colby perform "Goddess" on "RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 15."
Everyone is a fan of recently crowned "RuPaul's Drag Race" queen Sasha Colby, including House Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii).
On Wednesday, Tokuda took some time on the House floor to honor Sasha's victory and her habit of underscoring her Hawaiian heritage, reported The Hill.
Addressing Sasha by her complete name, Sasha Kekauoha, Tokuda announced that "from the very beginning of the competition, Sasha, a seasoned drag legend, drew upon her ethnic heritage and childhood trauma as sources of inspiration for her performances."
Colby is the first openly transgender woman of color to be crowned "America's Next Drag Superstar," and Tokuda explained that transgender people in Polynesian culture are revered.
"Throughout 'Drag Race,' she authentically represented her Hawaiian culture, talking about the legacy she's building for our home state and about being Mahu," said Tokuda.
She explained, "In ancient Hawaiian days, Mahu were considered extraordinary individuals of male and female spirit who brought their healing powers to O'ahu from Tahiti. Today, trans people are among the most revered members in the Hawaiian community."
The ACLU reported that more than 460 state bills targeting the rights of LGBTQ people were introduced in state legislatures this year. A great number of those bills target transgender people.
"Amidst ongoing attacks on our LGBTQ+ rights that particularly target trans people and drag queens, her win is not only well deserved, it gives us all hope," Tokuda added.
Congratulations again, Sasha!