Drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon, known for winning season five of RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars 7, has been making headlines recently for her activism in the face of rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in America. Monsoon is currently making history as the first drag artist to portray matron Mama Morton in the Tony Award-winning revival of Chicago on Broadway. However, she has still found time to appear on American news networks to speak out against the raft of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping across the United States.
In a recent appearance on NBC News, Monsoon discussed the odd juxtaposition of drag being both celebrated and demonised in society. “There are people who want progress, and to move forward, and there are people who want to either stay where they are or move backwards,” she said. Monsoon also spoke about how performing in Chicago has allowed her to be her truest self and follow her dreams. “This is who I am. This is who I was always meant to be. This is how I am following my dreams,” she said.
Monsoon has also appeared on MSNBC’s The 11th Hour with host Stephanie Ruhle, where she discussed the importance of understanding and respecting the LGBTQ+ community in order to fully appreciate the art form of drag. She criticized lawmakers who seek to govern what other people do with their lives, particularly in regards to Tennessee’s recent ban on drag performances in public places and crackdown on gender-affirming care for trans youth. “Drag is being demonised as a ploy, as a tactic, and it’s really upsetting because we’re living in this time where… people debate over the eradication of members of my community and my art form,” she said.
Monsoon’s activism and outspokenness on LGBTQ+ issues continue to make her an important voice in the community. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and committed to her art and her activism.