Rep. Jill Tokuda Gives Speech Congratulating Sasha Colby, RuPaul Drag Race Winner, and Honoring Hawaiian Māhū Trans Culture

News Release from Rep Jill Tokuda, April 26, 2023

(Washington, DC) – Today, Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) addressed the U.S. House of Representatives to congratulate Hawaiʻi-born drag performer, Sasha Kekauhoa, more famously known as Sasha Colby, on being crowned the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15.

“I am so proud that a fellow Windward girl, hailing from the homesteads of Waimanalo, has earned the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda. “From the very start of the 15-week-long competition, Sasha put her vulnerabilities front and center for the world to see, often drawing upon her Native Hawaiian and Irish heritage and childhood trauma as sources of inspiration for her performances. Throughout Drag Race, she authentically represented her Hawaiian culture both in her looks and interviews, talking about the legacy she’s building for her home state and about being māhū.”

“Today, we are seeing increasing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights that particularly target trans people and drag queens including state laws banning drag queen performances and gender affirming care. In her own words, Sasha says, ‘I am literally the living embodiment of what they want to eradicate.’ Sasha’s win is not only well deserved; it gives us hope,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda.

A video of Rep. Tokuda’s remarks can be viewed here and downloaded for media use here.

Rep. Tokuda’s remarks as written:

“I rise today to congratulate Hawaiʻi-born Sasha Kekauoha, more famously known as Sasha Colby, on being crowned the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15.

I am so proud that a fellow Windward girl, hailing from the homesteads of Waimanalo, has earned the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar.

From the very start of the competition, Sasha, a seasoned drag legend, drew upon her ethnic heritage and childhood trauma as sources of inspiration for her performances.

Throughout ‘Drag Race,’ she authentically represented her Hawaiian culture, talking about the legacy she’s building for our home state and about being māhū.

In ancient Hawaiian days, māhū 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.

Amidst ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights that particularly target trans people and drag queens, her win is not only well-deserved, it gives us hope.

Congratulations, Sasha Colby. You are a leader, a proud māhū, and every drag queen’s favorite drag queen.”

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