Jinkx Monsoon Shades Lawmakers for ‘Rewriting History’ During GMA Interview

Jinkx Monsoon, acclaimed drag performer and the only two-time champion of RuPaul’s Drag Race, made headlines this week after delivering a sharp but humorous critique of lawmakers during her appearance on Good Morning America (GMA). The segment, designed to promote her starring role in Cole Escola’s Tony Award-winning Broadway play Oh, Mary!, quickly gained traction across social media platforms and LGBTQ+ news outlets for its candid commentary on recent political trends affecting queer Americans .

During the GMA interview, hosts Gio Benitez, Janai Norman, and Whit Johnson engaged Monsoon in a playful game called “Oh, Jinkx!” where she was asked to improvise responses to hypothetical White House scenarios. The final prompt—“You’ve just been told you’re the understudy for Mary’s husband and the show starts in five minutes”—elicited a now-viral response from Monsoon: “Well, everyone, this is how it goes. Abraham Lincoln is now a trans woman, and that’s all there is to it. Since lawmakers get to rewrite history, why can’t I?” .

While Monsoon did not explicitly name any individuals or political parties, her statement was widely interpreted as a critique of Republican lawmakers and recent efforts to reshape or restrict the teaching of LGBTQ+ history and rights in schools and public discourse. The comment was also seen as a nod to ongoing court challenges, including attempts to overturn nationwide same-sex marriage protections—issues that have drawn widespread attention and concern from LGBTQ+ communities .

Jinkx Monsoon’s role as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary! represents a significant milestone, both for her career and for LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream entertainment. The play, a satirical reimagining of historical figures and events, has been praised for its wit and for challenging conventional narratives. Monsoon’s casting as the iconic First Lady—and her willingness to use high-profile media appearances to address issues of representation and historical erasure—has galvanized fans and allies alike .

Monsoon’s Broadway run has already attracted critical acclaim, with audiences responding enthusiastically to her blend of comedy, advocacy, and artistry. “It’s been my life dream ever since I started doing drag to do drag on Broadway,” Monsoon shared during the GMA interview, reflecting on her journey from local performance spaces to national television and Broadway stages .

LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates praised Monsoon’s remarks, noting the importance of public figures addressing the ongoing politicization of queer history and identities. The Human Rights Campaign and other advocacy groups have repeatedly warned that legislative efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ content in schools, libraries, and public forums pose threats to both civil rights and the accuracy of historical narratives .

On social media, Monsoon’s comments were widely celebrated for their humor and incisiveness. Instagram users engaged with behind-the-scenes photos from her GMA appearance (@thejinkx), while TikTok clips of the segment circulated with thousands of likes and supportive comments .

Monsoon’s shade comes amid a period of heightened tension around LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Recent legislative proposals have sought to limit discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in classrooms, with some states moving to restrict access to affirming healthcare for transgender people and reexamine the legality of same-sex marriage . These efforts, critics argue, amount to attempts to “rewrite history” by erasing key achievements of the LGBTQ+ movement and diminishing the visibility of marginalized groups.

By using her platform on national television to highlight these issues, Monsoon joins a growing chorus of artists, educators, and activists calling for greater honesty and inclusivity in American historical and cultural narratives. Her playful yet pointed remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights—a message that resonates well beyond the theater and television studio.

As Oh, Mary! continues its Broadway run through September, Monsoon’s advocacy and artistry remain at the forefront of discussions about representation and resistance. For many LGBTQ+ viewers and allies, her GMA appearance was more than a moment of entertainment—it was a call to remember, honor, and defend the complex histories that shape queer lives in America today.