Recognizing Sasha Kekauoha Colby

Floor Speech

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Ms. TOKUDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hawaiian-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 beginning 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 is building for our home State and about being mahu.

In ancient Hawaiian days, mahu were considered extraordinary individuals of male and female spirit who brought their healing powers to Oahu from Tahiti.

Today, trans people are among the most revered members in the Hawaiian community. 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.

Congratulations to Sasha Colby. She is a leader. She is a proud mahu, and she is every drag queen's favorite drag queen.

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