In a moment that has the internet abuzz, environmentalist drag queen Patty Gonia easily outclassed American politician Pete Hegseth in a pull-up challenge.
The 33-year-old naturalist drag icon took aim at the anti-LGBTQ+ US Secretary of Defense, flaunting her strength and sass at a local park.
“Hello Pete Hegseth, this is Patti Gonia. While you’re busy taking away queer rights, I’m standing up for everyone’s rights. And that includes my right to put my balls in and do pull-ups better than you,” Gonia said midway through her set. When she finished her reps, she said goodbye: “It’s 50, you son of a bitch.”
Viral clip is back
Earlier this year, a clip resurfaced showing Hegseth struggling to complete 50 pull-ups. The photo, shared by former Marine Ron Filipkowski, showed Hegseth kicking his feet in frustration at the end of the set.
“Pete Hegseth’s pull-ups are a little different than the pull-ups we did at Parris Island,” Filipkowski said jokingly. “Maybe it’s something related to the Army.”
Hegseth’s controversial military stance
Since taking office in January, Hegseth has supported the Trump administration’s efforts to ban transgender military service, arguing that transgender identity is “incompatible with active duty.” In October, he argued that the military must be held to the “highest standards of masculinity” and hinted that women could be barred from serving in certain combat roles.
“If a woman can achieve that, that’s great. If not, that’s the way it is,” Hegseth said.
Gonia’s reaction
Patty Gonia turned Hegseth’s fitness woes into a demand for accountability and visibility. She also challenged him to a proper pull-up contest, tweeting, “My name is Patti Gonia and I’m challenging Pete Hegseth to a pull-up contest. I’m going to win. And I’m going to do it right.”
She continued with a playful plea for viral support: “Someone gay please post this video on gay Twitter. That’s what we need if it’s going to actually get to him.”
More than pull-ups
Gonia’s work extends beyond viral stunts. In August, she helped raise a 66-foot-tall transgender flag on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a visible affirmation of the naturalness of being transgender even in the face of growing right-wing attacks. talk to guardianGonia said the installation is a statement against ongoing discrimination, combining outdoor adventure and queer advocacy.
Whether it’s gaining weight for herself or raising awareness for LGBTQ+ rights, Patti Gonia has proven that she can overcome prejudice in every sense of the word.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
