Jinkx Monsoon Delivers Critique on J.K. Rowling's Transphobic Beliefs through Remark on Author's Distinctive Pseudonym
Jinkx Monsoon, a celebrated Broadway star and former winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, will be stepping into the shoes of Mary Todd Lincoln in the upcoming production of Oh, Mary! in August 2025. But before she takes the stage, Monsoon has caused a stir with her comments about another famous author – J.K. Rowling.
During an interview with Ziwe, scheduled to air on July 31 at 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monsoon shared her thoughts on Rowling's decision to use initials instead of her given name, Joanne. Monsoon suggested that Rowling may have done so to avoid assumptions about her gender, mockingly implying that Rowling "transitioned herself into a new personality."
Monsoon referred to Rowling as "Jake Hay Rowling" throughout the interview, a reference that could be seen as a critique of Rowling's stance on transgender issues. Monsoon also feigned confusion about Rowling's identity, possibly addressing Rowling's controversial anti-trans politics.
Rowling has made headlines for her outspoken views against transgender rights, particularly her opposition to laws in the UK that allow transgender people to change their legal gender. In response to the backlash, Rowling shared a photo on social media with the caption "I love it when a plan comes together" after the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the legal definition of a woman only applies to those whose biological sex is female.
Rowling has also written under the pen name Robert Galbraith for her Cormoran Strike series, further complicating her public image. Monsoon's comments about Rowling's identity have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the author's stance on transgender issues.
Monsoon, who has won both Season 5 of RuPaul's Drag Race and Season 7 of Drag Race All Stars, has a history of taking on challenging roles. In addition to her upcoming role as Mary Todd Lincoln, she has previously starred on Broadway as Ruth in Pirates! A Penzance Musical, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, and "Mama" Morton in Chicago. When asked if Rowling would make a good Roxy Hart in Chicago, Monsoon was coy, leaving fans eager to see what other surprises she has in store.
- Jinkx Monsoon, an LGBTQ celebrity known for her roles in Drag Race, has caused a stir with her mocking comments about J.K. Rowling's use of initials and her stance on transgender issues, further fueling the timely debate in pop-culture and entertainment.
- In an upcoming interview with Ziwe, airing on July 31, Monsoon will discuss her controversial remarks about Rowling, whose publicly stated opposition to transgender rights has been a hot topic in dib-celebs and LGBT communities.
- Monsoon, with her history of tackling complex roles on Broadway, has hinted at potentially taking on the role of Roxy Hart from Chicago, causing speculation among fans about a possible collaboration between two influential figures in pop-culture and LGBT representation.
