Martina Navratilova, the tennis legend, took issue with a tweet from Deb Haaland on Tuesday. She had posted a picture of drag queen Pattie Gonia talking about LGBTQ History Month.
Haaland asked Gonia about the significance of Stonewall National Monument, and what it says about American history.
Gonia explained: “I believe it’s due to the fact that queer rights have been under attack more than ever. I think that if we do not acknowledge the past we will repeat it. Stonewall is a beautiful place that was the site of much hatred and discrimination against the LGBTQ community. But it also represents a place of resistance, queer joy, and queer freedom.”
“I think it’s worth celebrating. I think we should not ignore the hate that exists today. We must acknowledge that it is not only our past but also our present. We need to work together in order to create a future that is more just and equitable.”
Navratilova panned the video.
“Is it a joke?” Navratilova responded by writing: “The pathetic parody continues.”
In response to Navratilova’s comments, one person wrote: “Butch lesbians have always been treated with the same scorn.” “Not really a woman” is something we should all accept. This is a drag person, not a transgender. “They’re not trying to pass as female!”
Navratilova shot back, “And how exactly are we supposed to know the difference? And please do not compare males to butch females. Thank you.”
