In a viral moment that’s making the internet roar, environmentalist drag queen Pattie Gonia has effortlessly outdone US politician Pete Hegseth in a pull-up challenge, while tucked.
The 33-year-old naturalist drag icon took aim at the anti-LGBTQ+ US secretary of defense, showing off her strength and sass in a local park.
“Hi Pete Hegseth, Pattie Gonia here. While you’re busy trying to take away queer rights, I’m advocating for everyone’s, including my right to do better pull-ups than you with my balls tucked inside me,” Gonia said mid-set. She completed her reps and delivered a parting shot: “That’s fifty, you little b**ch.”
A Viral Clip Returns
Earlier this year, a clip resurfaced showing Hegseth struggling to complete 50 pull-ups. Shared by former Marine Ron Filipkowski, it captured Hegseth at the end of his set visibly kicking his feet in frustration.
“The Pete Hegseth pull-up is a bit different than the ones we did at Parris Island,” Filipkowski quipped. “Maybe it’s an Army thing.”
Hegseth’s Controversial Military Stance
Since assuming office in January, Hegseth has supported Trump-era policies attempting to bar trans people from military service, claiming their identities are “incompatible with active duty.” In October, he hinted that women might be banned from certain combat roles, arguing the military should adhere to “the highest male standard.”
“If women can make it, excellent. If not, it is what it is,” Hegseth said.
Gonia’s Response
Pattie Gonia turned Hegseth’s fitness struggle into a call for accountability and visibility. She even challenged him to a proper pull-up contest, tweeting, “My name is Pattie Gonia and I challenge Pete Hegseth to a pull-up competition. I’ll win. And I’ll do it tucked.”
She followed up with a playful plea for viral support: “Some gay please take this video to gay Twitter. We need it to actually reach him.”
More Than Pull-Ups
Gonia’s activism extends beyond viral stunts. In August, she helped hang a 66-foot trans flag on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park to visibly affirm that being trans is natural, even as right-wing attacks grow. Speaking to The Guardian, Gonia said the installation was a statement against ongoing discrimination, blending outdoor adventure with queer advocacy.
Whether lifting her own body weight or raising visibility for LGBTQ+ rights, Pattie Gonia has proven she can outmatch bigotry in every sense of the word.
