rights
UFC fighter says ‘Michelle Obama is a man’ at White House event
By Washington Blade
· June 15, 2026
· 1 min read
UFC fighter Josh Hokit, in a crude post-match stunt, told podcaster Joe Rogan that, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right America?” The incident occurred as part of President Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House lawn on Sunday night. Hokit won his fight then gave an interview to Roga
Key takeaway ” The incident occurred as part of President Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House lawn on Sunday night.
Why this matters
The incident involving UFC fighter Josh Hokit's transphobic and racist remark about Michelle Obama at the White House event highlights the ongoing issue of hate speech and conspiracy theories targeting prominent LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. This claim, which has been circulating since 2007, not only misgenders the former First Lady but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black women and the transgender community. The fact that this incident occurred at a White House event, with no immediate condemnation from President Trump, raises concerns about the administration's commitment to combating hate speech and promoting inclusivity. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other advocacy groups have long emphasized the need for elected officials to denounce such rhetoric and promote respect for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression. The lack of response from the White House spokesperson, instead focusing on Hokit's win, underscores the need for greater accountability and education on these issues.
About this story
Original reporting by Washington Blade . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 15, 2026 ·
Source: Washington Blade ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? UFC fighter Josh Hokit, in a crude post-match stunt, told podcaster Joe Rogan that, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right America?” The incident occurred as part of President Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House lawn on Sunday night. Hokit won his fight then gave an interview to Roga
When was this published? This article was first published on June 15, 2026 by Washington Blade and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Washington Blade. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .