Margaret Cho'S Inspiring Call To Action At The 2026 Queerties

Margaret Cho's Moment at the Queerties

Comedy queen Margaret Cho took center stage at the 2026 Queerties on March 10, 2026, to a room buzzing with anticipation. Receiving the Icon Award, she delivered a heartfelt plea to fellow attendees – calling them to stand up and speak out against the increasing oppression of queer communities in the U.S. The atmosphere was electric, with Cho’s words resonating like waves crashing along the SoCal coast.

“I’m so honored to be here with all of you, and I love the Queerties, and I'm just proud that we have an award ceremony to acknowledge what we do," Cho shared with the cheering crowd.

Using Art as a Platform

The Queerties, in its 14th year, celebrated the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ media and culture. Cho, known for her bold critiques and comedic genius, used the spotlight to emphasize the power of voices and art in catalyzing change. "It's really about us continuing to use our voices, to use our art for change, and to not stop," she urged, urging listeners to choose courage over complacency.

In a pointed critique, she expressed concern over President Donald Trump’s controversial policies, including a potential war in Iran and a rumored draft. Cho passionately called for solidarity, particularly towards the trans community facing heightened discrimination and danger.

The Fight for Trans Rights

Cho’s words took a sharp turn as she addressed the chilling actions of states like Kansas that have unjustly targeted trans rights. "When a state like Kansas revokes driver's licenses overnight and says to trans people, 'You don't exist now.' What is that meant to do? That's genocide, so we have to fight for that," she declared, her voice ringing with urgency.

A Night of Honors and Celebrations

Besides Cho, the Queerties celebrated other stars like Megan Stalter, who snagged the Vanguard Award, and actor-writer Mae Martin with the Groundbreaker Award. Hosted by drag royalty Trixie Mattel, the star-studded event is set to stream on WOW Presents Plus on March 19.

Francois Arnaud, though absent, won hearts with a video message while accepting Best Performance for his role in "Heated Rivalry." The hit series took home Best Drama, while Arnaud shared his success with co-star Robbie GK, expressing, "Whatever I did in there, we did it together, this is for you, buddy."

Margaret Cho’s poignant words and powerful presence were a reminder of the resilience and unity required to drive societal change. Her call to action continues to echo, inspiring others to stand courageously in the face of adversity.