“When you’re doing what you love, it’s not exhausting at all, actually. It’s completely empowering and exhilarating.“
- Name: Billy Porter
- Born: September 21th, 1969
- From: Pittsburgh, PA
- Pronouns: He/him
- Spouse: Adam Smith
- Education:
- Occupation: Actor, singer
- Known For: Role in the FX series Pose, other acting roles, Broadway, writing, and singing.
- Awards:
- 2013 – Drama Desk Award: Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical for Kinky Boots
- 2013 – Tony Award: Besting Leading Actor in a Musical for Kinky Boots
- 2014 – Grammy Award: Best Musical Theater Album for Kinky Boots
- 2017 – GLAAD Media Award: Vito Russo Award
- 2019 – Dorian Awards: TV Performance of the Year – Actor for Pose
- 2020 – Dorian Awards: TV Performance of the Year – Actor for Pose
Billy Porter is an icon in fashion and an LGBT activist. In 2019 Porter won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, making him the first openly-gay black male that won any lead actor award. He’s also one letter away from achieving EGOT prestige, which is winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Only 16 people have achieved this status. The man is very experienced in the field of arts, coming from many well-known Broadway plays such as Miss Saigon, Grease, and Kinky Books. But his creative expression to represent his community didn’t stop there. Currently he plays the role of Pray Tell in the popular TV series Pose, which explores the plights of New York City’s African American and Latino LGBTQ community in Drag Ballroom Culture. The show has the largest cast of transgender actors in television history, ensuring their spot in history. Within the show Porter helps break down stereotypes and humanize queer, gay, and transgender people.
Handout
To download the Handout:
- Click on the image
- Right-click and select Save Image As…
- Write a description on the line and decorate.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out more resources and ways to celebrate MLK can be found on these links as well as our official Day of Service opportunity to volunteer.
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.