Seeing Jennifer Holliday from 'Dreamgirls' perform on the Tony Awards telecast and later discovering Barbra Streisand by listening to her albums at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh really changed everything for me. Billy Porter albumawardbarbra share on social
I had something nobody else could do - I sang in a way that separated me - and, when you're trying to get noticed, you play your trump card. Billy Porter cardnoticeplay Change image and share on social
I grew up when one of America's greatest black playwrights, August Wilson, was writing about life in Pittsburgh, but I never saw myself in any of his straight-male plays. And then I see 'Angels,' which was so honest and painful, and it had this black drag queen in it, Belize, with a big heart. I finally had a character to relate to. Billy Porter americaangelaugust share on social
There's this misconception that I've been turning down roles. It's just not true. The reality is, there was nothing for me to do, nobody was calling, the phone wasn't ringing. Billy Porter callhavemisconception Change image and share on social
We need to understand that whatever we do, we're all human beings first. Billy Porter beinghumanunderstand Change image and share on social
When you're doing what you love, it's not exhausting at all, actually. It's completely empowering and exhilarating. Billy Porter completelyempowerexhaust Change image and share on social
I've always been passionate about fashion. Billy Porter fashionhavepassionate Change image and share on social
I had to come out to my mother three times over a twelve-year period, but I first came out to her when I was sixteen. It didn't go over so well, because I grew up in the Pentecostal Church. It was a very strict environment. She has since done a lot of work and has really blown my mind. She has learned about my life and has changed her mind. Billy Porter blowchangechurch share on social
For me, life is about being positive and hopeful, choosing to be joyful, choosing to be encouraging, choosing to be empowering. Billy Porter chooseempowerencourage Change image and share on social
When I was younger, I did what I now call 'extreme singing.' I could do this thing where I would sing really high. I can't really do that anymore, at my age. My voice has shifted. It's changed. Billy Porter ageanymorecall Change image and share on social