Show Notes
Billy Porter joins Kerry Washington to talk about growing up gay in Pittsburgh, the women who raised him, and how music and theater helped him find his voice. He revisits the church that celebrated his singing but struggled to accept him, the performances of The Wiz and Dreamgirls that changed his life, and his mother’s journey toward embracing her gay son. Plus, chosen family, Sunday-best fashion, an elaborate senior portrait shoot, and the little boy who knew his voice could take him somewhere new.
Content note: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, physical punishment, and homophobia.
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If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse or is experiencing emotional distress, you are not alone. National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) Call 800.656.4673 | Text “HOPE” to 64673 | rainn.org Free, confidential 24/7 support in English & Spanish The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support) Call 866.488.7386 | Text “START” to 678-678 | thetrevorproject.org Free, confidential 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention for young people 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (General Mental Health) Call or Text 988 | 988lifeline.org Free, confidential 24/7 support for emotional distress
00:00 Billy Porter’s Pittsburgh Childhood 06:27 Family’s Big House 17:25 Identity & Childhood Abuse 23:53 From Preacher to Performer 38:30 Church Fashion & Self-Expression 44:54 Activism, Pride & Chosen Family 59:25 Style, Advice & What’s Next See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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