The multi-talented Billy Porter has finally gotten his due, he was recently honored with his own star at the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The actor, singer, composer, and playwright embraced the moment as he posed for pictures this Thursday morning.
Speech At Hollywood Walk of Fame
He said, “I’m just so blessed and so grateful to be here.” He then quoted James Baldwin and said “James Baldwin said ‘It’s an artist’s job to disturb the peace,’ and as you all know, I take that job very seriously.”
It was a pretty emotional moment for the star, especially considering how much he has been through being a black queer artist in a day and age when being either of those things came with a lot of struggles.
But he did not let the struggles dampen his dreams. A gist of all that he has achieved was visible in the lengthy introduction of him, which included “He is an Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated actor, singer, director, composer and playwright.”
He got a little nostalgic in his acceptance speech, “I’ve heard a lot of things in my life,” he said. He also added “‘You’re too Black. You’re too gay, too loud, too extra, too flamboyant. Homosexuality is an abomination, you are an abomination, you will never be blessed.’ We know that’s a lie. That theory no longer has any credibility.”
He also mentioned that “I’m grateful to have lived long enough to see the day that my queerness is no longer my liability, but now is my greatest superpower.”
“I’m grateful to stand in front of the world as an out, loud and proud representation of what being Black, queer and HIV positive looks like in 2022,” he said, having converted his weaknesses into strengths.
He also commemorated the moment on Instagram and wrote “Impossible dreams coming true. Thank you to all of my friends and family who made the trip to be here for this once-in-a-lifetime moment!”
Dedicated To Mother
The actor dedicated the honor to his mother, who currently stays at the Actor’s Fund Nursing Home. The American Horror Story actor “Mom, you’re the personification of what true Christianity means. Your willingness to embrace what you don’t understand with unconditional love is a template the world would benefit from employing.”
In this important moment, Porter did not forget those who were still struggling with it. He made sure to include them in his speech and even dedicated the honor to “all those who are struggling. It’s been a rough couple of years for us all. None of us are alright and that is alright. Together we will heal.”
He concluded by saying “Just breathe. It’s all good. When we love collectively and in unison, we win.” The 53-year-old was accompanied by his sister and a lot of fans who cheered him on.
More About Porter
Porter has certainly managed to captivate people as he made his way into the spotlight. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama. Although he dabbled in multiple areas and different fields, he got most of his success on Broadway, thanks to his flamboyant personality.
After his success on Broadway, he set off on a solo journey of being a singer and an actor.
