"I refuse to be a prisoner of anyone's expectation but my own."
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-determination over external influences or expectations. Billy Porter encourages individuals to not let societal norms, or other people's ideas about them, dictate their lives and choices. Instead, he advocates for each person to set and follow their own aspirations, thereby fostering personal freedom, empowerment, and authenticity.
"You can't build self-esteem on outside approval - that is an unstable and shaky foundation."
Billy Porter's quote emphasizes the importance of internal validation over external validation in building self-esteem. Self-esteem based on the approval of others is not a stable or reliable foundation, because it can easily shift depending on the opinions and actions of those around us. By contrast, when one values themselves intrinsically, they have a solid foundation for positive self-worth, as their feelings about themselves are not dependent on external validation. This message encourages individuals to cultivate a strong sense of self-love and self-acceptance, fostering a more resilient and fulfilled life.
"We're all born naked, and the rest is drag."
Billy Porter's quote "We're all born naked, and the rest is drag" is a metaphorical expression suggesting that societal norms, roles, and identities are not inherent but rather external elements that we adopt or perform over our naturally neutral selves. In essence, it encourages individuality, self-expression, and the freedom to present oneself as one chooses, beyond societal expectations or stereotypes.
"I think it's important for people to see themselves reflected back in a positive light, and I wanted to give that gift to young queer and trans kids of color."
Billy Porter's quote emphasizes the significance of representation and self-reflection. He believes that seeing oneself positively portrayed is crucial for individuals, especially those in underrepresented groups like young queer and trans people of color. By providing such positive representation, he aims to offer a gift of validation, empowerment, and hope, thereby fostering self-acceptance and confidence within these communities.
"The most freeing thing I ever did was to stop giving a damn about what anyone else thought of me."
This quote emphasizes the transformative power of self-acceptance and individuality. Billy Porter suggests that one's liberation comes when they no longer seek validation or approval from others, but rather focus on being true to themselves. This act of self-liberation allows an individual to embrace their uniqueness without fear or constraint, promoting personal growth and authenticity.
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
I've worked with a lot of gay and lesbian organizations. I sit on the board of the Empire State Pride Agenda. I've also done a lot of work for Broadway Care/Equity Fights AIDS. I think it's important because, when we can be of service to others, it only enhances our lives. I've been helped a lot in my life.
- Billy Porter
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
Many movie stars or American Idol contestants sort of fall into theater... and say, 'Oh, yeah, I would love to do theater.' And then they get here and say, 'Oh, wait a minute, this actually is a craft!' It's not just show up one day and do it. It's show up eight times a week, twice on Wednesdays and twice on Saturdays.
- Billy Porter
When I had a record deal in the '90s, that was my dream - to make an album like Barbra Streisand's Broadway album - and they laughed me out of the room. Broadway wasn't cool. But artists like Michael Buble and Josh Groban have brought the classic genre back to the forefront, so I'm trying to find my way inside that market.
- Billy Porter
If you gauge how you're doing on whether somebody is responding vocally or not, you're up a creek. You can't do that; you kind of have to be inside of your work and play the scene. And tell the story every day. Tell the story. Tell the story. Regardless of how people are responding, I'm going to tell the story.
- Billy Porter
I'm not one of those actors who gets so taken by a role that I can't live my life. I'm the type of actor who goes to work, transforms into a character, takes you on a journey, and then comes back home to be Billy. When I'm in it, I'm in it, but I know how to get out of it. When you can't shut it off, you're a crazy person. I'm not crazy.
- Billy Porter
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