I want to do work that means something to me so that when I go to work at the theater eight times a week, I want to be there.
Billy PorterRead
When you grow up in the church, the only translation in that insular world that people understand is preaching. You're supposed to be a minister. So I was going down that path, and then I saw the Tonys.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the expectation of becoming a minister when raised in a church environment, but also reveals a personal shift towards the arts through the influence of the Tonys.
Billy Porter shares his experience growing up in a church where the primary understanding of purpose and communication revolved around preaching. This background instilled in him the expectation to become a minister; however, witnessing the artistry and recognition at the Tonys inspired a new path, showcasing the tension between traditional expectations and personal aspirations in the journey of self-discovery.
Themes
ChurchPreachingArtTonysSelf-DiscoveryPersonal Growth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about following your passions despite societal expectations.
More from Billy Porter
All quotes →I took 'Grease' to play my trump card, my voice, and get attention that would lead to auditions for serious work like 'Angels in America.' But I backed myself into a corner with 'Grease,' and it took me 17 years to get out.
Billy PorterRead
I was fine being in the closet at the beginning of my career because that's what you were supposed to be - until I realized that it didn't serve anybody, and I was left feeling utterly empty. This is who I am, so I've gotta be me.
Billy PorterRead
For me, I really feel like if there's not a real, true connection to the material, I don't need to sing it. I don't need to sing songs just because I like them anymore. I've done that.
Billy PorterRead
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 PorterRead
There was a time in the '90s where, as an African-American man, you had to be a misogynistic R&B star or a rapper, and I didn't fit into either one of those. I was advised by my label to remain closeted at that time.
Billy PorterRead
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