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 βI 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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