Billy Porter
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.
📺 Subscribe for new episodes released weekly!
💥 Follow Street You Grew Up On:
https://linktr.ee/streetyougrewupon
🎤 Follow Kerry Washington:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrywashington
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekerrywashington
Follow Simpson Street:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simpsonstreet
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simpsonstreet
Follow Daylight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daylightmediahq/
Website: https://daylightmedia.com/
➡️ Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Head to https://RULA.com to find a therapist the easy way.
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.