The Tony Awards 2023 celebrate queer voices as non-binary icons Alex Newell and J Harrison Ghee make history
In a historic moment at the Tony Awards 2023, Alex Newell and J Harrison Ghee shattered barriers and became the first openly non-binary performers to win the prestigious awards. Broadway's grand celebration of talent unfolded at the United Palace in Manhattan's vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood, where stalwarts from the theater industry gathered for the event.
Alex Newell, (who goes by the pronouns they/them) with their remarkable performance in the 2022 musical Shucked, emerged victorious, securing the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical.
In their heartfelt acceptance speech, Newell expressed that winning a Tony had been a lifelong dream. Graciously, they thanked the dedicated crew, cast, and creative team behind Shucked and expressed gratitude to their mother for unconditional love and for imparting the true essence of strength.
Addressing their groundbreaking triumph, Newell stated with conviction,
With those words, Newell not only celebrated their personal victory but also ignited a flame of hope and inspiration for others who may have felt marginalized or overlooked.
Shortly after Newell's historic win, J Harrison Ghee (who also goes by they/them pronouns) claimed their own Tony Award in the category of Best Lead Actor in a Musical. Ghee's portrayal of a gender-questioning musician in Some Like It Hot captivated audiences and garnered well-deserved recognition.
With tears in their eyes, Ghee dedicated their win to all trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals who have been told they couldn't be seen. Their emotional words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the power of representation and the significance of breaking down barriers.
It is important to note that both Newell and Ghee had agreed to be considered eligible under the Best Actor category, as the Tony Awards, similar to the Oscars, still employ gendered performance categories. This decision further underscores their commitment to inclusivity and their desire to redefine traditional boundaries.
Justin David Sullivan, another exceptional non-binary performer who graced the stage in & Juliet, made a conscious choice not to be considered for the awards, opting not to compete within gendered categories. Their decision highlighted the ongoing dialogue surrounding gender and the importance of acknowledging and accommodating diverse identities.
Andy Vermaut shares:Nonbinary ‘& Juliet’ Performer Withdraws From Tony Award Consideration Over Gendered Categories; Tonys Considering Future Change: Justin David Sullivan, a nonbinary performer who plays the character of May in the hit… https://t.co/hKgKVleidV Thankyou. pic.twitter.com/PhE4uJeUxn
— Andy Vermaut (@AndyVermaut) February 2, 2023
The evening's festivities also included a stirring moment when Michael Arden, the director of Parade, delivered a passionate acceptance speech after winning the award for Best Direction of a Musical. Standing before the audience at the United Palace, Arden dedicated his heartfelt words to the collective effort that brought Parade to life.
However, his speech expanded beyond the confines of the stage as he addressed the larger social conversation surrounding the show's themes. Parade chronicles the story of a Jewish man falsely accused of murder and later lynched by an antisemitic mob in early 20th century Georgia.
michael arden and brandon uranowitz won tonys tonight. pic.twitter.com/4bmbbjye12
— lilia. (@helloliliarae) June 12, 2023
Arden fearlessly acknowledged the LGBTQ+ community, particularly highlighting the resilience and strength of its trans and nonbinary members amidst a backdrop of regressive anti-trans legislation in certain states. While addressing the audience, Arden passionately declared,
In an unscripted moment of defiance against prejudice, Arden's speech was temporarily censored by the broadcast, but his unwavering message of love and support could not be silenced. His personal journey, from enduring slurs to becoming a Tony Award winner, encapsulated the resilience and triumph of queer voices in the face of adversity.
Michael Arden’s bleeped-out Tony Award speech is instantly iconic:
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) June 12, 2023
"Growing up, I was called the F-word more times than I could remember. And all I can say now is I'm a faggot with a Tony!"#TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/pJYzfgIJoh
The 2023 Tony Awards will go down as a groundbreaking celebration of queer voices in the theater industry. Alex Newell and J Harrison Ghee's historic wins as the first openly non-binary actors to receive Tony Awards will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. As the curtains closed on this historic evening, their victories shattered barriers and sent a resounding message that the stage is inclusive, welcoming, and a platform for authentic self-expression.