Billy Porter has spoken out on homophobia in the Black community, saying things are ‘changing and shifting’
The Pose star was speaking in an interview with Billy Eichner for Jimmy Kimmel Live released on YouTube yesterday.
‘Growing up gay in the Black community – it’s a very homophobic community across the board,’ he said.
‘With that said, as the world has changed and as the world has shifted, the black community is changing and shifting.’
Stressing the importance of choosing language carefully, the Emmy-winner added: ‘All black people are not homophobic — and I know that.
‘[…] I’m talking to homophobic, transphobic and xenophobic people in general, specifically black people in this instance because black trans women are dying at the hands of black cis men at such an alarming rate that it is the highest violence on record.
‘I know it’s hard to hear, but I have worked my whole life to be in a position where I can speak from authority, where I have a platform to speak.’
As well as an Emmy for Pose, showbiz veteran Billy has won a Grammy and a Tony for his performance in Kinky Boots.
Earlier this month, the star discussed how he found his greatest success after rejecting societal expectations of masculinity.
Speaking to Essence magazine, the 50-year-old said: ‘My masculinity was in question from the moment I could comprehend thought.
‘I was never masculine enough by society’s standards to walk the earth.
‘By taking myself out of the masculinity game, that literally turned my life around, and all of those layers were building blocks to the authentic human being you see in front of you who gives zero f***s.’
Got A Story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Kirstie Allsopp brands late mother’s home burial ‘carnage’: ‘I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone’
MORE: Brooklyn Beckham’s love life as he proposes to Nicola Peltz: Chloe Grace Moretz to Hana Cross
