Billy Porter Stresses the Significance of Pride Month as a Protest, Not Just a Party

Pride Month is not just about fun and celebration. Billy Porter, 54, wants to remind the younger generation that it holds a deeper significance than just being a big party.

At the Brotherhood Sister Sol Voices Gala on Thursday, May 9, Porter emphasized that Pride is a protest. He believes it is important for older generations to educate the youth that this event is a time for activism, not just a festive occasion.

Porter emphasized the importance of believing in the party and getting involved in local government by contacting local representatives. He also encouraged voting.

LGBTQ+ Pride has a history of being connected to protests. The first Gay Pride Parade, held on June 28, 1970, marked the beginning of the Pride Month movement and was a tribute to the Stonewall Riots from the previous year.

Billy Porter Reminds Kids That Pride Is Protest Not Just a Party

Billy Porter participates in the annual Pride March on June 25, 2023 in New York City. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

In 2000, President Bill Clinton declared June as Pride Month. This declaration has been upheld by Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the following years.

Even though activism and protest play a crucial role during Pride Month, it doesn't mean that they can't also be enjoyable. Porter, a Tony and Emmy award-winning entertainer and style icon, seamlessly integrates protest into his performances, marches, and red carpet appearances.

Porter shared that his interest in fashion developed naturally as a way to express himself. He always knew that fashion would play a significant role in his personal brand. The conversation around degendering fashion coincided with his work in Kinky Boots and Pose, which helped solidify his presence in the fashion world.

Since gaining fame in the early 2000s, Porter has been a key figure in the movement to make fashion more inclusive and gender-neutral. His bold fashion choices, such as wearing a Christian Siriano velvet tuxedo ball gown to the 2019 Academy Awards, have made a statement. Most recently, he turned heads by rocking a pink version of the iconic look at the 2023 Golden Globes.

Billy Porter Reminds Kids That Pride Is Protest Not Just a Party

Billy Porter attends the 19th Annual Voices Gala at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 09, 2024. Joy Malone/Getty Images

The Pose star was honored at the Bros Gala with the June Jordan Clarion Call Award for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. He looked glamorous in a sheer light pink dress and Lanvin Curb sneakers by Surgeon.

At the gala, Porter shared his views on Bros, an organization that supports young people, underprivileged, BIPOC, Black, and brown communities. He emphasized the importance of being the change we want to see in the world and the power we hold to make a difference when we come together.

With reporting by Travis Cronin.

Editor's P/S:

Billy Porter's powerful reminder that Pride Month is not just about partying but also about activism resonates deeply. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the importance of honoring the history of protest and resistance that has shaped our current freedoms. It is crucial for younger generations to recognize that Pride is not merely a celebration but a time to demand continued progress and equality.

Furthermore, Porter's advocacy for fashion as a tool for self-expression and inclusivity is inspiring. His bold and groundbreaking fashion choices challenge traditional gender norms and create a space for diverse voices to be heard. By integrating activism into his performances and appearances, Porter demonstrates that one can be both stylish and outspoken in the fight for social justice. His message that fashion can be a force for change is particularly empowering for those who have been marginalized or excluded from mainstream fashion narratives.