Arts & Literature
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Unprotected: A Memoir
From the incomparable Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner, a powerful and revealing autobiography about race, sexuality, art, and healing
It's easy to be yourself when who and what you are is in vogue. But growing up Black and gay in America has never been easy. Before Billy Porter was slaying red carpets and giving an iconic Emmy-winning performance in the celebrated TV show Pose; before he was the groundbreaking Tony and Grammy Award-winning star of Broadway's Kinky Boots; and before he was an acclaimed recording artist, actor, playwright, director, and all-around legend, Porter was a young boy in Pittsburgh who was seen as different, who didn't fit in. At five years old, Porter was sent to therapy to "fix" his effeminacy. He was endlessly bullied at school, sexually abused by his stepfather, and criticized at his church. Porter came of age in a world where simply being himself was a constant struggle.
Billy Porter's Unprotected is the life story of a singular artist and survivor in his own words. It is the story of a boy whose talent and courage opened doors for him, but only a crack. It is the story of a teenager discovering himself, learning his voice and his craft amidst deep trauma. And it is the story of a young man whose unbreakable determination led him through countless hard times to where he is now; a proud icon who refuses to back down or hide. Porter is a multitalented, multifaceted treasure at the top of his game, and Unprotected is a resonant, inspirational story of trauma and healing, shot through with his singular voice.
It's easy to be yourself when who and what you are is in vogue. But growing up Black and gay in America has never been easy. Before Billy Porter was slaying red carpets and giving an iconic Emmy-winning performance in the celebrated TV show Pose; before he was the groundbreaking Tony and Grammy Award-winning star of Broadway's Kinky Boots; and before he was an acclaimed recording artist, actor, playwright, director, and all-around legend, Porter was a young boy in Pittsburgh who was seen as different, who didn't fit in. At five years old, Porter was sent to therapy to "fix" his effeminacy. He was endlessly bullied at school, sexually abused by his stepfather, and criticized at his church. Porter came of age in a world where simply being himself was a constant struggle.
Billy Porter's Unprotected is the life story of a singular artist and survivor in his own words. It is the story of a boy whose talent and courage opened doors for him, but only a crack. It is the story of a teenager discovering himself, learning his voice and his craft amidst deep trauma. And it is the story of a young man whose unbreakable determination led him through countless hard times to where he is now; a proud icon who refuses to back down or hide. Porter is a multitalented, multifaceted treasure at the top of his game, and Unprotected is a resonant, inspirational story of trauma and healing, shot through with his singular voice.
Editorial Reviews
"There is only one Billy Porter. He is blazing a trail where none existed. Whether you noticed the brilliant blaze early (for me, it was his brilliant 2005 live album, At the Corner of Broadway and Soul) or his transcendent portrayal of Lola in Kinky Boots or the unforgettable Pray Tell on Pose, once you see the light, there's no going back. And it turns out his voice rings just as true on the page as it does on the stage. How lucky we are to witness it in our time."―Lin-Manuel Miranda
"Angels show us the way through even the darkest tunnels. In this heartbreaking and hilarious tell-ALL, Billy lights a torch so bright he can save us all!"―Renée Elise Goldsberry
"At once harrowing and triumphant, relevant and necessary, Unprotected takes us on a journey of using art to heal trauma. What a magical journey to behold, and one that cracks open the space for others to heal too."―Ryan Murphy
"I have had the honor of knowing Billy since I was eighteen and just arriving at our mutual alma mater, CMU, where he walked into our classroom and showed enough strength and charisma to fill ten Radio City Music Halls. Unprotected is an opportunity for everyone to feel the same inspiration, love, awe, and explosiveness that I felt."―Josh Gad
"Collaborating with Billy has been one of the greatest joys of my career. Billy embodies everything a true artist really is. His passion for being his authentic self is something most should aspire to. Just to experience his presence is an absolute honor. He is a real class act, and I'm lucky to be able to create for such an iconic and empowering person."―Christian Siriano
"Bold, hilarious, honest, and singular. Words once assigned to Billy as an entertainer will now be attributed to him as a writer. Unprotected is a record of survival, commitment to authenticity, and healing; a road map out of hell."―Leslie Odom, Jr.
"Haunting and inspirational, this is both a powerful indictment of the lasting harms of bigotry and an immensely moving account of moving forward."―Publishers Weekly STARRED Review
"In Unprotected, Porter's voice on the page aptly matches his go-fo...
"Angels show us the way through even the darkest tunnels. In this heartbreaking and hilarious tell-ALL, Billy lights a torch so bright he can save us all!"―Renée Elise Goldsberry
"At once harrowing and triumphant, relevant and necessary, Unprotected takes us on a journey of using art to heal trauma. What a magical journey to behold, and one that cracks open the space for others to heal too."―Ryan Murphy
"I have had the honor of knowing Billy since I was eighteen and just arriving at our mutual alma mater, CMU, where he walked into our classroom and showed enough strength and charisma to fill ten Radio City Music Halls. Unprotected is an opportunity for everyone to feel the same inspiration, love, awe, and explosiveness that I felt."―Josh Gad
"Collaborating with Billy has been one of the greatest joys of my career. Billy embodies everything a true artist really is. His passion for being his authentic self is something most should aspire to. Just to experience his presence is an absolute honor. He is a real class act, and I'm lucky to be able to create for such an iconic and empowering person."―Christian Siriano
"Bold, hilarious, honest, and singular. Words once assigned to Billy as an entertainer will now be attributed to him as a writer. Unprotected is a record of survival, commitment to authenticity, and healing; a road map out of hell."―Leslie Odom, Jr.
"Haunting and inspirational, this is both a powerful indictment of the lasting harms of bigotry and an immensely moving account of moving forward."―Publishers Weekly STARRED Review
"In Unprotected, Porter's voice on the page aptly matches his go-fo...
Readers Top Reviews
ShopaholicUlysses
I’m a big fan of Billy & was looking forward to reading his book. I found it very informative of both his life and the entire process of getting to Broadway. It’s definitely written in his inimitable style and you can imagine his voice reading it to you. Very brave of him to delve into his personal trauma and enlighten those of us who have never experienced abuse or racism. Made me admire him even more!
SFSHShopaholicUly
I absolutely adored this book. I loved the style in which it was written - it was like Billy was just talking to us, stream of consciousness, and telling us his life story, the good and the bad, incredibly introspective. I'm sad and angry that he has had to deal with all of the s%$# that has come his way as a gay black man in America. I'm thrilled that he finally has the recognition and the love that he deserves. The part about his marriage made me tear up. Strangely enough, my own wedding song was Billy's version of "Maybe I'm Amazed", with the full-on gospel choir in the middle (definitely worth checking out if you haven't heard it.. it's my favorite re-make of that song, and I love it even more than the original). Kudos to Billy for being so open and putting allllll of himself out on display. It's a risk to him personally, but such an incredible inspiration for others growing up with the same conflicts, challenges, and bullshit. If I ever had the chance to meet and hang out with *any* famous person, Billy Porter would be at the top of my list!
Kai RasmussenSFSH
My most anticipated book of the fall did not disappoint! I love Billy’s bravery and openness, and the truth of it all. I want more books from him! More brilliant words and songs and distilling of chaos down to the things that really matter.
JTKai RasmussenSF
I just finished this riveting, gut-wrenching memoir that shines the light on the devastation, fear, abuse, and lack of protection of a gifted artist longing to be seen, heard and respected as an artist and a human. This is a testimony to fighting for your voice and being ready! This is a tour de force book with a singularly specific voice beseeching each reader to go on a roller coaster and live in an artist shoes as they find the spotlight they so deserve!
pam pattersonJTKa
Absolutely stellar page turner. Musician, actor, dancer, author?! Oh my. This talent pours his soul out it in a way that brings new and fascinating understanding to what it is be a black gay man in America. He speaks to the unending store of resilience it takes to get past the “believers”, haters, gate keepers and maybe even the very core of American society. Bring it Billy. With more voices like these, I have hope we shall overcome.
