Pose star and LGBTQ+ icon Billy Porter has earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Over the last three decades, the openly gay entertainer has expertly made his mark in the entertainment sphere for his boundless talent.
From his unforgettable stint as Lola in Broadway’s Kinky Boots to his gripping portrayal of Pray Tell in Pose, Porter has proven time and time again that he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Alongside his extensive talent, the 53-year-old has also used his platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness for HIV/AIDS by opening up about his own diagnosis.
Due to his powerful impact in the industry and fierce advocacy, Porter was finally honoured with a star on the coveted Hollywood Walk of Fame on 2 December – which was also World AIDS Day.
“I’m grateful to have lived long enough to see the day that my queerness is no longer my liability, but now is my greatest superpower,” Porter said during the ceremony.
“James Baldwin said, ‘It’s an artist’s job to disturb the peace,’ and as you all know, I take that job very seriously.
“I’m grateful to stand in front of the world as an out, loud and proud representation of what being Black, queer, and HIV positive looks like in 2022.”
Elsewhere in his emotional speech, the Emmy winner opened up about persevering through the hate and discrimination within the industry.
“I’ve heard a lot of things in my life: ‘You’re too Black. You’re too gay, too loud, too extra, too flamboyant. Homosexuality is an abomination, you are an abomination, you will never be blessed,” he said. “We know that’s a lie. That theory no longer has any credibility.”
Towards the end of the ceremony, Porter thanked his mother for being the “personification of what a true Christian means” before giving inspirational words to LGBTQ+ individuals who may be struggling.
“[To] all those who are struggling. It’s been a rough couple of years for us all. None of us are alright, and that is alright. Together we will heal,” he exclaimed. “Just breathe. It’s all good. When we love collectively, and in unison, we win.”
You can watch the American Horror Story star’s full Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony here.
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