Performing Arts and the LGBTQ+ Community

Everyone loves a good performance, right? Well the performing arts has long been a safer place for the LGBTQ+ community, even though it is hardly perfect and full of stereotypes. Many people think that all male ballet dancers are gay, for example, and I happen to know dozens who are not.

It is still nearly impossible to find representation of trans or bisexual people in theatre, and gay women are too often narrowly represented in terms of stereotypes.  Things though are certainly better in opera, ballet, theatre, and other performing arts, then they might be elsewhere.  

It's lovely to see so many regional theatres opening their seasons in the middle of Pride Month.  It is in regional theatre that so many of our LGBTQ+ sisters and brothers across the country are able to be themselves and perfect their craft.  Don;e get me wrong.  Broadway is a wonderful exhibit of commercial theatre, but those small 99-seat theatres across the country reach some many people in those little places where there might not be any other opportunity.

Speaking of Broadway, how wonderful that the Tony Awards came right in the middle on Pride Month too. On Sunday night nonbinary performers, J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell won Tony Awards, and that is a first. It was Parade director Michael Arden who got my tears flowing though during his acceptance speech.

                        "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!"

Parade star Ben Platt seemed very pleased.