Unprotected: A Memoir

Billy Porter's autobiography, "Unprotected," shares his journey of growing up Black and gay in America, including being sent to therapy for effeminacy, bullied at school, and sexually abused by his stepfather. Despite the adversity, Porter's talent, courage, and determination led him to become an icon, inspiring millions with his refusal to back down.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Abrams

From the incomparable Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner, a powerful and revealing autobiography about race, sexuality, and art. 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 performance in the celebrated TV show Pose; before he was the Tony Award-winning star of Broadways Kinky Boots; and before he was an acclaimed recording artist, actor, playwright, and all-around diva, Porter was a young boy who didn't fit in. At five years old, he was sent to therapy to fix his effeminacy. He was endlessly bullied at school, sexually abused by his stepfather, and came of age in a world where simply being himself was a constant struggle.

Unprotected is the story of a singular artist in his own words. It is the story of a boy whose talent, courage, and desperate determination led him through countless hard times to where he is now; an icon whose refusal to back down in the face of adversity has made him an inspiration to millions. Porter is a multitalented, multifaceted treasure at the top of his game. A soaring, resonant story full of new revelations and shot through with his stunning wit, Unprotected will entertain and inspire.

Growing up, Porter faced numerous challenges. He was relentlessly bullied at school, subjected to sexual abuse by his stepfather, and struggled to accept his identity as a Black and gay man in a society that often marginalized and discriminated against him. Despite these hardships, Porter never lost sight of his passion for art and his dream of becoming a performer. He began singing and dancing at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his talent.

Porter's journey to stardom was not without its setbacks. He faced rejection and discrimination from many in the entertainment industry, who saw him as too unconventional or too risky. But Porter refused to be discouraged. He continued to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes, and his hard work and dedication paid off.

In 2013, Porter made history when he became the first openly gay Black man to win a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots. His performance was hailed as groundbreaking and transformative, and it paved the way for greater acceptance and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the entertainment industry.

Since then, Porter has continued to break down barriers and challenge expectations. He has released several successful albums, starred in critically acclaimed films, and become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. His autobiography, Unprotected, provides a candid and intimate look at his life and career, and it sheds light on the struggles and triumphs he has experienced along the way.

One of the most striking aspects of Porter's autobiography is his unwavering commitment to self-expression and authenticity. He has never been afraid to be true to himself, even in the face of criticism and adversity. He has spoken openly about his struggles with depression, anxiety, and addiction, and his willingness to share his experiences has helped to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health and addiction.

Porter's autobiography is also a tribute to the power of art and the transformative effect it can have on individuals and society. He believes that art has the ability to heal, inspire, and unite people, and he has used his platform to promote social justice and equality.

In conclusion, Billy Porter's autobiography, Unprotected, is a powerful and revealing account of his life and career. It is a story of resilience, determination, and self-expression, and it serves as a testament to the power of art and the importance of being true to oneself. Porter's journey has been filled with challenges and setbacks, but his talent, courage, and unwavering commitment to his craft have led him to become an icon and an inspiration to millions. His autobiography is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the life and work of this extraordinary artist.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 162 x 243 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419746192