Unprotected: A Memoir

Billy Porter's autobiography, Unprotected, is a powerful and revealing account of his life growing up Black and gay in America, including his experiences of bullying, sexual abuse, and discrimination. Despite the challenges he faced, Porter's talent and courage opened doors for him, and he has become a proud icon who refuses to back down or hide.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Abrams

From the incomparable Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner, a powerful and revealing autobiography about race, sexuality, art, and healing—now in paperback.

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 Broadways 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 Porters 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 amid 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.

Growing up, Porter faced significant challenges due to his race and sexuality. He was often bullied at school and faced discrimination from his peers. Porter's stepfather also sexually abused him, which left him with deep emotional scars. Despite these hardships, Porter never gave up on his dreams.

He began performing in local theater productions and quickly gained recognition for his talent. Porter's breakthrough came when he was cast in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots in 2005. His performance in the show was critically acclaimed, and he received a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Porter's success in the theater led to opportunities in film and television. He starred in the movie Pose, which tells the story of a group of Black and Latinx drag performers in New York City's ball scene in the 1980s and 1990s. His performance in the film earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.

In addition to his acting career, Porter is also a recording artist. He has released several albums, including his debut album, "Kinky Boots," which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

Porter's autobiography, Unprotected, was published in 2020. The book provides a candid and revealing look at his life and career. Porter discusses his struggles with racism, homophobia, and gender identity, as well as his journey toward healing and self-acceptance.

Unprotected is a powerful and inspiring book that showcases Porter's talent and resilience. It is a testament to the power of art and the importance of self-expression. Porter's story is a reminder that we all have the capacity to overcome adversity and create a better future for ourselves and for others.

In conclusion, Billy Porter is a remarkable artist and survivor who has overcome significant challenges in his life. His talent and courage have opened doors for him, and his autobiography, Unprotected, provides a powerful and inspiring look at his life and career. Porter's story is a reminder that we all have the capacity to overcome adversity and create a better future for ourselves and for others.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419746208