A non-binary Broadway performer, Justin David Sullivan, has decided to withdraw from consideration for the Tony Awards due to the gendered categories of the awards. Sullivan, who portrays the non-binary character of May in & Juliet, expressed his concerns over being forced to choose between the male and female categories. The actor stated that they didn’t feel right in either category and that their goal is to empower non-binary individuals.
This decision by Sullivan highlights a growing trend in the entertainment industry to have gender-neutral categories in awards shows. In November 2021, The Crown star Emma Corrin, who identifies as non-binary, called for gender-neutral categories in awards shows, a call that has been echoed by other performers. The BRIT Awards made a similar move by scrapping their best male and best female categories in favor of gender-neutral awards.
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The Tony Awards, co-presented by The Broadway League and The American Theatre Wing, acknowledged the issue and stated that they are currently in discussion about adjusting their categories to be more inclusive. The 76th Tony Awards will air on June 11th and the organizers are working to ensure that no one from their community feels excluded based on gender identity.
Mar 28, 2023
