In a groundbreaking turn of events at the 76th Tony Awards, held on Sunday, June 11, the theater community witnessed a momentous occasion as Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee made history by becoming the first nonbinary individuals to win Tony Awards. Their extraordinary achievements opened doors and shattered barriers, reaffirming the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the world of Broadway.
Alex Newell’s exceptional talent and powerful portrayal in the musical “Shucked” earned them the highly coveted Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. In a deeply heartfelt acceptance speech, Newell expressed gratitude to the Broadway community, saying, “Thank you for seeing me, Broadway! I should not be up here as a queer, nonbinary, fat, black little baby from Massachusetts. To anyone that thinks they can’t do it, I’m going to look you dead in your face [and tell you] that you can do anything you put your mind to.”
Similarly, J. Harrison Ghee’s remarkable performance in “Some Like It Hot” garnered them the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role in a Musical. While accepting the prestigious accolade, Ghee dedicated their win to “every trans, nonbinary, gender nonconforming human who was ever told you couldn’t be, you couldn’t be seen, this is for you.” Their empowering words resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
The 76th Tony Awards, hosted by the talented Ariana DeBose, took an unscripted turn due to the ongoing 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. Despite the challenges and production setbacks, Newell and Ghee’s historic victories created an indelible mark, signifying a monumental night for LGBTQ+ performers on Broadway. Their triumphs not only celebrated their individual achievements but also represented a step forward in inclusivity and diversity within the realm of performing arts.
The recognition of Newell and Ghee as trailblazers sends a powerful message of acceptance and affirmation, encouraging future generations to embrace their true selves and pursue their dreams unapologetically. As Broadway continues to evolve, their groundbreaking wins serve as a milestone in the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and representative entertainment industry.
