Billy Porter was a vision in white as he was honored with a plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, which also commemorated World AIDS Day.
Addressing the crowd assembled steps from Los Angeles’ Pantages Theatre, the Emmy, Grammy and two-time Tony Award winner spoke of the “gratitude” he has — not only for the special honor but for all he’s endured throughout his life.
“I’m just so blessed and so grateful to be here,” Porter, 53, said, fighting back tears.
“James Baldwin said ‘it’s an artist’s job to disturb the peace,’ and as you all know, I take my job very seriously,” he quipped.
Before Hollywood Chamber of Commerce chair Lupita Sanchez Cornejo dedicated the 2,741st star on the landmark attraction and declared “Billy Porter Day” in the city, the “Pose” star’s sister Mary Martha Ford took over the dais to recognize World AIDS Day.
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those that have passed on, those that are currently living with HIV and AIDS and those that are standing on the frontlines, continuing to advocate for the basic civil rights, access to care and elimination of disparities that the community continues to face with this epidemic,” she said, as Porter — who revealed he is HIV positive in 2021 — shouted to the crowd, “that’s my sister” in the background.
Porter, himself, shared how while he’s thankful to his allies, he’s “far more grateful” for his haters.
“I’m grateful for my successes , and I’m far more grateful for my perceived failures,” the “Kinky Boots” star continued.
“And in honor of this World AIDS Day, I’m grateful to stand in front of the world as an out, loud and proud representation of what being Black, queer and HIV positive looks like in 2022.”
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