Billy Porter

Billy Porter is an American actor, singer, director, and author best known for his Tony Award-winning performance as Lola in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots and his Emmy Award-winning role as Pray Tell in the television series Pose. As an author, Porter has written his memoir Unprotected (2021), which chronicles his journey from growing up in Pittsburgh through his struggles and triumphs in the entertainment industry. The book addresses themes of trauma, healing, sexuality, and finding one's authentic voice in a world of prejudice and adversity. Beyond his written work, Porter has established himself as a cultural icon and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to speak about representation and equality. His impact extends across multiple creative fields, including fashion, where he has become known for challenging gender norms through his red carpet appearances. Porter continues to create across various mediums, including directing films and writing for both stage and screen. His artistic contributions have earned him multiple accolades, including becoming the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy Award in a lead acting category.

Readers rate Billy Porter's memoir "Unprotected" 4.29/5 on Goodreads and 4.7/5 on Amazon based on over 5,000 combined reviews. Readers appreciate Porter's candid discussion of trauma, family relationships, and his path in show business. Many note his storytelling ability and raw honesty about difficult subjects. Multiple reviews highlight the audiobook version, narrated by Porter himself, as particularly impactful. Common criticisms include the memoir's non-linear structure and occasional repetition of key events. Some readers found certain sections moved too slowly or included too much detail about his early theater roles. Sample reader comments: "His voice comes through so authentically" - Goodreads "Powerful but needed better editing" - Amazon "The audiobook made me both laugh and cry" - Goodreads Ratings: Goodreads: 4.29/5 (3,124 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,089 ratings) Audible: 4.8/5 (892 ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5

Unprotected: A Memoir (2021) Porter's autobiography details his journey from childhood in Pittsburgh through his Broadway success and Emmy win, addressing his HIV diagnosis, abuse, and career challenges.

Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change (2009) A children's picture book that connects historical African American figures in a chain of progress from slavery to the election of President Obama.