BILLY PORTER DISTURBS THE PEACE

"I apologize for dropping f-bombs in the presence of children," writes Tony- and Grammy-winning actor/singer Billy Porter in his new editorial in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. But Porter doesn't apologize—not a bit—for his message.

The f-bombs in questions were part of Porter's remarks, during a recent concert, about the powers that be in Washington and "the last 200-plus days of terror this administration has vomited on this country."

Those are about the kindest words he has for Trump and his associates. Citing James Baldwin's dictum that "An artist’s job is to disturb the peace," Porter is speaking out, in no uncertain terms. He acknowledges that he will be returning to his award-winning role as the star of Kinky Boots and notes the contradictions inherent in mainstream success: One has a mighty megaphone, but one is often expected to refrain from speech that might offend.

Porter's recent album, The Soul of Richard Rodgers, keened the political edge in the beloved composer's work, and his version of "Edelweiss," on the eve of Trump's ascension, was both chilling and beautiful.

"My grandmother used to say sometimes the world makes you so mad you just gotta cuss! It’s cussing time, y’all," Porter writes. "Leave your kids at home."

Read the entire piece here.