J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell Became the First Openly Non-Binary Winners at the 2023 Tony Awards
The 2023 Tony Awards witnessed a groundbreaking moment as Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee made history by becoming the first openly nonbinary performers to win prestigious Tony Awards.
On Sunday night, Newell achieved the remarkable feat by securing a Tony for their outstanding performance in a featured role in the musical “Shucked.” Portraying the character of Lulu, they captivated audiences since the play’s debut on Broadway on March 8, 2022.
“I’m not gonna hold y’all ’cause it hot in here,” Newell expressed during their acceptance speech. “I have wanted this my entire life… I should not be up here as a queer non-binary fat little baby from Massachusetts. And to anyone who thinks they can’t do it. You can do anything you put your mind to.”
In a later segment of the show, Ghee triumphed as they were awarded a Tony for their remarkable portrayal of Jerry/Daphne in the highly acclaimed revival of “Some Like It Hot.” This musical, adapted from the renowned 1959 film featuring Marilyn Monroe, showcased Ghee’s outstanding talent in the leading role of the production.
“My mother raised me to understand that my gifts that God gave me were not about me. To use them to be effective in the world, to help somebody else’s journey,” Ghee said during their acceptance speech. “So thank you for teaching me how to live, how to love, how to give. For every trans, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming human who ever was told you couldn’t be, you couldn’t be seen, this is for you.”
Ariana DeBose took on the role of host for the 76th Annual Tony Awards, which took place at the United Palace Theater in New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood.
The show deviated from its usual format due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, resulting in an unscripted presentation. DeBose cleverly acknowledged the strike in her opening number, where the camera zoomed in on a binder containing empty pages labeled “script.”
Later on, DeBose humorously declared, “I’m live and unscripted, you’re welcome,” showcasing her spontaneity and the unique nature of the event.