On September 26th, 2021, Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee made history as the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards. Newell won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for their role in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” while Ghee won Best Leading Actor in a Musical for their role in “Aida.”
This momentous occasion marks a significant step forward for representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Nonbinary individuals, who do not identify exclusively as male or female, have long been underrepresented in media and often face discrimination and erasure.
Newell, who uses they/them pronouns, has been a trailblazer for nonbinary representation in the industry. They first gained recognition for their role as Unique Adams on the hit TV show “Glee,” where they played a transgender character. In an interview with Variety, Newell spoke about the importance of visibility for nonbinary individuals: “It’s important to see people like me on stage and on TV, because it shows that we exist and that we’re valid.”
Ghee, who uses he/him pronouns but identifies as nonbinary, also spoke about the significance of their win: “I hope that this win opens up more doors for people like me who don’t necessarily fit into a box.” Ghee’s win also marks a historic moment for Black nonbinary representation, as they are one of the few Black actors to win a Tony Award.
The Tony Awards have historically been criticized for their lack of diversity and representation. However, this year’s ceremony saw a significant increase in diversity, with several historic wins for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Newell and Ghee’s wins are a testament to the power of representation and the importance of creating space for marginalized communities in the entertainment industry. As Newell said in their acceptance speech, “I hope that this moment can be an inspiration to so many young people out there who don’t feel seen, who don’t feel heard, who don’t feel understood.”
Moving forward, it is crucial that the industry continues to prioritize diversity and inclusivity in all aspects, from casting to storytelling. By creating space for individuals of all genders, races, and backgrounds, we can create a more equitable and representative entertainment industry for all.
