Billy Porter, a performer who believes in the power of art to speak truth to power, discusses the intersection of art, activism, and personal expression. They explore the empowering nature of clothes, embracing authenticity, overcoming prejudice, the power of service and healing, acting out trauma, and appreciating real conversations.
Artists have a political obligation to speak out and address important social issues.
Clothing can be a political and empowering tool for breaking free from societal norms and expressing authenticity.
Deep dives
The Power of Speaking Truth to Power
Billy Porter discusses why artists have a political obligation to speak out and be involved in conversations that address important social issues. He emphasizes the importance of protest music and the responsibility of artists to use their platform to make a difference.
Embracing Authenticity and Overcoming Challenges
Billy reflects on his journey as an artist, from starting out in the 90s to experiencing recent success. He shares how facing challenges and rejections ultimately led him to embrace his true self and find his own voice.
The Healing Power of Art and Therapy
Billy explores the healing aspects of art and the therapeutic process. He highlights the role of trauma therapy and exposure therapy in connecting with his emotions and utilizing his art to heal and transform.
Clothing as a Form of Expression and Resistance
Billy discusses the political and empowering nature of clothing. He encourages individuals to break free from societal norms, take up space, and express themselves authentically through fashion.
Fabulousness and seriousness can co-exist. In fact performer Billy Porter is clear that it’s important that they do co-exist.
In this chat with Fearne, Billy explains why he feels artists have an obligation to speak truth to power if they can, and together they explore why art in all its forms can be such a powerful medium for all of us when we feel we have something to say. Plus, he explains why his singing voice – his greatest gift – became his armour against an often cruel world.
Billy’s single, Broke A Sweat, is out now.
CONTENT WARNING: In this episode Billy tells stories of his own life experiences that include homophobic language.