#TimesUpTonyAwards: End Gendered Performance Categories

The Issue

Welcome to the Queer & Trans Revolution in Theatre!

The Broadway Theatre Industry often prides itself on efforts of inclusion, all the while continuing to exclude the queer and trans community from representation and recognition. How is it in the year 2023 that The Tony Awards are still restricted to gendered, binary performance categories - especially during a season in which several trans and nonbinary performers are sharing trans and nonbinary stories worthy of such an award? Without making space for all the talent shared this season, the boast of "inclusion" is dishonest and performative. 

It is not only important but crucial for our industry to stand in support of the LGBTQ+ community at this time. We find ourselves at a point in history where politicians and powerful people threaten to eradicate our identities from existence. If we do not make these changes now, we may never have the opportunity again. 

By supporting this cause and signing our petition you stand with us in the following demands to the Broadway League, American Theatre Wing, and Tony Awards:

  1. Make immediate efforts to engage members of the queer and trans theatre community to discuss the ways in which we can equitably recognize the outstanding performances in every Broadway season.
  2. Issue a public apology to the queer and trans members of the theatre industry who you are currently and have previously forced into erasure by the means of these outdated award categories and recognition practices.
  3. Agree to contribute a portion of ticket and broadcast revenues from the 2023 Tony Awards to charitable organizations fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. 

So much is at stake and it cannot wait, so we must work together toward a solution. This is just one stride of a marathon toward justice and equity for our community. With enough support, we can prove to the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing that the world is ready for change! ACT NOW! #TimesUpTonyAwards 

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Jae WeitPetition Starter

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The Issue

Welcome to the Queer & Trans Revolution in Theatre!

The Broadway Theatre Industry often prides itself on efforts of inclusion, all the while continuing to exclude the queer and trans community from representation and recognition. How is it in the year 2023 that The Tony Awards are still restricted to gendered, binary performance categories - especially during a season in which several trans and nonbinary performers are sharing trans and nonbinary stories worthy of such an award? Without making space for all the talent shared this season, the boast of "inclusion" is dishonest and performative. 

It is not only important but crucial for our industry to stand in support of the LGBTQ+ community at this time. We find ourselves at a point in history where politicians and powerful people threaten to eradicate our identities from existence. If we do not make these changes now, we may never have the opportunity again. 

By supporting this cause and signing our petition you stand with us in the following demands to the Broadway League, American Theatre Wing, and Tony Awards:

  1. Make immediate efforts to engage members of the queer and trans theatre community to discuss the ways in which we can equitably recognize the outstanding performances in every Broadway season.
  2. Issue a public apology to the queer and trans members of the theatre industry who you are currently and have previously forced into erasure by the means of these outdated award categories and recognition practices.
  3. Agree to contribute a portion of ticket and broadcast revenues from the 2023 Tony Awards to charitable organizations fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. 

So much is at stake and it cannot wait, so we must work together toward a solution. This is just one stride of a marathon toward justice and equity for our community. With enough support, we can prove to the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing that the world is ready for change! ACT NOW! #TimesUpTonyAwards 

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Jae WeitPetition Starter

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Petition created on February 2, 2023