Billy Porter Wears Tuxedo Gown At Academy Awards: "I'm A Man In A Dress"

Actor Billy Porter made a bold choice last night.

BYAlex Zidel
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

If you were tuned into the Oscars red carpet event last night, you likely noticed Billy Porter looking elegant in a custom Christian Siriano gown. The brave decision was met with tons of support from his Hollywood peers. Porter was interviewing celebrities on the carpet during the lead-up to the show, often taking time to show off his look to the cameras. The actor defied gender norms by blending a tuxedo top with a feminine gown on the bottom, leaving social media either confused or proud. Obviously, the reaction was mixed and when he was asked why he chose to rock a dress, he responded bluntly. 

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

"I dealt with a lot of homophobia in relation to my clothing choices," said Porter to Vogue. He elaborated on how he and Siriano came up with the design, saying, "We wanted to play between the masculine and the feminine. This look was interesting because it’s not drag. I’m not a drag queen, I’m a man in a dress. He came up with a tux on the top, and a ballgown that bursts out at the bottom."

During his interviews, he wore a pair of palazzo pants instead, which also ended up being a hit or miss with fans. What did you think of his courageous decision to be himself on the carpet?

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About The Author
<b>Managing Editor</b> <!--BR--> Alex Zidel began working at HotNewHipHop as a Staff Writer in February 2018 before becoming the Managing Editor in June 2019. <strong>Favorite Hip Hop Artists:</strong> Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Young Thug, Frank Ocean.