Happy Pride Month, theatremakers! Today and every day, we acknowledge and celebrate LGBTQIA+ history, identity, and resilience. In a world that seems, at times, to be scary and unwelcoming, theatre has long since been a safe haven for marginalized folks from every walk of life. Indeed, for centuries, the theatre has worked to uplift queer voices and stories in unique and dynamic ways. In honor of pride month, we explore how theatre has helped shape queer visibility over time.
Long before queer representation was mainstream, those within the theatre industry worked diligently to showcase these stories – whether blatantly or through veiled symbolism. No matter the context, the power of storytelling over time within the theatre has affirmed identities and challenged harmful stereotypes. We explore a few pieces of work that showcase queer representation.
Cabaret
Debuting in 1966, Cabaret is one of the most popular and subversive musicals to find its way to the Broadway stage. Set in Berlin, Germany, as the Nazis rise to power, Cabaret follows the hedonistic nightlife in the Kit Kat Klub, juxtaposing frivolity with the looming political threats of the time. While the entirety of the story captured the hearts and minds of millions, it was the iconic Master of Ceremonies character that resonated most with the queer community. His unabashed eschewing of gender norms created a queer icon and ushered in the opportunity for more gender fluidity in the theatre.
The Boys in the Band
With an off-Broadway debut in 1968, The Boys in the Band was a brave depiction of queer culture in a much more biased, repossessed time. This dramatic play presents an unapologetic and frank portrayal of gay men in New York, focusing on a dinner party that welcomes an ensemble cast. While the play itself isn’t a joyful depiction of LBGT characters, it’s realistic about attitudes toward gay men at the time. Bitter, self-deprecating, and morose, The Boys in the Band uses honesty and brashness to shock and educate Americans about the hardships gay folks faced at the time.
Angels in America
Angels in America by Tony Kushner is a two-act play that explores the AIDs crisis in 1980s America through the intersecting lives of several queer characters – including Prior, a gay man diagnosed with AIDs, and his partner, Louis. Combining the personal, the political, and the spiritual, Angels in America also blends realism with fantasy to confront tough themes, including death, morality, and divine justice. In a society rife with fear and exclusion, the play demands that the struggles of LGBT folks are acknowledged.
Rent
A rock musical set in 1990s NYC, Rent follows a group of struggling artists, several of whom are queer. The musical, while a global phenomenon for its music, explores love, loss, and life as a marginalized person during the AIDs epidemic.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Primarily known as a rock musical, Hedwig and the Angry Inch follows Hedwig Robinson, a genderqueer singer from Germany. The child of a U.S. Army major general, Hedwig struggles with her queer identity throughout the show, which sonically leans heavily into 1970s glam rock.
The above musicals and plays paved the way for more detailed, nuanced, and dynamic portrayals of LGBT characters – and gave a voice to queer creators working today. We explore some current productions and artists to watch.
Fun Home
Based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir, this musical explores a lesbian’s coming-of-age journey – and her complex relationship with her dad, who is a closeted gay man. The musical, which unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, explores the aforementioned strained parental relationship and emotional complexity of her family life in general. The musical delves deep into identity, memory, and the longing for a strong bond between a parent and a child.
A Strange Loop
A Pulitzer-Prize winning piece of media, A Strange Loops follows Usher, a young, Black and queer writer who is navigating self-doubt and societal expectations while writing a musical about – you guessed it – a young, Black and queer writer. Bold, meta-theatrical, and personal, the show confronts themes like race, queerness, and internalized oppression.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Inspired by a true story, this British musical follows Jamie New, a teenage boy who dreams of becoming a drag queen – and wearing a dress to his prom. Jamie, who faces bullying and skepticism from other kids and adults at his school, finds the strength to carry on from his mother and his mentor, a retired drag performer. An uplifting tale of self-acceptance, individuality, and courage, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a must-watch.
Marga Gomez
A trailblazing lesbian comedian and playwright, Gomez has written and performed thirteen solo plays thus far. Her works typically cover themes like feminism, LGBT identity, and Latinx culture.
Michael R. Jackson
Creator of the aforementioned A Strange Loop, Jackson explores Black queer identity in his works. He is often praised for his writing’s raw intensity and his innovation in the world of musical theatre.
Tarell Alvin McCraney
An acclaimed playwright and screenwriter, McCraney has created works including Choir Boy and Moonlight. McCraney’s pieces often contain content that intersects Black and queer identities.
Bella Ramsey
Known for her role in HBO’s The Last of Us, Bella Ramsey is a nonbinary actor who publicly came out in 2023. They have been vocal about LGBT representation in the media and continuously advocates for trans and queer rights.
Colman Domingo
An acclaimed actor and writer, Domingo has starred in everything from Euphoria to The Four Seasons. He often earns praise for his complex and nuanced portrayal of queer characters that eschew stereotypes.
Billy Porter
A Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner, Billy Porter has earned kudos for both his trailblazing fashion and his work in Pose. He is also an outspoken advocate for Black and queer visibility.
As we’ve stated before, theatres have often been a safe space for the marginalized in any community. And it’s true – but why? Well, let’s explore the varied reasons why theatres are often a haven for LGBTQ+ folks, socially, creatively, and culturally:
While praising and lifting the queer community during Pride Month is great, there are other ways to celebrate and support. If you’re looking for a few ideas, try the following:
Pride Month is a joyous and celebratory time of year, but remember – we should be celebrating the importance of queer voices all year long. And perhaps one of the best ways to do so? Through the transformative power of theatre! Happy Pride!