Playwright, actor, and live performer Harvey Fierstein revealed that he's been banned from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. — otherwise known as the Kennedy Center — through a new statement in which the theater legend criticized President Donald Trump's takeover of the national cultural center and issued an alert to the American people.
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Best known for his writing work in theater productions like Kinky Boots, La Cage aux Folles, and Newsies, bringing to life characters such as Edna Turnblad (Hairspray) and Arnold Beckoff (Torch Song Trilogy), and starring in films like 1993's Mrs. Doubtfire and 1996's Independence Day, Fierstein is one of the most renowned and acclaimed theater performers and writers of all time.
Fierstein, 72, wrote a new statement titled, "I have been banned from THE KENNEDY CENTER," and shared it via social media. The Instagram post, which is accompanied by a picture of Fierstein and Marsha P. Johnson, reads:
"A few folks have written to ask how I feel about Trump's takeover of The Kennedy Center. How do you think I feel?
The shows I've written are now banned from being performed in our premiere American theater. Those shows, most of which have been performed there in the past, include Kinky Boots, La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy, Hairspray, Safe Sex, Casa Valentina, Spookhouse, A Catered Affair, The Sissy Duckling, Bella Bella, and more.
I have been in the struggle for our civil rights for more than 50 years only to watch them snatched away by a man who actually couldn't care less. He does this stuff only to placate the religious right, so they'll look the other way as he savages our political system for his own glorification. He attacks free speech. He attacks the free press. He attacks America's allies. His only allegiance is to himself — the golden calf.
My fellow Americans I warn you — this is NOT how it begins. This is how freedom ENDS! Trump may have declared 'woke' as dead in America. We must prove him wrong. WAKE THE HELL UP!!!!!"
Peers, friends, and fans flooded the comments section to express their outrage over Fierstein being banned from the Kennedy Center. Between calls for boycotting the cultural center to messages of support and respect for Fierstein's work, other high-profile celebrities also re-shared the post via Instagram stories and highlighted their anger.
Some commenters also noted that Johnson's presence in the picture felt particularly pointed given that references to trans people have also been recently erased from the Stonewall National Monument website — essentially expunging the presence and importance of leaders like Marsha P. Johnson in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights that started with the Stonewall riots in 1969.
This story is still developing…
