A non-binary Broadway actor is joining the push for gender-neutral award categories.
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00:00A non-binary actor requested not to be considered for the Tony Awards because of its gendered
00:04categories. So we need to talk about the push for award shows to move towards a gender-neutral model.
00:10Justin David Sullivan, who stars in the Broadway musical,
00:12Aunt Juliet, has opted out of consideration for the Tony Awards due to its gendered acting
00:17categories. Quote, I hope that award shows across the industry will expand their reach
00:21to be able to honor and award people of all gender identities, Sullivan told the New York Times.
00:25The Tony Awards have maintained gendered acting categories since its inception in 1947. Other
00:30major award shows such as the Oscars and the Emmys have done the same. In 2012, the Grammy Awards
00:35eliminated many of its gendered categories. Other award groups such as the MTV Movie and TV Awards
00:41and the Film Independent Spirit Awards have followed suit. Fellow non-binary actor Emma
00:45Corrin of The Crown, who won a 2021 Golden Globe for Best Performance by a TV Drama Actress,
00:50has also spoken out on gendered categories. Quote, it's difficult for me at the moment
00:54trying to justify in my head being non-binary and being nominated in female categories,
00:59Corrin told BBC News. The Tony Awards said in a statement that they recognize that their
01:03current acting categories are not fully inclusive and are currently in discussion about how to
01:08adjust them. The Tonys have accepted Sullivan's request and they will not appear on the list of
01:12Tony-eligible performers considered for nominations.