Billy Porter slams 'unacceptable' American education that ignores queer artists

Billy Porter has voiced frustration with education systems that ignore the contributions of queer artists to American culture.

The Pose star appeared on Live With Kelly and Mark on Thursday to promote his new musical, Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For, currently playing in his and the legendary jazz musician's hometown of Pittsburgh.

"Everybody knows Duke Ellington, but very few people know one of the mastermind behind Duke Ellington, and his name was Billy Strayhorn," Porter explained to cohosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. "He's one of he greatest jazz musicians, writers, and arrangers of all time."

ABC; William Gottlieb/Redferns Billy Porter; Billy Strayhorn

Porter went on to cite his influential songs like "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," saying information about Strayhorn "didn't come out" at the height of Ellington's popularity because of his sexuality.

"He took a backseat to Duke Ellington back in the day because he was queer," Porter said, adding that he didn't realize Strayhorn was also from Pittsburgh until he left the city to pursue a career in entertainment. "We grew up in the same neighborhood, and I didn't even know about him until I graduated from the Creative and Performing Arts high school and moved to New York City and found a book. That's unacceptable. So I'm so grateful to be able to bring this story to life."

Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For, produced by Porter, is playing locally through Oct. 11, though Porter said on Live that he hopes the show makes the jump to Broadway in the near future.

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