Unprotected: A Memoir

Written by Billy Porter

Narrated by Billy Porter

“This is not a coming-out story. It’s not a down-low story either. I never could have passed for straight, even if I’d wanted to, and so I never had the dubious luxury of living a lie.”

From the incomparable Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner, a powerful and revealing autobiography about race, sexuality, art, and healing

It’s easy to be yourself when who and what you are is in vogue. But growing up Black and gay in America has never been easy. Before Billy Porter was slaying red carpets and giving an iconic Emmy-winning performance in the celebrated TV show Pose; before he was the
groundbreaking Tony and Grammy Award–winning star of Broadway’s Kinky Boots; and before he was an acclaimed recording artist, actor, playwright, director, and all-around legend, Porter was a young boy in Pittsburgh who was seen as different, who didn’t fit in.
At five years old, Porter was sent to therapy to “fix” his effeminacy. He was endlessly bullied at school, sexually abused by his stepfather, and criticized at his church. Porter came of age in a world where simply being himself was a constant struggle.

Billy Porter’s Unprotected is the life story of a singular artist and survivor in his own words. It is the story of a boy whose talent and courage opened doors for him, but only a crack. It is the story of a teenager discovering himself, learning his voice and his craft amid deep
trauma. And it is the story of a young man whose unbreakable determination led him through countless hard times to where he is now; a proud icon who refuses to back down or hide. Porter is a multitalented, multifaceted treasure at the top of his game, and
Unprotected is a resonant, inspirational story of trauma and healing, shot through with his singular voice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705041574

Reviews for Unprotected

[Danneika Graise · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Yessss!! Come through Billy ??!! This book correction his story, his journey, his life in the book was touching. I enjoyed this book. Billy talks about his trauma from childhood to adulthood. He discusses how he became who he is today and I was here for it! Every page. I already enjoyed watching him on TV but to read a piece of him in this book makes me like him even more. Oh and the "EXTRANESS" In my opinion made the book.

[Donna Wilkins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Heartbreaking and uplifting, Billy delivers truth and accountability in every chapter.

[Trevail smith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I DONT HAVE THE WORDS FOR HOW THIS BOOK IMPACTED ME AS AN ARTIST IN THIS INDUSTRY. Thank you billy for paving a way forward so that young people like myself have some clarity and guidance on our journey.

[Bianca Calloway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing story for anyone who has had to stand up and stand out to live their truth.

[Dana Wright · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely Amazing!!! Written and narrated as only Billy Porter could do!

[Geri Lorde · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Billy Porter’s book ? is a must read for all who feel that it is important to get understanding about the some of the injustices that the LGBTQ ?️‍? community has had to endure ?.
In addition; his mother, the church ⛪️, the school ? ignored and denied ??‍♂️ his needs. Therefore; he didn’t have a safe place.
I recommend that this book ? be listened to with an open heart ♥️.

[Elijah Black · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a beautifully honest memoir. The messages and lessons that Billy shares are powerful, humbling, and essential.

[Veronica Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brutally honest book, I admit I was judgmental of Billy Porter until listening to his life story. I now admire him for his honesty and strength.

[Odie Ojeda · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Billy Porter makes the listener feel as if we were sitting in his living room. I would say this is the best narrated audio book.
Bulky Porter is unapologetic and proud. His voice is loud and powerful, and we discover how he found or should I say “fought for” that voice. He navigated a difficult like and thrived with class and exuberance.
This book is full of lessons for those seeking to thrive and those seeking and fighting for social justice.

[Kelechi Njoku · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I didn't expect to love this as much as I did. I went into it thinking it'd be about Billy's struggle growing up and thriving as a gay man. Well, ok. It's about that, but surprisingly, the memoir is more about his journey as a singer and actor in musical theatre. As much as I love musicals, I didn't think I'd love a memoir written about it. Billy Porter's sassy, fierce reading voice was a beauty to listen to!

[Jay · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"I am in your midst, without apology. I’m here to stay. I’m here as I am. And if you have a problem with that—fuck you!"

Unprotected- Bɪʟʟʏ Pᴏᴿᴛᴇᴿ
⭐ (4/5)

Six snaps z formation. Two hands. I listened to this. I always prefer listening to autobios on audiobooks because I want to hear how the author intended it to be taken AND they always add the tidbits in there that are not in the book. The one and only reason that while I did love reading it. It does stretch a bit too long with some things that could have been dropped. But! That's his story and that's how he wanted to tell it so kudos to him but it stretch and you know what Mr. Porter would tell me because of what I thought about it? "Annd? You still read it I still got the coin, thank you. Bye daughlin." He also said WERRRRRRRRRRK so much I rolled my eyes a little. But thats him. Thats is not why I dropped the star though. I dropped the star cause I really, really can't deal with derogatory terms repeatedly. Im black but Im not going to refer to myself as a n**** you know and thats all well and dandy that he's good with dropping the F on himself even to poke at himself before someone else can, but no thank you.

I love seeing how he started, and it amuses me that when he was younger he even knew aint no hiding this boy. Boy was out from the beginning he just didn't know what OUT was. He did make me think a little more about stereotypes and race and all the in between. I love when books make me think.

All the stuff he went through that boy deserves all the awards just throw the heels at him. Lordt. I dig hearing all the resistance people go through ensures Im not the only one getting crap hands.

Weℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝℝk

[Taiwo Yetunde Williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A roller coaster of a memoir, splendidly narrated by Mr Porter himself.

Mr Billy Porter is unapologetically himself, and this comes through in this memoir. It's a tale of atrocious abuse, of triumphant joy, of veiled vulnerability, and of formidable firsts.

It was wonderful listening to it, as I laughed, cried and gasped throughout.

Thank you Mr Billy Porter for shining the light on your magnificent journey!

[CHERYL FREDERICK · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent entertaining emotional narration by the author! Highly recommended especially for those who love the arts.

[Heather Dennis Sommerer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely loved listening to Billy tell his story. I didn't know much about him before I I listened and now I am a huge fan.

[Hikime C · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am not one who never writes reviews. This is seriously probably only the second in my entire life.Billy Porter’s book spoke to me in such a way that me not to tell speaking on the beautiful, energetics real, and embracing this work of art he wrote is. Then to hear him actually read it, and his voice gives it just that too real life feel, for me it’s not like you were in the room with me just testify on your treat, so incredibly be rich in humble by that. I actually start going on YouTube and watching videos of the different stories in which you were describing , just to get that much more authenticity of the story. “The Category is……WRIGHT like A BOSS , Bitcchess!!!!”,.’ Queen you served real,10’s across-the-board!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Heather Smith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WORK!! This man, his story, his passion and conviction ?

[Jess vallone · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing man, amazing memoir, amazing narration, of course! Highly recommend !!!!!!!!

[stella mallon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I feel deeply touched to come to know Billy Porter through this strongly written memoir. It is honest, revealing and unique!

[Arlin ffrench · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely the best memoir I’ve read.
It was beautiful- thank you Billy

[DanielaArevaloGuerrero · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh Billy! Your narrative moved my spirit and made me get the goosebumps. Loved it!

[Cynthia Hughes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This audiobook made me cry, and I am so inspired after reading it. I was so inspired that I am now looking up some of Billy Porter's work on YouTube.

[Chris Maxwell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A powerful book that goes deeper than his life, struggles, strength, and success. This story gets you thinking deeper and leaves you wanting more. Mr. Porter could easily be a motivational speaker for the LGBTQ+ community. He has and will continue to change lives. May your light shine bright.