Non-Binary “& Juliet” Performer Pulls Out of Tony Award Consideration Due to Gender Categories; Tonys think about future changes

Justin David Sullivan, a non-binary actor who plays the character of May in the hit Broadway musical & Juliawithdrew from Tony Award consideration because of the gendered nomination categories, and Tony administrators are suggesting they consider a rule change after the current season.

Sullivan, who uses the pronouns he, she and her, said in a statement: “As a non-binary performer playing a non-binary lead role on Broadway, I have been asked by many what I plan to do during this year’s awards season nominated in categories.”

“Because I was told I had no choice but to choose between the two gender categories in which I would be eligible,” they continued, “I had no choice but to be ineligible for a nomination this season, I could not continue in good faith to deny any part of my identity in order to conform to a system and structure that has no place for people like me.

See Sullivan’s full statement below.

Similar to the Oscars and Emmys, Tony nominees list both lead and lead (or supporting) actors in the actor and actress categories. At least one award-winning New York theater organization, the Outer Critics Circle, eliminated gender categories after the Obie Awards this year. The Grammys ended gender-specific categories more than a decade ago, and Britain’s BAFTA said it was considering genderless categories. The Berlin Film Festival switched to genderless categories in 2021.

Tony admins aren’t ruling out a similar change for acting categories, but it won’t happen this season. In a statement, Tony Award Productions responded to Sullivan’s decision, noting, “We recognize that the current acting categories are not fully inclusive and we are currently discussing how best to change them to address this. Unfortunately, we are working to more on that and our rules do not allow us to make changes once a season has started.We work diligently to ensure that no member of our community feels excluded in future seasons because of their gender identity.

While a Tony nomination, or at least a win, counts as a box office bonus, & Julia Producers say they “fully support” Sullivan’s decision.

“The production worked closely with Justin and her team, and we fully support Justin’s request not to be included in the Popular Actress or Popular Actor category,” the producers said in a joint statement. “We are pleased to hear that the Tony Awards are actively discussing positive changes for future seasons and we honor everyone in this industry who is currently working toward a more inclusive future.”

& Julia is a musical comedy built around the premise that Shakespeare’s Juliet does not die with Romeo at the end of the classic play. The musical features songs written by Max Martin (who leads the production team), including hits he wrote for Britney Spears (“Baby One More Time”), the Backstreet Boys (“I Want It That Way”), Katy Perry (” I Want It That Way”). Kissed a Girl”) and Bon Jovi (“It’s My Life”). One of the showstoppers is a cover of Spears’ hit “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman,” performed by characters Juliet and May as ‘ a duet is performed.

J. Harrison Ghee, a non-binary actor and one of the leads in the new musical Some love it when it’s hot, remains in the Tony lead in the leading man category, Tony administrators said yesterday as they released the first round of selections for this season. According to The New York Times, the choice was made at the request of the producers.