Photo credit: Frazer Harrison - Getty Images

From Esquire

The red carpet is just kicking off for Oscars night, and already we have a strong argument for shutting the whole thing down and sending everybody home. Because Billy Porter showed up in a tuxedo gown by Christian Siriano and, really, who's going to top that combo of gender-defying fashion and high-wattage pageantry?

Photo credit: Frazer Harrison - Getty Images

The actor told Vogue about his inspiration for wearing the gown:

Now I’m in a space where, being on Pose , I’m invited to red carpets and I have something to say through clothes. My goal is to be a walking piece of political art every time I show up. To challenge expectations. What is masculinity? What does that mean?

In a moment in both fashion and culture where questions of masculinity and the construction of gender are increasingly (and rightfully) being brought to the fore, it's cool as hell to see Porter stepping into the spotlight and doubtless sparking more than a few conversations. "We wanted to play between the masculine and the feminine," he told Vogue. "This look was interesting because it’s not drag. I’m not a drag queen, I’m a man in a dress."

It's a risk, of course. And Porter knows it. The great thing is, he's not concerned with the folks who might not be ready for his fashion choices. "People are going to be really uncomfortable with my black ass in a ball gown-but it’s not anybody’s business but mine."

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