Trans Tony History
Qween Jean Makes History as First Openly Trans Tony Winner, Champions Queer Liberation
Anonymous
Qween Jean made Tony Awards history as the first openly trans person to win, taking home Best Costume Design of a Musical for her work on Cats: The Jellicle Ball. In her acceptance speech, she celebrated queer and trans legacy and urged a “shift” in societal attitudes, framing Pride as protest. Jean, a Black Trans Liberation founder and LGBTQ+ activist, also criticized police oversight of detention—calling for the closure of the Newark Delaney Facility and for resources to support detained people with legal and human-rights care. She additionally emphasized solidarity and unshackling, saying she would not stay quiet if anyone is in pain. The production itself was a major winner, also earning Tonys for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Choreography, among other honors, while Jean also had a nomination for Best Costume Design of a Play for Liberation. Her win continued a broader pattern of visibility for nonbinary and LGBTQ+ creatives at the Tonys, while marking a landmark first for openly trans representation.
Key Points
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Jean received the Tony during the pre-show, and the ceremony was hosted by Laura Benanti and Tituss Burgess.
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Jean wore a handcrafted pink mermaid gown with ruffles at the tail end—made by Jean herself—underscoring her personal involvement in the costume craft.
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In a post-win interview segment, Jean said, “It feels monumental… as a proud trans woman that is showing up every day on the stage and in the streets for all people,” and interviewer Jordan Fisher called the impact “gagged over Cats for a myriad of reasons.”
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Jean’s detention-related remarks included the line: “The police cannot investigate the police,” and she argued that “billions are being poured into an institution of destruction” while resources could instead pay for “a lawyer” and “human rights care.”
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