The post is still up as I’m publishing this post, and all of the comments seem to agree with Barry’s views.
Where to begin.
First, Cole Escola is not some random “dude.” They are an incredibly gifted performer, writer, and comedian who created one of the most inventive and talked-about pieces of theatre this year. And guess what? It took actual vision and talent to pull that off. Escola didn’t just act in it, they wrote it. They created the thing that earned them the award(also the first non-binary person to win Best Lead Actor). The Tonys didn’t throw a trophy at them for a headline. They earned it.
Second, nonbinary identities are real. Just because Barry hasn’t bothered to read a book, listen to a podcast, or Google a term before mocking it doesn’t mean the rest of us live in the same bubble of ignorance. People have identified outside the gender binary for centuries across cultures and continents. It’s not a trend, and it’s certainly not a mental illness. What is deeply concerning, however, is the way Barry attempts to treat someone’s identity for sport. That isn’t just offensive, it’s cruel.
And here’s the kicker. Barry proudly identifies both as a Trump supporter(of course) and as a Christian. It’s all over his social media posts(along with plenty of anti-trans rhetoric), and his branding. But tell me, what exactly is Christian about mocking someone’s identity? About questioning their sanity? About weaponizing your beliefs to shame people for existing as they are? Because last I checked, the central message of Christianity is love. Compassion. Kindness. I don’t see any of that in Barry’s rhetoric. What I see is fear, judgment, and a desperate need to feel superior.
Let’s be honest. This isn’t about confusion. It’s about control. People like Barry get uncomfortable when others live fully as themselves. It challenges their worldview, so instead of expanding it, they lash out. The internet has always given folks like him a megaphone. But now it’s time we turn the volume down.
And frankly, and this is why I’m posting this, maybe it’s time actors who don’t share Barry Morgenstein’s hateful views start looking elsewhere for their headshots. This is a business built on trust, safety, and authenticity—none of which exist when the person behind the lens openly disrespects and dehumanizes the very community he profits from. You deserve to feel safe, seen, and respected when you’re in front of the camera. And you deserve to know when someone behind it doesn’t believe in your right to exist as you are. There are plenty of photographers out there who support all artists, not just the ones who look or identify like Barry thinks they should.
Because here’s the thing. If your biggest gripe with the Tonys is that someone you don’t understand won an award for a show you didn’t see, the problem isn’t with them. It’s with you. Cole Escola’s work is pushing the art form forward. It’s brave, it’s weird, and it’s thoroughly original, three things you’ll never find in a headshot studio run by someone still clinging to the past.
Barry, if you want to photograph people who look just like you, think just like you, and fear anyone who doesn’t, fine. You do you. But leave the theatre to people who believe in actual imagination.
And if you’re going to keep calling yourself a Christian, maybe try acting like one. The world is changing. Broadway is changing. Maybe it’s time you stop hiding behind your camera and catch up. Barry Morgenstein, you can keep your headshots and your hate.
