S/He & Me is a Broadway-bound musical fantasia that explores the life of a trailblazing icon from the inside out. Serving as a tool for advocacy, education, understanding, and change in our current world, where the fight for transgender rights and recognition is increasingly significant, S/He & Me reminds us of our own authentic humanity and innate magic.
Spanning five decades, from profound lows to exhilarating highs, S/He & Me captures the events of a pioneering life. Born in 1962, Alexandra Billings grew up in a decade in which being herself was illegal. When she started transitioning in 1980, the word "Transgender" was not commonly used. With no Trans role models and no path to follow, Alexandra did what her family, teachers, and even friends said was impossible: she forged ahead.
Alexandra Billings, looking back on her childhood as Scott and young adulthood working in drag clubs as 'Shanté', shares her story of overcoming the harrowing challenges of homelessness, heroin addiction, sex work, and surviving the AIDS epidemic to become a celebrated actress and advocate. And through it all was her high school sweetheart, Chrisanne, who fell in love with the person hidden deep inside.
Rising from these difficult early years, Alexandra made history as one of the first openly transgender actresses on television and continued to break barriers with her Broadway debut in "The Nap" and as Madame Morrible in "Wicked." Beyond her illustrious career on stage and screen, Billings is a tenured professor and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ rights and AIDS awareness, earning numerous awards and accolades for her impactful work and unwavering dedication to social justice.
With an original score by Andre Catrini, and book by Billings and director Joanne Gordon, S/He & Me explores the power of love, representation, and the recognition of one's own magic through the lens of one Trans trailblazer.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create the first musical on Broadway by and about trans artists, providing a platform for authentic representation, history, and education about the trans experience.
In a world where legislation, crime, and political rhetoric against the Trans community is on the rise, we are using the tools we have been given - a voice, storytelling, music, theater - to open hearts and change minds.
Through authentic representation, narrative art forms become powerful tools for advocacy, education, and cultural enrichment. Statistically, stories that reflect diverse experiences and identities have the power to change minds and open hearts. When audiences see characters and narratives that resonate with their own lives or introduce them to new perspectives, it humanizes marginalized communities and breaks down prejudices. Studies show that exposure to diverse stories can reduce biases and increase acceptance, highlighting the transformative potential of storytelling to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Our Vision
To honor the incredible journey of Alexandra Billings, a pioneering transgender actress and activist, by capturing her story in a way that resonates with audiences and advocates for greater understanding and acceptance. S/He & Me spans five decades, showcasing the profound lows and exhilarating highs of Alexandra's life, from her beginnings in a time when being herself was illegal to becoming a celebrated actress and activist.
Our Purpose
- Advocacy: To advocate for the rights of trans artists by creating a platform for their voices to be heard.
- Education: To educate the public about the history and experiences of the trans community through the lens of Alexandra Billings' life.
- Outreach: To build networks with allied organizations and businesses to advance and protect the careers of trans artists.
- Fair Compensation: To ensure that all contributors are paid fairly for their labor.
- Equal Opportunity: We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for Trans artists.
Why Donate?
Your donation will directly support the development of S/He & Me, allowing the artists the time and resources needed to bring this groundbreaking project to life. By funding this musical in its early stages, you are not only contributing to the arts but also supporting the fight for transgender rights and recognition. Your contribution helps ensure that the stories of trailblazers like Alexandra Billings are shared with the world, inspiring change and fostering a more inclusive society.
Impact of Your Donation
- Development: Funds will be used to support the development phase, including workshops, rehearsals, and script refinement.
- Credit: Please contact Info@TomDangora.com for more information about how your contribution today can lead to credit for future commercial productions.
- Representation: Your donation helps create the first Broadway musical by and about trans artists, paving the way for future productions.
- Education and Advocacy: The musical serves as a powerful tool for educating audiences about the trans experience and advocating for social change.
Join Us on This Journey
We invite you to join us on this magical journey of bringing S/He & Me to Broadway. Together, we can make history by supporting a project that celebrates the endless possibilities of the human spirit and the importance of living authentically. Your support can help transform the cultural landscape and ensure that the voices of trans artists are heard and celebrated.
Conclusion
Alexandra Billings' life story is one of resilience, courage, and triumph. Through S/He & Me, we have the opportunity to honor her legacy and advocate for greater acceptance and understanding of the trans community. Your donation can make a significant difference in bringing this important and timely musical to life. Thank you for considering supporting S/He & Me and being a part of this revolutionary journey.