Billy Porter Shares His Top Six Reads

Billy Porter turns to books that reflect identity, history, and personal growth. From James Baldwin to modern political voices, his six favorite reads reveal the stories that shape his thinking and fuel his creativity as an artist navigating life and legacy.

Billy Porter may be an author himself, but he still relies on a strong lineup of books that continue to inspire him. While his own memoir, "Songbird in the Light," reflects his personal journey, he often looks to other writers for guidance, reflection, and motivation.

Here are six books Porter keeps in his rotation.

1. "Baldwin: A Love Story" by Nicholas Boggs

Porter is set to portray James Baldwin in a biopic announced in 2023, making this biography especially meaningful. Nicholas Boggs’ 2025 book explores Baldwin’s life and legacy, offering insight into a figure Porter deeply connects with.

“James Baldwin crawled so that I/we (as Black queer men) today can soar. There is no ancestor that I feel a closer kinship with, as I aspire to live in the fullness of my multifaceted identities,” Porter once said.

2. "Another Country" by James Baldwin

Porter also counts Baldwin’s own work among his favorites. "Another Country," published in 1962, tells the story of jazz drummer Rufus Scott and examines the lives of those around him after his death. The novel explores identity, relationships, and emotional struggle.

3. "The 1619 Project" by Nikole Hannah-Jones

A #1 New York Times bestseller, "The 1619 Project" examines the history and lasting impact of slavery in the United States. The book includes 18 essays along with poems and works of fiction that highlight oppression, resistance, and resilience. It was later adapted into a six-part series on Hulu.

4. "107 Days" by Kamala Harris

One of Porter’s more recent reads is "107 Days" by former Vice President Kamala Harris. The book focuses on the 2024 presidential campaign and presents what is described as a full-circle look at political challenges and corruption.

5. "We Were Eight Years in Power" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

This collection of essays reflects on the Obama administration and the political climate from 2008 to 2016. Coates examines race, politics, and American identity, themes that align with Porter’s interests.

6. "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins

Rounding out the list is "The Let Them Theory," a self-help book that encourages readers to let go of others’ opinions and focus on their own lives. Its message of personal freedom and self-acceptance resonates with Porter.

In September 2025, Porter experienced a serious health crisis. He fell into a three-day coma after a urinary tract infection was not treated properly, which led to sepsis.

At the time, he was performing in "Cabaret" on London’s West End. The infection spread to his kidneys, resulting in urosepsis, a form of sepsis caused by infections of the urinary tract.

Porter has since described being alive as a gift. That perspective continues to shape how he approaches both his work and his life.

His reading list reflects that mindset. Each book connects to themes of identity, resilience, and growth. By sharing these titles, Porter offers a glimpse into the ideas that continue to guide him and inspire his journey forward.