Alex Newell kicked off the U’s commemoration of LGBTQ History Month.

By Meredith Camel
UM News

Stepping onto the stage in 6-inch heels and a long, silken weave flipped over his left shoulder, actor and singer Alex Newell captivated the audience at the Shalala Student Center with his sultry voice and soulful heart. Presented by the UM LGBTQ Student Center, Newell’s visit on Monday, October 18, is among several campus events commemorating LGBTQ History Month.

After singing “I Know Where I’ve Been,” a tune from the musical Hairspray that Newell also performed on the hit TV show Glee as the transgender character Wade “Unique” Adams, Newell sat down for a conversation with freshman musical theatre major Lexi Thammavong and to answer questions from the audience. Newell, who grew up singing in church every day, responded to a question about his identity as a gay man within a religious community by emphasizing the importance of “loving the skin you’re in.”

“If I have to sew in 27 inches of hair and wear 6-inch heels to tell people to love themselves, I will do it,” Newell said. “You’re doing the world a disservice by not letting people get close to you and by not being yourself.”