Ali Stroker becomes the first wheelchair-using actress to win a Tony!

via The Independent

Ali Stroker became the first actress who uses a wheelchair to win a Tony award. On Sunday, the actress won Best Featured Actress playing Ado Annie in the musical “Oklahoma!.” The 31 year old who lost the use of her legs in a car accident at just two years old, gave a powerful speech during her historic win. “This award is for every kid who is watching tonight who has a disability, who has a limitation or a challenge, who has been waiting to see themselves represented in this arena — you are.”

Stroker’s win exemplifies the talent those with disabilities have always possessed, but have been excluded from presenting; much less celebrated. Where the Tony awards have been much more accepting of performers of all abilities, backgrounds and sexual orientation; other award shows *ahem the Oscars* remains tone deaf and stagnant.

Stroker’s win for best featured actress is also something to note. While being recognized with a nomination in itself is a lifetime achievement, it seems that people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals are strictly celebrated for supporting roles, while their very straight, very white peers are celebrated as leads. This is even more insulting when those same leads win awards for imitating characters and the characteristics that are the realities of their fellow actors.

This historic win is long overdue for those who have been dismissed because of their abilities. Here’s to seeing more accurate representation on stage and on screen as we do in the actual world.