Qween Jean Wins Tony for Cats Costume, First Trans
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- Qween Jean won the Tony Award for Best Costume Design for a Musical for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, becoming the first openly trans woman to win a Tony.
- Qween Jean was also nominated for Best Costume Design for a Play for her work on the production Liberation.
- Jeff Mahshie won Best Costume Design for a Play for Fallen Angels, though he was not present to accept the award.
- Qween Jean accepted her award in a ruffled lavender gown, shouted “Happy Pride!” and delivered a speech about queer and trans legacy and the need to shift the paradigm.
Why it matters: Trans performers gain historic validation, while Broadway producers see a clear signal to embrace inclusive hiring, potentially expanding talent pools and audience diversity. The win also reinforces queer legacy in theater.
