Michael Arden won his first Tony tonight. The 40-year-old director was presented with the award for Best Direction of a Musical at the 2023 Tony Awards on Sunday night at the United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights, New York City. The Parade revival was directed by Michael, who began his career on Broadway as an actor.

In his award speech, Arden discussed prejudice, drawing parallels between Parade’s depiction of brutal anti-Semitism and his own homophobic experiences as a boy. “We must come together, we must battle this. Otherwise, we are doomed to repeat the horrors of our history,” said Arden from the stage. “Your queerness is what makes you beautiful and powerful.”

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Watch his moving speech here:

Arden continued to address the bullies from his past in his remarks, earning a bleep from CBS while reclaiming an anti-gay slur. “I’m at least a faggot with a Tony.” The LGBT Parade actor Ben Platt and his spouse, a prominent Broadway performer named Noah Galvin, were shown standing and supporting Arden as the camera cut to them.

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Arden has previously received nominations for her work as a director, including Once On This Island and Spring Awakening. A Christmas Carol, starring Jefferson Mays, was another film Arden directed this year.

Michael received a lot of support from social media websites for his speech, and many condemned CBS’s decision to mute the part where he spoke about being called a ‘faggot’. One Twitterati said, “No matter how many years go by, this statement still goes right to my heart and my tear ducts: “Growing up, I was called the F-word more times than I could remember. And all I can say now is I’m a f@gg0+ with a Tony!” Bravo, Michael Arden!!!”

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A second user tweeted, “Michael Arden just won the Tony and shut down all his haters like a boss!” while a third one commented, “CBS bleeping Michael Arden’s speech is stupid. Speech of the night.”