Broadway history was made Sunday night when costume designer and activist Qween Jean became the first openly transgender person to win a Tony Award in the ceremony’s 79-year history. Jean took home the award for Best Costume Design of a Musical for her work on Cats: The Jellicle Ball during the 2026 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The victory marks a milestone not only for Broadway but also for transgender representation across the arts. Jean’s win comes after a remarkable season in which she earned two Tony nominations for her costume design work on both Cats: The Jellicle Ball and the play Liberation. This year also marked her Broadway debut season, making the achievement even more notable.
Cats: The Jellicle Ball is a bold reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical, blending the world of the Jellicle cats with New York City’s ballroom culture. The production earned nine Tony nominations and won several awards during the evening, including honors for choreography and musical direction. Jean’s costumes played a central role in bringing the production’s vibrant vision to life.
During her acceptance speech, Jean spoke about the importance of visibility and the power of queer and transgender communities. She emphasized that representation matters and called for a world where trans people can live openly and safely. Her remarks received enthusiastic applause from the audience and quickly resonated across social media.
Jean’s journey to Broadway success reflects years of work as both an artist and advocate. Born in Haiti and raised in Florida, she earned an MFA from New York University before building a respected career in theater design. Beyond her work on stage, she is also the founder of the Black Trans Liberation organization, which supports transgender and gender-nonconforming people in New York City through community programs, advocacy, and mutual aid efforts.
Her Tony victory follows a string of recent accolades, including a Drama Desk Award and other industry honors recognizing her innovative costume work. Critics have praised her ability to blend storytelling, fashion, and cultural history into designs that feel both authentic and transformative.
For many transgender people watching the ceremony, the moment represented more than an individual achievement. At a time when transgender rights remain a frequent target of political debate, Jean’s win serves as a reminder that trans people continue to shape culture, create groundbreaking art, and earn recognition at the highest levels of their professions.
Nearly eight decades after the Tony Awards began, Broadway’s biggest stage finally has its first openly transgender winner. For Qween Jean and countless aspiring artists who see themselves reflected in her success, that historic curtain call may only be the beginning.
