Michael Feinstein Calls Kennedy Center Show Cancellations “Government-Sanctioned Censorship”

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Michael Feinstein is expressing his views on the termination of Kennedy Center events, including the cancellation that resulted in the scrapping of a Pride program he was scheduled to lead.

Earlier this week, the singer and pianist expressed his disapproval in an Instagram post regarding recent losses at the Kennedy Center, labeling them as instances of “government-endorsed censorship.” In this post, Feinstein also shared a piece he wrote titled “Fear of Queer?”, further elaborating on the cancellations.

Just last week, I received an invitation to lead the National Symphony Orchestra, showcase my talents, and deliver a speech at an event titled ‘A Peacock Among Pigeons: Honoring 50 Years of Pride’ at The Kennedy Center. This program aimed to highlight the vibrant impact of LGBTQ+ influences on art, music, and our broader culture. Unfortunately, this event was suddenly and rudely taken off the schedule.

As a gamer speaking about the current times, I’d rephrase it like this:

“In the not-so-distant future, the suppressions of creative freedom at the Kennedy Center might be seen as the 21st century’s censorship, enforced by the government and aimed at creators solely due to their sexual orientation, irrespective of the value of their work. This is a perspective I express in my writings. Furthermore, I can’t help but address the recent executive order issued by President Trump, which seeks to halt federal funding for NPR and PBS – actions that, in my opinion, could potentially stifle free expression and artistic growth.

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A post shared by Michael Feinstein (@michaelfeinsteinsings)

In essence, recent efforts to cut funding from PBS and NPR demonstrate that government-backed arts support is no longer secure. The current administration has prohibited, canceled, or forbidden performances or programs at the Kennedy Center that in any way acknowledge the presence of homosexuality.

Following his reinstatement as power, Donald Trump declared his intention to dismiss several members from the Board of Trustees at the Truth Social Center in February, and subsequently appointed himself chairman in a decision that led to the termination of the Kennedy Center’s long-standing president, Deborah Rutter.

In an online post made in early March, Roma Daravi, Vice President of Public Relations at the Kennedy Center, stated that “all performances scheduled under our programming, except for those cancelled due to either poor ticket sales or unavailability of artists since February 12, are still proceeding as planned.

Feinstein proposed, “The next logical step would be to prohibit all literature penned by individuals who identify as homosexual, bisexual, omnisexual, or transsexual, as well as those who associate with gay people and anyone suspected of being LGBTQ+. This approach was effective for the Nazis, isn’t it?

In a show of solidarity, the EGOT-winning companion and longtime friend of Liza Minnelli publicly endorsed Feinstein’s strong stance against an apparent hateful assault on the arts and the LGBTQ+ community, which she described as bigoted.

As a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, an advocate for human rights, the child of two legendary, extraordinary artists, and with a career that owes much to the brilliance of LGBTQ+ pioneers, I’d be just another singer with limited repertoire, a dancer with fewer partners, mostly performing on stage in minimal clothing, an actress without scripts – and so on. So, I urge you all to delve into ‘Fear of Queer?’ by Michael Feinstein. Let us take action against censorship and hate, united we can make a difference.

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2025-05-11 03:24