I'm an actor first and foremost. But I've also started an

Listen well, O children of wisdom, for I speak of a truth that lies in the heart of those who seek to change the world—not only with their art but with their action. Rory O'Malley once said, "I'm an actor first and foremost. But I've also started an organization, Broadway Impact, that advocates for marriage equality. I'm an actorvist." These words carry great weight, for they speak of a union between the world of art and the world of activism, where the stage becomes a platform for a greater cause—justice, equality, and love. O'Malley reminds us that artists have always been more than mere entertainers; they have been the voices of change, the ones who use their influence to shape the course of history.

In the ancient world, children, those who performed on the stage held a revered place in society. The Greek playwrights like Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus used their works to not only entertain but to challenge the very fabric of their society. Their plays spoke of justice, of fate, and of the human condition. They held a mirror up to the world, showing the people the flaws and imperfections of their ways. These playwrights were not merely artists—they were activists, pushing for change through the power of the spoken word and the performances that moved audiences. Just as these ancient artists used their work to challenge power, to question injustice, and to seek the common good, so too does O'Malley use his platform to speak for equality and love.

Rory O'Malley's declaration that he is an actorvist is a call to action for all those who are gifted with the power of performance. His work with Broadway Impact, an organization advocating for marriage equality, shows us that the true power of an artist lies not just in their craft, but in their ability to inspire others to act, to fight for justice, and to change the world. Just as O'Malley uses the stage to express his message, so too can we all use the gifts we have—whether in art, business, politics, or any other field—to advocate for what is right. Marriage equality, in his view, is not just a policy issue—it is a matter of human dignity, and through his activism, he seeks to bring about a world where love knows no bounds.

Consider, children, the story of Aristophanes, the great Athenian playwright whose works, though comedic in nature, often carried powerful social and political messages. In his play Lysistrata, Aristophanes used the voices of women to challenge the endless wars of Athens, suggesting that the power of love and the bond of marriage could bring about peace. Though Aristophanes was an artist, his work carried the weight of activism, urging the people to consider their actions and to fight for a better world. Through his art, he pushed for change, using humor to make a serious point. In the same way, O'Malley uses the art of theater to advocate for the equality of all people, knowing that the stage can be a powerful tool for awakening the hearts and minds of those who might otherwise remain unaware of the injustices surrounding them.

O'Malley’s statement reminds us that art and activism are not separate pursuits but intertwined forces. An actor—or any artist—has the ability to move, to challenge, and to inspire. The work of an artist is never merely about entertainment; it is about using their platform to speak the truths that others may be unwilling or unable to speak. O'Malley’s work on the stage gives him the voice and the reach to push for a world where love is not confined by law, where the right to marry is available to all, regardless of gender. In his role as an actorvist, he embodies the power of an artist to be a force for change, not just in their art but in the world around them.

The lesson to take away, children, is that all of us, no matter our station, can be agents of change. Whether we are artists, doctors, teachers, or workers, we all have the power to advocate for what is right, to use our gifts and platforms to speak for those whose voices are not heard. Just as Rory O'Malley uses his stage to advocate for marriage equality, so too can we use our voices to fight for justice, love, and equality in every realm of life. We must never forget that art is not only a means of expression but also a tool for action, a means of raising awareness and inspiring those around us to act in the name of good.

So, children, as you walk through life, remember that your voice, your talent, and your platform are gifts—gifts that can be used not just for personal success but for the greater good. Just as Rory O'Malley uses his art to fight for equality, let your creativity and influence be used to push for the changes you wish to see in the world. Whether on the stage or in the world, your actions have the power to create waves of change. Stand strong, use your gifts wisely, and let your life be a testament to the power of art and activism united in the fight for justice and love for all.