Harvey Fierstein first questioned his gender when he was 7 years old. The Tony-award-winning playwright behind Broadway hits including "Kinky Boots" and "Newsies" recounts the story in his new memoir, "I Was Better Last Night."

Fierstein brought queer characters to the stage and screen. He won Tonys for "Torch Song Trilogy" and "La Cage Aux Folles," both of which he wrote. The shows, which premiered in the 1980s, introduced gay relationships and characters to Broadway audiences.

Off-stage, Fierstein was living through the AIDS epidemic, a harrowing and tragic experience that led to him turning away from show business and towards substance abuse.

We talk to Fierstein about his career and take questions from you.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.