Cynthia Erivo’s Triumphant Ode to Queerness: “A Beautiful Part of Who I Am” – A Spellbinding Speech that Transcends Boundaries –
Cynthia Erivo Celebrates Her Queer Identity
In a poignant address at the Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala on May 18th, 2024, actress and singer Cynthia Erivo celebrated her queer identity. The Wicked star, who came out as bisexual in 2022, spoke candidly about her journey to self-acceptance.
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“A Privilege to Embody True Authentic Self”
“It is a privilege to be on this stage tonight because for so long, I lived in deep admiration of anyone who could fully embody their true authentic self, wear their queerness like a feather boa, and proudly state this is a beautiful part of who I am,” Erivo declared before the 900-person audience.
Cynthia Erivo fez um discurso comovente sobre sua jornada em um evento beneficente para o Los Angeles LGBT Center. A atriz foi ovacionada pela plateia de 900 pessoas reunidas na noite de sábado para o Center Gala, realizado no Shrine Auditorium em Los Angeles.
A atriz… pic.twitter.com/EpVDCZVenP
— WICKED BRASIL (@wickedmusicalbr) May 20, 2024
The Tony Winner’s Personal Journey
The Tony Award winner recounted looking at the LGBTQ+ community “from inside a glass box” for years. “There you all were, vibrant and beautiful, and falling in love, and I had my nose pressed up against the glass, looking out at all of you, separate and apart.” However, Erivo realized “denying a part of oneself is a disservice to the whole.” She powerfully stated, “But now the glass is shattered. And there is no box in sight, and I have walked out into the wide open spaces into the arms of people and it feels like home.”
Honoring Erivo’s Advocacy and Entertainment Impact
Jada Pinkett-Smith presented Erivo with the Rand Schrader Award, recognizing her achievements in entertainment and advocacy. Erivo’s partner, the out producer Lena Waithe, supported her at the event.
“I know a thing or two about being the other”
Looking ahead to her starring role as Elphaba in the Wicked film alongside Ariana Grande, Erivo drew parallels between the musical’s themes and her personal experience. “As I stand here in front of you: Black, bald-headed, pierced, and queer, I can say I know a thing or two about being the other,” she remarked.
“Elphaba’s story is…about how a colourful, powerful, magical woman — despite being disparaged, demonized, and discriminated against — becomes a hero. Wicked is a reclamation and a reimagining of the labels used against her. It is the proclamation of her right to exist in all her power. If that sounds familiar to you colourful, magical people in this room — it should.”
Cynthia Erivo’s Wicked Role: A Reclamation of Identity
Erivo’s powerful words highlight how her role as Elphaba in Wicked parallels her own journey of reclaiming and celebrating her multifaceted identity. Wicked: Part One hits theatres on November 27th, 2024.
“A valuable perspective on intersectional representation.” – Editorial Comment
“Cynthia Erivo’s speech offers a valuable perspective on intersectional LGBTQ+ representation and the power of embracing one’s full identity without apology,” notes renowned LGBTQ+ scholar Dr. Sara Clemmons. “Her words underscore how increased positive visibility can inspire others on similar journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.”
