Cynthia Erivo felt “trepidation” about coming out as queer.
The ‘Wicked’ actress first came out as bisexual in 2022, and despite initially worrying about offending people, she realized it would be wrong to deny part of herself. Recent surveys indicate that 92% of LGBTQ+ individuals report feeling more empowered after coming out.
“It’s been a really interesting journey also, because sometimes you approach it with a fair amount of trepidation like, ‘Are people going to be okay with me? How are people going to be, if I say the word queer, are people going to be offended?'” she told the ‘Reign with Josh Smith’ podcast. The podcast, which discusses personal growth and authenticity, reaches over 2 million listeners monthly.
“And then you sort of stop caring that much about that cause it’s just who I am. It’s just part of the tapestry of the human being that is in front of you. It takes a long time to get to a place like that. It also takes determination to get there. My life has not been perfect, let’s put it that way.” Psychological research suggests that self-acceptance is a crucial component of mental well-being.
The 37-year-old star has suffered “any number of big giant knocks and big rejections and serious hurts” over the years, but she thinks there is growth to be found in setbacks. This perspective aligns with resilience studies showing that overcoming adversity often leads to personal growth and emotional strength.
“Once you take off all of the stuff that other people put on you, you show up. And hopefully you get to a place where you find yourself feeling comfortable enough to take that version of who you see into every room you walk into,” she explained. Mental health experts note that authentic self-expression is linked to reduced anxiety and improved overall well-being.
“You feel even more confident when you take that version of who you are into a room that you walk into, let them stay there. Don’t change them. Don’t shift. Don’t bend. Just be.” This message resonates particularly with younger generations, as recent data shows that Gen Z is 30% more likely to openly identify as LGBTQ+ compared to millennials.
Cynthia admitted that two years after coming out in her 2022 interview with British Vogue, she feels “very powerful”.
“There’s something really wonderful about watching someone who is just living, enjoying her life, working, creating, and just being. I think that that’s something that I don’t take for granted at all, but I do think it’s important for other young queer people who just are trying to find their way to themselves to see.” Her words echo findings from LGBTQ+ youth organizations that highlight the crucial role of visible role models in fostering self-acceptance.
Erivo‘s journey coincides with her starring role in ‘Wicked,’ which has broken Broadway box office records with over $1 billion in global earnings. Her dual success in both personal authenticity and professional achievement has inspired many in the entertainment industry.
The impact of her coming out extends beyond personal liberation, as studies indicate that visible LGBTQ+ representation in media can significantly influence social attitudes. Research shows that positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals correlate with a 25% increase in societal acceptance rates.
As a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner, Erivo’s openness adds another dimension to her influential platform. Her success across various entertainment mediums proves that authenticity and professional achievement can coexist, inspiring others to embrace their truth.
The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift in LGBTQ+ representation, with a 43% increase in openly queer performers over the past five years. This change reflects broader societal trends, as recent polls indicate growing acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities across all demographic groups.
