Cynthia Erivo is opening up about how “claiming [her] queerness in public” has set her on a new path in her career. According to People , the Wicked star spoke about her identity during her speech at the Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala on May 18 as she accepted the Rand Schrader Award. “Claiming my queerness in public, and particularly in the public eye, has meant taking a risk in order to claim my freedom,” Erivo told the crowd. She continued, explaining that “although I have had the greatest privilege of playing some of the most indomitable women,” including Harriet Tubman and Aretha Franklin, “I’ve found that hiding just a little part of myself meant I wasn’t leaving enough room for these women to thrive easily.” “You see, when we pour all of ourselves into something or someone, it’s like serving the most nutritious meal,” the singer added. “You cultivate an atmosphere that allows one to live, not just to exist. I wanted to live, and not just exist.” Los Angeles LGBT Center’s...
