Cynthia Erivo has opened up about her journey of coming out as queer and the challenges she faced while embracing her identity.
Speaking on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, the 37-year-old star of Wicked reflected on her fears and how getting past them has empowered her to live authentically.
“I feel very powerful. I feel very, very in my skin, in my body. And I love it,” she said. Erivo admitted that she initially felt “trepidation” about revealing her sexuality and worried she might “offend people.”
However, the response she has received has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from young queer individuals who look up to her.
“There’s something really wonderful about watching someone who is just living, enjoying her life, working and creating”, Erivo stated.
Erivo also talked about the deep conversations she has had with her Wicked co-stars Jonathan Bailey and Lena Waithe about queerness and identity while they worked on the film.
“Johnny and I had a really wonderful conversation about queerness and what that means for us,” she said, adding that Bailey is “so passionate about making sure there’s space for all of us.”
In Wicked, Erivo stars as Elphaba alongside Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda. The film, which also stars Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, is slated for release in two parts, with the first already making waves with critics and the public alike.