Cynthia Erivo Steals the Spotlight at Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala
OUR LOVE FOR THIS WOMAN IS TRULY UNMATCHED. Cynthia Erivo took the stage at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Annual Gala on May 18, 2024, and gave a speech that had everyone reaching for the tissues. Held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, this star-studded evening celebrated the best in LGBTQ+ advocacy, with Erivo as the shining star.
A Night of Glitz and Glam
Hosted by the ever-charming Joel Kim Booster, the gala was a night to remember. Cynthia Erivo received the prestigious Rand Schrader Award. This award recognized her fabulous contributions to entertainment and LGBTQ+ activism. Jada Pinkett Smith introduced her, praising Erivo’s “immense” talent and spirit. She highlighted Erivo’s role as a “steadfast advocate” for Black and queer visibility.
A Speech That Had Us Cheering
Erivo’s acceptance speech was nothing short of legendary. She began with heartfelt gratitude, saying she felt “extremely loved and held.” Erivo described her journey of self-acceptance. “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.’”
She candidly shared her past struggles, admitting she felt like she had been looking at her “own community from inside the glass box.” With a triumphant tone, she declared, “But now, the glass has shattered,” a statement that was met with wild cheers. “There’s no box in sight, and I have walked out into the wide open spaces, into the arms of you all, and it feels like home.”
Erivo also spoke about the risks and rewards of living openly, hitting the nail on the head with, “I wanted to live, not just exist.” Preach!
Wicked and Wonderful
Of course, Erivo couldn’t resist dropping some juicy details about the upcoming Wicked film, where she stars as Elphaba. She teased, “I see it as no coincidence that the universe urged a director named Jon M. Chu to take on the mammoth task that is Wicked.” Drawing parallels between herself and Elphaba, she said, “Elphaba’s story is a cautionary tale of what it means to stand on your individuality, your otherness, even when systems of oppression are set against you.”
“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 painted a vivid picture of Elphaba as a “colorful, powerful, magical woman” who transforms from outcast to hero. “Wicked is the reclamation and the reimagining of all the labels that are used against her. It is the proclamation of her right to exist in all of her power,” Erivo proclaimed, her passion electrifying the room.
What’s Next for Our Queen?
Cynthia Erivo’s speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and acceptance in the queer community.
Mark your calendars for November 27 when Wicked hits theaters. Until then, keep celebrating the amazing contributions of Cynthia Erivo and all those who continue to fight for the right to exist and thrive in their true, fabulous selves.
Stay tuned for more cheeky updates on your favorite queer stars and all the latest entertainment news right here on Gayety.co!
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