After a whirlwind awards season that saw her nominated for an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe, Cynthia Erivo stepped into the spotlight once again at the 36th annual GLAAD Media Awards. Fresh from the Wicked press tour, Erivo received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, a prestigious honor recognizing an LGBTQ+ media professional whose work has made a significant impact on visibility and empowerment within the community.
The Beverly Hilton hotel ballroom was buzzing with excitement as Erivo made her way to her seat, surrounded by a security detail. As the lights dimmed and the awards ceremony officially began, all eyes were on the star. Host Michael Urie set the tone for the evening, playfully referencing Wicked—Erivo’s highly anticipated role as Elphaba—saying, “Obviously, we’ll be celebrating Wicked tonight, or as we call it at my house, every night!” But it was Erivo’s heartfelt speech later in the evening that truly captivated the audience.
A Message of Self-Expression and Courage
When it was her turn to take the stage, Erivo began with a message of gratitude and reflection. “This has been a wild, wild ride, and I’ve been deeply grateful for every second of it,” she said. But her most powerful words focused on the importance of being one’s authentic self in a world that can often be challenging and unforgiving.
“I have spoken about being your whole self and your true self,” she continued, “but rarely do I acknowledge how hard that can be. It isn’t easy. None of it is. Waking up and choosing to be yourself, proclaiming a space belongs to you when you don’t feel welcomed, teaching people on a daily basis how to address you, and dealing with the frustration of re-teaching people a word that has been in the human vocabulary since the dawn of time — they, them.”
Erivo’s emotional speech highlighted the struggles that many people in the LGBTQ+ community face, especially when it comes to establishing their identities and demanding respect. She described how important it is to challenge societal norms and fight for dignity, even when that fight feels exhausting. “It isn’t easy to ask people to treat you with dignity, since you should just have it, because it’s a given,” she said. “But I want to make space for those of us who are trying to find the courage to exist as we want. This is the space to do that.”
An Inspiration to Many
Before Erivo took the stage, actor and writer Brandon Kyle Goodman praised her as “an avatar of self-actualization, love, and expression.” He spoke about how Erivo’s journey has inspired countless people to embrace their true selves. “You inspire all who see you to see ourselves with such brazen freedom that it awakens the collective imagination,” Goodman said.
This sentiment was echoed by Erivo herself, who acknowledged the difficult journey that comes with self-expression but also emphasized the beauty of persevering against the odds. Reflecting on the challenges faced by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, she said, “Some flowers bloom against all the odds, like the peony, but most flowers need to be tended to and cared for before they brave the light and open up their petals to the sun.”
Erivo went on to underscore the importance of support and visibility for those still struggling to find their place. “We’ve all been the recipients of a gift that is the opportunity to be more,” she said. “I doubt that it has come easy to any of us, but more for some, the road has not been one paved with yellow bricks but instead paved with bumps and potholes.”
Building a Better Future for All
Looking around the room at the distinguished guests in attendance, Erivo delivered a message of hope for future generations. “The real work is making the ground we leave in our wake level enough for the next person who finds their way to the path we have made,” she explained. “For the person who is searching and searching and has not found it yet, this room is full of people who can and will, if they choose – and I hope they will, because I do – be lanterns to light up your journey and your path.”
She also took a moment to reflect on those who are not yet able to be “out and proud,” stressing that visibility is a crucial step in the journey toward acceptance. “We are all visible. We can be seen. We see each other. I see you. You see me,” she said. “But think of those who have not been seen. Think of those who sit in the dark and wait for their time, hoping and waiting for a light to light their path. I ask every single one of you in this room, with the spaces that you’re in and the lights that you hold, to point it in the direction of someone who just needs a little guidance.”
Cynthia Erivo’s Continued Advocacy for the LGBTQ+ Community
Erivo’s remarks at the GLAAD Media Awards reflect her ongoing commitment to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Known for her powerful performances on stage and screen, including her role in Harriet and her upcoming portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked, Erivo has consistently used her platform to speak out on issues of social justice and equality.
Her activism and advocacy work have made her a beloved figure within the LGBTQ+ community, and receiving the Stephen F. Kolzak Award further cements her status as a trailblazer. The award, named after the late public relations executive who was instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry, honors individuals who have worked to promote equality and visibility for LGBTQ+ people. Erivo’s impact on the industry and her tireless efforts to support marginalized communities make her a fitting recipient of the prestigious honor.
As Erivo continues to shine both on and off the stage, her message of self-empowerment and visibility resonates with audiences around the world. Her speech at the GLAAD Media Awards was a reminder that while the journey to self-acceptance may be challenging, the support and love of a community can make all the difference. Erivo’s words left the audience inspired and reminded everyone in the room of the importance of lifting each other up and lighting the way for those still searching for their path.
