Cynthia Erivo pays tribute to Marsha P. Johnson in inspiring speech

After being honoured at Out Magazine’s Out100 awards, recognising the most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ individuals each year, Cynthia Erivo paid homage to her queer predecessors.

The ‘Wicked’ star delivered an inspiring message after receiving Out100’s Icon of the Year award, honouring the trailblazers who preceded her and significantly impacted LGBTQ+ lives, ‘MSN’ reports.

She stated, “When I think of the word Icon, I think of Marsha P. Johnson, a revolutionary who worked to make change for the trans community and by default the queer community at large.

“I think of Reverend Pauli Murray, whose work influenced the civil rights movement and taught people that queerness does not erase faith. I think of George Michael who gave us the video and song freedom and celebrated the freedom of expression and self.”

Erivo continued by celebrating George Michael, Koko the doll, and “the mothers of the houses of Pendavis, Labeija, Xtravaganza, and Ninja,” describing them as “exquisite queens who took in young queer people and gave them a place to dream.”

Reflecting on her recognition, Erivo said, “I think of those people and I wonder, what qualities do I have that allow me the privilege of being garnished with such a title; and I have come to the conclusion that this is actually where I earn it.”

She talked about her work and the “stories” she chooses to tell as a “celebration of humanity,” expressing her desire to “celebrate us in all our differences and quirks, in our pain and scars, in our laughter and joy.”

Cynthia Erivo, who is openly bisexual since coming out in 2022, has also been an advocate for her queer brothers and sisters.

She previously declared that her queerness is “a beautiful part” of her identity.

Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba in Wicked, with her character facing ostracism due to her green skin and eventually breaking free from society’s constraints after realising she can no longer “grovel in submission.”

“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 remarked about her character in Wicked earlier this year.

“Elphaba’s story is…about how a colourful, powerful, magical woman — despite being disparaged, demonized, and discriminated against — becomes a hero. Wicked is a reclamation and a reimagining of the labels used against her. It is the proclamation of her right to exist in all her power. If that sounds familiar to you colourful, magical people in this room — it should.”