Cynthia Erivo prefers to keep her romantic life under wraps. During a joint interview with her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande for the November 2024 issue of Vanity Fair, the actress discussed her choice to maintain privacy regarding her personal relationships, especially with the upcoming release of their musical film.
Erivo, 37, shared, “I’m very tight-lipped with my relationships because I believe they are meant for me alone.” She emphasized her tendency to share her experiences, whether related to her work or personal life, stating, “I give so much of myself that I think it’s acceptable to keep some parts private.”
Erivo shares that coming out as bisexual took time, but now feels liberated, after breaking free from her personal constraints
While she acknowledged the possibility of changing her mind in the future, the two-time Academy Award nominee affirmed her current stance, saying, “I think it’s okay.” “It’s sufficient for people to know that I’m a queer person who can have relationships with men, women, or neither,” Erivo added.
In May, she spoke about “claiming my queerness in public” during her acceptance speech for the Rand Schrader Award at the Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala. Erivo explained that doing so “has meant taking a risk to claim my freedom.”
She remarked that it felt like “a privilege to be on this stage tonight,” recalling how she once admired those who could fully express their authentic selves, proudly showcasing their queerness as an essential part of their identity.
“I used to feel like I was observing my community from inside a glass box,” the Outsider actress reflected. “They were vibrant and beautiful, experiencing love, while I remained separate, my nose pressed against the glass.”
Describing her journey, Erivo noted, “It took time for me to outgrow my box, but time allows us to see ourselves clearly and recognize that denying any part of ourselves is a disservice to our entire being.” She expressed joy in having “shattered the glass,” stepping into open spaces and feeling a sense of belonging.
Previously, Erivo discussed her sexuality and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in an interview for British Vogue’s August 2022 Pride issue, revealing that it took considerable time for her to come out as bisexual.
“[LGBTQ+] individuals still feel compelled to justify why we deserve equal treatment,” stated the Harriet star. “The only difference is that we love differently and express ourselves uniquely.”
Erivo emphasized that instead of facing criticism, they should be recognized for their courage. “The key is providing people with the space to fully express their identities,” she added.
To those wishing to support the LGBTQ+ community but unsure how, she advised, “Find your queer family and engage in conversations with them.”
