You’ve seen the nails. You’ve heard the voice that seems to vibrate the very air in the room. And if you’ve been anywhere near a movie theater or social media lately, you’ve definitely seen her as the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba. But for all the public acclaim, there is one question that keeps popping up in Google searches and fan forums alike: is Cynthia Erivo gay? The answer isn't a simple yes-or-no checkbox, mostly because the way we talk about identity is changing. Honestly, Cynthia herself has been pretty open about it, but she doesn't always use the labels people expect.
The British Vogue Moment
Back in August 2022, Cynthia Erivo graced the cover of British Vogue for their Pride issue. It was a massive moment. She didn't just pose; she used the interview to officially come out as bisexual.
She admitted to the magazine that she had felt a lot of "nerves and fear" about sharing all of who she was. For a long time, she felt like she was looking at the LGBTQ+ community from the outside of a "glass box." She could see everyone being vibrant and falling in love, but she felt separate. Shattering that glass took time.
Why people are still asking
If she came out in 2022, why is "is Cynthia Erivo gay" still a breakout search term?
It’s partly because she often uses the word queer as a broad umbrella. In 2021, a year before the Vogue cover, she told the Evening Standard quite bluntly: "I am queer."
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For many fans, "gay" is the shorthand they use when they want to know if a celebrity isn't straight. But for Cynthia, the nuance matters. She has described her identity as something that took a long time to find the "language" for. She didn't always have the words when she was younger. Now that she does, she wears them like armor.
The Lena Waithe Connection
You can't really talk about Cynthia’s public life without mentioning Lena Waithe. They are basically the definition of a Hollywood power couple, though they are notoriously private about the "official" labels of their relationship.
- How they met: They first crossed paths at the 2018 Met Gala.
- The Vibe: Waithe has described their connection as "vibing" ever since that first meeting.
- Public Appearances: While they often walk red carpets separately to keep the focus on their individual work, they are frequently spotted sitting together inside award shows like the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
- The "Engaged" Rumors: In early 2025, the internet went into a tailspin when Cynthia wore a massive diamond ring to the Grammys. People jumped to conclusions, but sources later clarified it was just a piece of high-fashion jewelry for the night.
They clearly support each other. Lena was right there for the Wicked premiere in November 2024, standing by as Cynthia stepped into the biggest role of her career.
Defying Gravity and Queer Identity
There is something deeply poetic about Cynthia Erivo playing Elphaba. During the Wicked press tour, she spoke about how she relates to the character’s "otherness."
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She famously told an audience at the Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala that she stands before them as "Black, bald-headed, pierced, and queer." She knows what it feels like to be the "other."
There was actually a bit of a viral meme during the press tour involving a "holding space" comment during an interview with a queer journalist. While the internet turned it into a joke, the core of the conversation was about how the song "Defying Gravity" has become an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. Cynthia mentioned she hadn't realized how much people were "holding space" with those lyrics, but she found the connection powerful once she saw it.
Past Relationships and Evolution
Cynthia’s dating history isn't a secret, but it shows the "journey" she often talks about.
- Dean John-Wilson: She dated the British actor from roughly 2013 to 2017. They met while working on Sister Act.
- Mario Martinez: After Dean, she was with Martinez from 2017 to 2019.
Looking back at these relationships, it’s easier to understand why she identifies as bisexual. Her life hasn't been a straight line (pun intended). It's been a series of realizations. She has said that once you stop using your energy to conceal yourself, you can put that energy into making "more wonderful things."
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What to take away from Cynthia's journey
If you’re looking for a label, Cynthia Erivo identifies as bisexual and queer. She isn't interested in being "justified" or "chastised" for who she loves.
She's also been very vocal about the fact that coming out later in life is valid. We often assume every queer person knows exactly who they are from the age of five. Cynthia is proof that you can be a world-class, Tony-winning superstar and still be figuring out your own tapestry well into your 30s.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Allies:
- Respect the Umbrella: If a celebrity uses "queer," use that. It’s an inclusive term that respects their specific journey.
- The "Glass Box" Effect: Understand that many people in the public eye feel a delay in coming out due to industry pressure. Supporting their art helps create a safer space for that authenticity.
- Watch the Work: Much of Cynthia’s work, from her music video for "The Good" to her performance in Wicked, carries themes of queer love and identity. Engaging with these stories is the best way to support her mission of visibility.
Ultimately, Cynthia Erivo’s story is about freedom. It’s about the shift from "existing" to "living." Whether she’s on a Broadway stage or a movie screen, she’s doing it now as her full, authentic self.
Next Steps for You:
Check out Cynthia Erivo's music video for "The Good" on YouTube. It was one of the first times she explicitly showcased Black queer love in her creative work, long before the Wicked hype took over. You can also follow her official Instagram for updates on her upcoming projects and advocacy work with the LGBTQ+ community.