When you see Cynthia Erivo on screen, it’s hard to look away. Whether she’s defying gravity as Elphaba in Wicked or belting out powerhouse notes on a Broadway stage, there’s an intensity to her that feels incredibly real. Naturally, when a star is that much of a force, fans want to know the person behind the performance. Lately, a lot of that curiosity has centered on one specific question: is Cynthia Erivo lesbian? The answer isn't a simple yes or no. Identity is rarely a one-word answer for anyone, let alone a global superstar navigating the spotlight.
Honestly, the way we talk about celebrity sexuality has changed so much. It’s no longer just about labels; it’s about how they choose to live. For Cynthia, the journey toward being open about who she loves hasn’t been a straight line. It’s been more of a gradual unfolding.
The Big Reveal: Understanding Her Identity
If you’re looking for a specific label, Cynthia Erivo has been very clear about how she identifies. While many people search for "is Cynthia Erivo lesbian," she actually uses the terms bisexual and queer.
Back in 2022, she graced the cover of British Vogue for their Pride issue. That was a massive moment. She shared that she had been living in a "glass box" for a long time, watching others in the LGBTQ+ community be vibrant and free while she felt separate.
She told the world she was bisexual.
But labels can be fluid. In more recent speeches, specifically at the L.A. LGBT Center Gala in May 2024, she described herself as "Black, bald-headed, pierced, and queer." She seems to favor "queer" as an umbrella term that covers the full spectrum of her experience.
It’s interesting because, for a long time, she didn't feel the need to "come out" in a traditional way. She once joked that no one ever really assumed she was straight anyway. But she eventually realized that claiming her queerness in public was a risk she had to take to finally feel free.
Who Is She Dating? The Lena Waithe Connection
You can’t talk about Cynthia’s personal life without mentioning Lena Waithe. This is where most of the "is Cynthia Erivo lesbian" searches likely stem from, as Lena is a prominent lesbian filmmaker and actor.
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The two have been a powerhouse couple for a few years now. They reportedly started seeing each other around early 2020, though they kept things low-key for a while. It wasn't until May 2022 that Cynthia "hard-launched" the relationship on Instagram with a birthday tribute to Lena.
They met at the Met Gala back in 2018 and apparently just vibed instantly.
Since then, they’ve been each other’s biggest supporters. You’ll often see them together at award shows or galas. Lena was right there by her side when Cynthia accepted the Rand Schrader Award for her advocacy work.
Why the "Lesbian" Label Persists
So, why do people keep asking if she’s a lesbian if she’s said she’s bisexual?
Part of it is just how the internet works—keywords get mixed up. But another part is "bi-erasure." When a woman in the public eye is in a long-term relationship with another woman, people often automatically apply the "lesbian" label.
Cynthia’s dating history actually includes men, too. She previously dated British actor Dean John-Wilson and later musician Mario Martinez.
This is why her use of "queer" is so poignant. It honors her past and her present without forcing her into a box that might not fit perfectly.
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The "Wicked" Effect and Modern Rumors
By early 2026, the Wicked press cycle had reached a fever pitch. If you spent any time on TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) late in 2025, you probably saw the wild rumors flying around.
Some fans started speculating about the "vibe" between Cynthia and her co-star Ariana Grande. There were even some pretty baseless claims that Lena Waithe was upset about their close friendship.
Let's be real: people love to project romance onto costars, especially when the chemistry is as good as it is between Elphaba and Glinda.
Cynthia and Ariana have been very vocal about their deep, platonic love for one another. They even got matching tattoos. But in the world of celebrity gossip, a "best friend" tattoo is often treated like a smoking gun.
The truth? Cynthia has been consistent. She is queer, she is with Lena, and her bond with Ariana is a profound friendship forged in the fires of a massive film production.
Why This Matters for Representation
Cynthia Erivo isn't just "another celebrity coming out." She represents a very specific intersection of identities that we don't see enough of in Hollywood.
She is a Black, British, queer woman of Nigerian descent who is also an EGOT-adjacent powerhouse.
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When she plays Elphaba—a character defined by her "otherness" and her green skin—it hits differently. Cynthia has talked about how Elphaba’s story is a reclamation of labels. For her, being queer is a "beautiful part" of that same reclamation.
Real-World Impact
- Visibility: Seeing a Black queer woman lead a billion-dollar franchise like Wicked changes the blueprint for what a "leading lady" looks like.
- Safety in Identity: By talking about her "trepidation" and "nerves" before coming out, she makes it okay for others to feel that same fear.
- Authenticity over Labels: She chooses the word "queer" because it feels like home, showing fans that they don't have to have every answer figured out to be valid.
Navigating Your Own Questions
If you’ve been following Cynthia’s journey and find yourself reflecting on your own identity or how you support the community, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, respect the labels people choose for themselves. If Cynthia says she’s queer or bisexual, using "lesbian" as a catch-all isn't quite accurate.
Second, look at the art. Her music video for "The Good" is a beautiful exploration of Black queer love. It’s not just a song; it’s a piece of her story.
Lastly, understand that public figures don't owe us their entire private lives. Cynthia has shared enough to be a beacon for many, but she still keeps the intimate details of her relationship with Lena relatively private.
The most actionable thing you can do is support the work of queer creators. Whether that’s watching Lena Waithe’s shows like The Chi or heading to the cinema to see Cynthia in Wicked, your engagement helps ensure these stories keep being told.
Cynthia Erivo has moved past the "glass box." She’s living, not just existing. And honestly? That’s the most inspiring thing about her.
To stay truly informed on this, keep an eye on her direct interviews with outlets like Vogue or The Evening Standard, where she tends to be most candid. Avoiding the "gossip" channels on YouTube will give you a much clearer picture of who she really is.