VIDEOS AND PHOTOS: Vice Presidential Nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Alongside Entertainment Superstars Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom, Jr., Join Together in the Fight for[...]

Stage and screen icon and star of the upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, Cynthia Erivo, was honored for her prolific work in LGBTQ+ advocacy with HRC's National Equality Award. Presenting the award was acclaimed stage, television, film and music star, Leslie Odom, Jr.

View video of Cynthia Erivo accepting the National Equality Award here.

"Back then, when I received this award, I received it as an ally. And this time, I get to stand here and receive it as an out and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community… Being truly authentic in this industry can be hard, there are standards that I just simply do not fit into. But I have always believed, and believe, that there is such beauty in difference and individuality. But what lured me out of the proverbial closet was the urge to create as my fullest self. I have said before, that when we spend energy hiding parts of ourself, we steal energy away from our purpose. And I had to claim the beauty of my queerness. I was no longer interested in short changing myself. And more importantly, I could no longer allow myself to shortchange you."