Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, recently sparked discussion with her speech at the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards, where she received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award for LGBTQ+ advocacy. During her acceptance, Erivo emphasized the challenges of advocating for pronoun usage, stating: “Teaching people on a daily basis how to address you and dealing with the frustration of reteaching people a word that has been in the human vocabulary since the dawn of time: ” . Her remarks highlighted the broader cultural debate over gender identity and language.

Megyn Kelly, a conservative commentator, criticized Erivo’s stance, aligning with her history of opposing LGBTQ+ inclusivity efforts. Kelly has previously dismissed pronoun preferences as a “gateway drug,” falsely linked transgender healthcare to “grooming,” and platformed figures who spread anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric . While specific details of Kelly’s reaction to Erivo’s speech aren’t quoted in available sources, her alignment with figures like Michael Knowles—a conservative host who has called transgender identity “delusional”—suggests a coordinated critique of Erivo’s message .

A YouTube video titled “Non-binary celebrity Cynthia Erivo hits (obnoxious) new low” echoed this perspective, framing Erivo’s advocacy as divisive . This aligns with recurring conservative arguments that portray LGBTQ+ visibility efforts as excessive or harmful to traditional values.

Erivo’s speech and the backlash underscore ongoing tensions between progressive advocacy for gender inclusivity and conservative pushback rooted in skepticism of societal changes. The GLAAD Awards, which honor LGBTQ+ representation, remain a flashpoint in this cultural divide.