Is Cynthia Erivo Transgender? Why the Internet Keeps Asking

You’ve probably seen the headlines or the TikTok edits. Maybe you watched her belt out "Defying Gravity" as Elphaba and wondered about the person behind the green makeup. Lately, there has been a lot of noise online, specifically people asking: is Cynthia Erivo transgender?

It’s a question that pops up a lot when a celebrity is as bold, authentic, and "other" as Cynthia. She doesn't exactly fit into the neat little boxes Hollywood usually likes to build. Honestly, the answer is more about her being a queer icon and a non-binary advocate than a specific label like "transgender."

Let's just clear the air right away. Cynthia Erivo has not publicly identified as transgender.

The Confusion Around Cynthia Erivo’s Identity

So, where does the "is Cynthia Erivo transgender" rumor even come from?

A lot of it boils down to her aesthetic and how she talks about gender. Cynthia is famous for her shaved head, her multiple piercings, and her incredible, muscular physique. She leans into a style that is often gender-neutral or "masc-leaning" in high fashion. In a world that expects female stars to look like Barbie dolls, Cynthia looks like… well, Cynthia.

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Then there are her speeches. At the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards, she gave this really moving talk while accepting the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. She spoke about the "they/them" pronouns. She called them "poetic" words used to describe "a person who is simply more."

"It isn’t easy waking up and choosing to be yourself," she said during that speech.

Because she advocates so hard for the non-binary community and uses gender-expansive language, people sometimes jump to conclusions. They assume that if someone doesn't fit the "standard woman" mold, they must be transitioning. But that's not necessarily the case here.

What Cynthia Has Actually Said About Being Queer

Cynthia has been very open about her sexuality. For a long time, she says she felt like she was looking at the LGBTQ+ community "from inside a glass box." She saw people being vibrant and falling in love, but she felt separate.

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In 2022, she officially came out as bisexual in an interview with British Vogue. Later, she started using the word "queer" more broadly. She describes it as a way to "claim her freedom." To her, being queer is about the "risk" of being seen exactly as she is.

She often references her Nigerian heritage, too. Growing up as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants in London, there wasn't always a "language" for what she was feeling. It took time to find the words.

Why the "Trans" Label Sticks to Her in Search Results

• The "Wicked" Press Tour: Her chemistry with Ariana Grande and their shared "holding space" vibes sparked a lot of weird internet rumors.
• Advocacy: When you spend your time fighting for trans and non-binary rights, people often assume you are part of that specific group.
• Physicality: Her buzzcut and "androgynous" fashion choices challenge traditional femininity.

Basically, Cynthia is a cisgender woman who identifies as queer and bisexual, but she is also a massive ally to the trans community. She’s someone who refuses to be "pedantic" about who she is.

The Power of "Otherness"

Cynthia often talks about being "the other." She’s Black, she’s bald, she’s pierced, and she’s queer. That’s a lot for some people to process!

When she played Elphaba in Wicked, she mentioned that the character’s story of being "disparaged, demonized, and discriminated against" resonated with her own life. Elphaba is literally green. She’s the ultimate outsider. Cynthia used that role to show that being "different" isn't a flaw—it's a superpower.

She’s currently dating Lena Waithe, who is also a huge figure in the queer community. Together, they are sort of this powerhouse couple that represents Black queer excellence. Because Lena is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, sometimes fans get the two of them mixed up or assume Cynthia is on a similar gender journey.

The Bottom Line on Her Gender Identity

If you are looking for a simple "yes" or "no," the answer is no—Cynthia Erivo has not said she is trans.

However, she is deeply invested in dismantling the idea that gender has to be one specific thing. She’s teaching people that you can be a woman and still be "more." You can be feminine and also have a shaved head and lift heavy weights.

The internet's obsession with "is Cynthia Erivo transgender" says more about our need to label people than it does about her. She’s just living her life out loud. And honestly? It’s pretty refreshing.

How to Support Queer and Non-Binary Artists

If you're inspired by Cynthia's journey or her advocacy, there are a few ways to engage with the community she champions:

• Use people's preferred pronouns. Even if you don't "get it," it's just basic respect.
• Watch queer-led media. Support movies and shows that feature Black queer women and non-binary creators.
• Follow her work. From Harriet to Wicked, Cynthia's filmography is a masterclass in playing "indomitable" women.

Staying informed about the nuances of LGBTQ+ identities helps prevent the spread of misinformation and fosters a more inclusive environment for everyone.