VIDEOS AND PHOTOS: Vice Presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and entertainment superstars Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom, Jr. join forces to fight for LGBTQ+ equality at the Human Rights Campaign's 2024 National Dinner

Stage and screen icon and star of the upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway musical Evil, Cynthia Erivo, was awarded the HRC’s National Equality Award for her prolific work in the LGBTQ+ field. The award was presented by the celebrated stage, television, film and music star, Leslie Odom, Jr.

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

“When I received this award back then, I did so as an ally. And this time, I get to stand here and accept it as an open and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community… Being truly authentic in this industry can be difficult, there are standards that I just don't fit into. But I have always believed and continue to believe that there is so much beauty in difference and individuality. What drew me out of the proverbial closet, however, was the drive to create my fullest self. I've said before that when we spend energy hiding parts of ourselves, we steal energy from our purpose. And I needed to claim the beauty of my queerness. I was no longer interested in neglecting myself. And more importantly, I could no longer afford to neglect you.”