The internet has practically gone into bicep spasm from “holding space” for a viral moment born in an interview between journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist and “Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Captured over two weeks ago at one of the many press junkets for the record-breaking movie musical, the interview produced what many viewed as a confounding statement from Gilchrist about the film’s torch song “Defying Gravity.”
“This week, people are taking the lyrics to ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that,” the journalist from EqualPride said.
“I didn’t know that that was happening,” Erivo responded, immediately overcome with emotion.
“I’ve seen it on a couple posts, I don’t know how widespread. But I am in queer media,” added Gilchrist.
Immediately, users on X and TikTok ran wild with the footage, though Gilchrist said it really didn’t take off until last week. Some of it was poking fun at the deep sincerity of the exchange, which contained little information but somehow widely resonated with the stars. Grande, supporting her co-lead, reached for Ervio’s hand but wound up cradling her formidable fingernail instead, a moment that went viral on its own.
So, what is holding space? Why has this moment captivated? How can you get official merch? Variety reached Gilchrist to discuss all:
Tell me about the day at the junket, did you have any concept of what this would become?
I just did what I do, going in and doing an interview. I tend to be that person who goes in and asks the socially relevant question, or perhaps more serious than [most junket questions[. Mind you, this interview happened a day-and-a-half after the election. I’d interviewed Cynthia before, so I went in very sincerely. I’m glad people are finding joy in it and laughing, and that it’s so viral.
Indeed it is. Have you seen how far this has traveled?
Apparently, I was on “The View” today, but I haven’t seen the clip yet. The Gay Men’s Chorus created a whole [vocal] warm up and lyrics with those words I said. It’s so overwhelming. It really didn’t go viral until last Friday. I was in meetings and my phone started blowing up. Later I was at lunch with a friend, and he kept asking me to explain what was happening – like, why is it funny? I don’t know! It just is.
How would you define “holding space”?
I was very inspired by Tony Morrison, [senior communications director] from GLAAD. He posted the lyrics of “Defying Gravity” before I did my interview. It was a great explainer. “Holding space” is being physically, emotionally and mentally present with someone or something. For me, it means being in the moment, not being distracted and feeling something on a cellular level. I think you can hold space with lyrics of a song – one you’ve heard hundreds of times – and it can suddenly take on new meaning when you’re a queer person. The Trump administration is targeting LGBTQ+ people via Project 2025. When Cynthia sings “I’m through accepting limits,” there’s power in that. She plays a character who is othered. One who comes to her full power when she is exiled by a charlatan, by a cruel leader. There’s a lot of resonance there right now for anyone who is marginalized. For me, holding space is listening to those lyrics anew and finding solace or inspiration.
How have you dealt with the response?
It’s been really wild. Of course, there are cynics and haters out there but I’m really just trying to not pay too much attention to that. This was for us, for queer people who understand what I meant by holding space — or really, for anybody who feels marginalized and can relate. So it’s for us. It’s not for them. They can hate all they want.
Do you recall any of the posts that inspired your question for Cynthia and Ariana?
Most of it actually came from a conversation with a friend. I was using that to tee up the question, and I was a little thrown off by [Cynthia’s] response because it was so sincere and real. I was a little flustered. I could have said, “I have all these friends, and this is our conversation.” But instead I said, “I’m in queer media.”
A definitive moment for the queer media.
It’s a catchphrase now.
I was trying to remember the last thing that went this viral and stayed in the mix as long as this, and I think it was “Very demure. Very mindful.” In that vein, will you offer merchandise or kick off a “Holding Space” docuseries?
I’m a lot slower than the internet. Friends of mine were telling me to get a merch store up and running. I’m already seeing the T-shirts and the ballcaps. A friend of mine was at a gay bar in Minneapolis this weekend, and said someone was wearing a shirt with my face on it. I have not considered the full breadth of what this might be. I had a podcast with The Advocate several years ago, so who knows? Maybe a little podcast. I’m open.
Have you gotten recognized on the street?
Saturday night I went to a Cyndi Lauper show in LA. There were a couple of men next to me staring and doing double takes. I’m not sure! I joked that I wanted to pull a Sally Field in “Soapdish” and go down to West Hollywood.
To sign autographs and kiss babies?
Absolutely.
Where will you be junketing next?
I did the “Queer” junket, so that’s coming soon, and for Netflix’s “No Good Deed.”
We will absolutely hold space for those.
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