'Holding Space with Defying Gravity' Journalist Explains What She Meant, the Backstory Behind It & More

Journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist skyrocketed to Internet icon status with her interview with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande during the Wicked press junket.

For some backstory, during the junket, Tracy told the stars, “This week, people are really taking the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that and feeling power in that.”

“I didn’t know that was happening,” Cynthia responded. “That’s really powerful. That’s what I wanted. I didn’t know that was happening.”

“I’ve seen it on a couple posts. I don’t know how widespread. But I am in queer media,” Tracy responded.

This exchange is going viral, and now, Tracy is speaking out about the moment, and what she meant.

Keep reading to find out more…

“When I posed the question to Cynthia about people holding space with the lyrics to ‘Defying Gravity,’ it was two days after the election, and everyone I knew in the LGBTQ+ community was trying to make sense of what we might be facing. I loved her response, and I love that people are having a laugh, because I know I could use one about now,” Tracy told Out. “I never considered I’d become a meme. But as an unrepentant showqueen, I’m thrilled that it’s for something this campy, in response to a movie I love. Now go see Wicked!”

Emmy winner Tony Morrison then confirmed he is one of the people who posted the lyrics to hold space after the election. Tracy commented on Tony‘s post, “Have I told you lately that I love you, @thetonymorrison? Because I love the hell out of you. This is perfect.”

Tony said in another video, “Holding space is to physically, emotionally, and mentally be present with something or someone.”

You can watch the original video below, and give Tracy a follow on Instagram.