Journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist on queer media, childhood crushes, and what 'holding space' means to her

You might know this week's guest, Tracy E. Gilchrist, as "the queen of queer media" or simply "the holding space lady." She reached internet fame last year when her interview with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande went viral during the Wicked press tour. But it goes without saying that Tracy is a whole person, who has lived a whole life, outside of that one video. Tracy has worked in queer media since the 90s - specifically covering queer entertainment and pop culture news for outlets like The Advocate and Out Magazine. We discuss how she ended up in this position of having basically interviewed every queer-adjacent person in Hollywood, first crushes / kisses / girlfriends, and the lesbian pop culture moments that shaped us. In Act II, we break down her viral moment and everything that comes along with that. Who had she seen holding space for the lyrics of defying gravity? When did she first clock the finger-hold? What does she really think of Ariana and Cynthia, and have they exchanged words since? We get into it... Watch the full viral video starting at 02:46 Thank you for listening to Cruising Podcast! -Reviews help other listeners find Cruising! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review! -For more Cruising adventures, follow us @cruisingpod on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook -Follow Tracy E. Gilchrist @tracyegilchrist on Instagram and Threads -Explore more of her work at her website tracyegilchrist.com -Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Olivia Travel -Discover Olivia at Olivia.com and save $100 on your next trip when you use promo code CRUISING -Support Cruising here! Cruising is an independent podcast. That means we're entirely funded by sponsors and listeners like you! -Cruising is reported and produced by a small but mighty team of three: Sarah Gabrielli (host/story producer/audio engineer), Rachel Karp (story producer/social media manager), and Jen McGinity (line producer/resident road-trip driver). Theme song is by Joey Freeman. Cover art is by Nikki Ligos. Logo is by Finley Martin. Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices