Tracy E. Gilchrist: Holding Space & Making Queer Media History

Send us Fan MailLearn how queer media shapes culture on this week’s BabyGay™ Podcast, where host PJ Brescia (they/them) sits down with Tracy E. Gilchrist (she/her) — the journalist and queer media icon behind 2024’s viral “holding space” Wicked interview with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.Tracy opens up about her decades-long career covering the intersections of LGBTQ+ equality and pop culture...from becoming The Advocate’s first-ever feminism editor to serving as editor-in-chief during the early pandemic years. We talk queer history at The Black Cat, her celebrated cover stories (Brandi Carlile, Janelle Monáe, Kristen Stewart, Harvey Guillén, Cynthia Nixon), and how a sincere, unscripted moment in a four-minute junket became an instant queer-camp pop-culture icon.We also dive into burnout, perfectionism, and learning to be easier on yourself; early coming-out stories; her work elevating queer visibility in film and TV; and the emotional impact of being honored by the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. Plus: why queer storytelling matters more than ever in today’s political climate.Links: Follow Tracy on social media: @tracyegilchrist Follow @BabyGayTV for more queer history & storytellingBabyGay™ Podcast, a 2026 Webby Honoree for Best New Podcast, is released every Thursday and hosted by PJ Brescia (they/them)—a 2025 Out100 honoree—celebrating queer stories, self-discovery, and the power of authenticity.Produced by Tom Gault and PJ Brescia. Special thanks to The Black Cat.Follow, like, and subscribe on TikTok , Instagram , and YouTube: @babygaytvwww.baby.gay