The above video interview is from the Advocate Channel’s Cover to Cover, in which host Stephen Walker reviews the making of Out’s January/February issue. Learn more at AdvocateChannel.com.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about “holding space.” The term spiked in popularity after my colleague Tracy E. Gilchrist — a vice president at Out’s parent company, equalpride, and the writer of last issue’s Out100 cover story with Cynthia Erivo — went viral for telling the Wicked star that folks are “holding space for the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity.’”
In that moment, which occurred in the immediate aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, Gilchrist was speaking about the power LGBTQ+ people were finding in a gay anthem about choosing to fly when faced with the weight of oppression. But its meaning isn’t confined to the Land of Oz. Gilchrist later defined holding space as “being in the moment and present with where you are or who you’re with,” which is essentially an act of empathy.
This is the Entertainment Issue. And in this sphere, Out’s editors could think of no better cover star holding space than Alan Cumming, a veteran actor of stage and screen who has long used his platform to uplift others. Cumming is doing just that as the host of The Traitors, the hit Peacock reality competition that has changed the game and queered the genre. Cummings’s presentation — his clothes — challenge the gender binary in ways that go “against the political flow,” the Tony-winning Cabaret star told me in our interview.
And now, Cumming is using his platform to advocate for the transgender community in a time when they — and we — are facing renewed political attacks. His fashion shoot — styled by his Traitors sartorial collaborator, Sam Spector, a former Out fashion editor — pay homage to another queer disruptor, Tom of Finland, while channeling the Finnish illustrator’s rebellious, queer, and sex-positive spirit.
Other space holders in this issue include Karla Sofía Gascón, a trailblazing transgender actress who is poised to make Oscars history for her Emilia Pérez performance as a Mexican cartel leader who attempts to find a new life post-transition. Speaking of the Oscars, Out editors pick our favorite 2024 films and performances that best represent the LGBTQ+ community. Find many of these stars in the photo roundup of our Out100 party, which gathered the honorees from our last issue, as well as galas thrown by NewFest and the National LGBTQ+ Task Force. Tied to awards season, our Music columnist examines how many of this year’s Grammy nominees also emerged as potent political figures last year — and what that means for the LGBTQ+ movement.
In the world of TV, Jeremiah Brent, the newest member of Queer Eye’s Fab Five, is literally transforming the spaces of others while also making room for dialogue with those of differing views; he talks about the show’s necessity in a new political era while also giving tips for interior transformations. On Broadway, Death Becomes Her sets the stage for stellar actresses over 40 like Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, and Michelle Williams to shine while bringing the joy of the beloved camp film to the Great White Way. In Fashion, actor Brandon Kyle Goodman and psychotherapist Matthew J. Dempsey model cool coats and give advice for weathering 2025 stresses. And protect your skin from the elements this winter (and freeze time itself) with products from our Beauty spread.
Beyond Hollywood, our Finance guru offers advice for those worried of falling in the “sugar daddy” trap. Still looking? Our Last Call columnist decided to quit the apps once and for all to find romantic connection — and he’s not looking back. Tired of American politics? Through our Out Traveler section, escape to fabulous international destinations like Arctic Norway, Malta, and Puerto Vallarta, where Out100 honoree and “CEO of Everything Gay” Tristan Schukraft launched the flagship location of his budding gay resort empire.
This year, we are especially holding space for you, dear reader. The world may feel hostile and volatile at times, but LGBTQ+ media will always stand through the storm. Take comfort: There will always be a place for you in these pages. We wish you a year full of joy wherever you may find it — and the courage to hold space for yourself and others as well.
Sincerely,
Daniel Reynolds
Editor in Chief, Out
@dnlreynolds
This article is part of the Out January/February issue, which hits newsstands February 4. Support queer media and subscribe — or download the issue through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader starting January 23.
