Send us Fan Mail
67. Tracy E. Gilchrist | Holding Space in Hollywood: Queer Media, Advocacy & the Power of Human Connection
What does it take to make some of Hollywood's biggest stars feel truly seen?
For Tracy E. Gilchrist, it starts with a simple question, genuine curiosity, and the willingness to hold space for another human being.
The longtime LGBTQ+ entertainment journalist and former editor-in-chief of The Advocate became a viral sensation after her unforgettable "holding space" interview with Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. But there's so much more to Tracy than one viral moment.
After decades of interviewing Hollywood's biggest names and amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, Tracy is bringing her distinctive warmth, empathy, and love of storytelling to Holding Space with Tracy E. Gilchrist.
In this episode of The Sacred Slope, Tracy joins Alexis Rice for a heartfelt conversation about Hollywood, queer representation, the importance of independent LGBTQ+ journalism, and what it means to create genuine human connection in a world that too often divides us.
Tracy shares her coming-out journey, reflects on the importance of The Advocate and the It Gets Better Project, and explores why visibility and authentic storytelling matter - especially when LGBTQ+ communities face growing hostility.
They also discuss Christianity, the impact of Christian Nationalism on queer lives, meaningful allyship, and where Tracy finds joy, courage, and hope.
Beyond the viral moments and celebrity interviews is a woman who has spent her career helping people feel seen, heard, and valued. This is her story.
In this episode
- The viral Wicked interview and the meaning of "holding space"
- Hollywood, celebrity interviews, and the art of human connection
- Tracy's new show, Holding Space with Tracy E. Gilchrist
- Her journey through LGBTQ+ entertainment journalism
- The Advocate and the importance of queer media
- The It Gets Better Project and uplifting LGBTQ+ youth
- Tracy's personal coming-out story
- Queer identity, Christianity, and Christian nationalism
- Threats to LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment
- Finding hope, joy, and community in challenging times
Explore more
The Sacred Slope: https://thesacredslope.com
Explore searchable conversations with pastors, scholars, artists, and cultural voices about faith, identity, belonging, and the world we're creating together.
Chapters
00:19 Introduction to Tracy E. Gilchrist
01:33 The Art of Holding Space
03:26 Getting to Know Tracy E. Gilchrist
09:53 The Impact of "Defying Gravity"
12:30 Tracy's Journey in Queer Media
19:53 It Gets Better: Uplifting Queer Youth
22:19 Holding Space as a Personal Ethos
23:43 Tracy's Coming-Out Story
26:09 The Advocate: A Lifeline for the Community
35:49 Why Queer Media Matters
39:41 Navigating Queer Identity and Christianity
39:52 Christian Nationalism and Its Impact on Queer Lives
41:55 What Meaningful Allyship Looks Like
43:56 Threats to Queer Representation in Media
46:12 Hope and Resilience in Queer Communities
47:04 The Role of Money in Church Dynamics
47:18 Finding Joy and Hope in Public Figures
52:26 Community Support and Personal Resilience
56:04 The Sacred Slope and Clergy Nominations
Media Credits: Photos courtesy of Tracy E. Gilchrist’s press kit. Additional video and images sourced from Tracy E. Gilchrist’s Instagram and original media publishers. All rights belong to their respective owners.
#LGBTQ #QueerMedia #deconstruction
Support the show
About The Sacred Slope
thesacredslope.com
Where the slippery slope becomes sacred ground.
For the spiritually tender - raised in or rooted in Christianity.
Come explore our global, diverse, inclusive Christian faith, deconstruction, and spiritual identity in a rapidly changing world. Through conversations with clergy, scholars, and cultural voices, the show creates space for people navigating faith after certainty, church harm, or political co-option of religion.
🎧 WATCH: YouTube / Spotify
LISTEN: Apple Podcasts + everywhere
FOLLOW: @thesacredslope (IG, FB, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, Bluesky)
🔗 Connect
🎧 Explore episodes & community: linktr.ee/TheSacredSlope
🎙 Hosted by Alexis Rice
🎵 Music by Brett Rutledge, Eddie Irvin & Sean Spence
📬 Nominate a guest: alexis@thesacredslope.com
🌿 Community Guidelines 🌿
Fruit of the Spirit: ❤️ love • 💫 joy • ☮️ peace • 🕊 patience • 💝 kindness • 🌿 goodness • 🙏 faithfulness • 🤲 gentleness • 💪 self-control
