4 Key Lessons from Kristin Chenoweth at the Only Love Gala

Financial wellness isn’t just about money — it’s about being able to afford the things that can help with mental and physical wellness as well. Did you know that 49% of LGBTQ+ youth that wanted mental health care were unable to receive it because they could not afford it, according to the Trevor Project? Encircle, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources to LGBTQ+ individuals, offers community programs, support groups, and therapy services at its Encircle homes to combat this challenge and more.

For the second year in a row, MX had the privilege of sponsoring a table at Encircle’s Only Love Gala — an event filled with opportunities to donate, individuals sharing personal stories of Encircle’s impact, and performances by musical guests. Kristin Chenoweth, known for her role as Glinda in Broadway's Wicked, shared words of wisdom as a self-proclaimed “ally until the day [she] dies.”

Here are the main takeaways from Chenoweth’s message:

1. We Are All Lights

Chenoweth performed some of her most well-known songs throughout her time on stage and made a powerful point with “We Are Light.” She shared that all of us have the unique opportunity to use our own light to become positive influences, make a difference in others’ lives, and lift each other up.

2. When We Band Together, We Are Unstoppable

“Alone, we can’t do anything. But together, we can do everything,” said Chenoweth. Standing up alone can often be difficult. But, when we gather together to stand for change, we can have an incredible impact. This is especially important when it comes to standing for those in historically underrepresented groups.

3. Take Pride in Who You Are

Chenoweth shared a personal experience of meeting and mentoring a young woman who was hopeful to follow in her footsteps — to land the Broadway role of Glinda. She offered her the advice coined by Oscar Wilde: Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. 

While this young woman did not perform the role on Broadway, she did go on to achieve her dreams of playing Glinda in the major motion picture adaptation of Wicked. Chenoweth’s advice to Ariana Grande shows the power of accepting our individual strengths and weaknesses, and valuing what makes us who we are.

4. Do Something That Matters

Chenoweth ended her remarks with a push for everyone to take part in things that matter. Our lives are short, so everyone should hone their passions into something that can make the world a better place. We all have the ability — and responsibility — to use our time, energy, and talents to create a meaningful change in the world

If you’d like to learn more about Encircle’s mission or how you can make a difference, visit EncircleTogether.org.