Is 'Wicked' Secretly Gay? Unpacking the Queer Magic of Oz

For musical theater nerds (myself included!), the anticipation for the 'Wicked' movie is reaching fever pitch. But beyond the spectacle and catchy tunes, there's a fascinating undercurrent to this story: its enduring connection to the LGBTQ+ community. But is 'Wicked' truly, deeply, irrevocably… gay?

A History of Queer Interpretation

Let's be honest, the rainbow connection to Oz has been shimmering for decades. Think about it: a young woman escaping a monochrome world for a vibrant, technicolor city, finding chosen family, and rocking some seriously fabulous shoes? Sounds like a coming-out story for the ages, right? The Wizard of Oz has long been embraced by queer audiences, particularly gay men, who saw themselves in Dorothy's journey.

But 'Wicked', the untold story of the witches of Oz, takes this queer subtext and amplifies it. Why? Because at its heart, it's a story about two women, Elphaba and Glinda, whose complex relationship defies easy categorization. Is it friendship? Is it love? Is it something in between? Whatever it is, it resonates deeply with queer experiences.

Elphaba and Glinda: A Love Story in Disguise?

Consider the evidence. Elphaba, ostracized for her green skin and unconventional views, embodies the feeling of being an outsider, a sentiment deeply familiar to many LGBTQ+ individuals. Glinda, seemingly popular and conventional, undergoes a transformation as she grapples with her feelings for Elphaba and the injustices she witnesses.

Think about their defining moments: Glinda's initial cruel prank with the pointy black hat, meant to humiliate Elphaba, becomes a symbol of Elphaba's defiance. Elphaba invites Glinda, not Fiyero, to meet the Wizard. And when Elphaba uncovers the Wizard's deception, it's Glinda she wants by her side. Their connection, their chemistry, their "uncomplicated love" - it literally defies gravity!

The original author of 'Wicked', Gregory Maguire, intended Elphaba and Glinda to be gay within the novel, expressing his disappointment that the musical dialed it back. He recognized something inherently queer within their dynamic.

Casting Choices and Queer Visibility

The upcoming movie adaptation further solidifies 'Wicked's' queer credentials. Casting Cynthia Erivo, an openly queer Black woman, as Elphaba adds another layer of meaning. Her "otherness" becomes even more profound, more metatextual. And let's not forget Jonathan Bailey, playing Fiyero, who is openly gay. Even Bowen Yang is set to steal scenes as Glinda's sidekick!

And Ariana Grande herself has even hinted at Glinda's closeted tendencies. Is it possible that we're about to get a Glinda who's more than just "popular"? Is she a Glinda on her own journey of self-discovery?

Beyond Subtext: Why This Matters

Why does all this matter? Why are queer readings of 'Wicked' so important? Because representation matters. Seeing ourselves reflected in stories, even in subtle ways, can be validating and empowering. 'Wicked' offers a space for queer audiences to connect with characters and themes that resonate with their own experiences of identity, acceptance, and love.

Of course, some might argue that reading queerness into 'Wicked' is a stretch. That it's just a story about friendship and good versus evil. But for many, the subtext is undeniable. It's a wink, a nod, a secret language spoken between those who understand.

Here's the thing: whether 'Wicked' is explicitly gay or not is almost beside the point. What matters is the connection it forges with queer audiences, the way it allows us to see ourselves in the Land of Oz. It's a reminder that even in the most fantastical settings, stories of identity and belonging can resonate deeply with our own lives.

So, is 'Wicked' gay?

Maybe not in the most literal sense. But its themes of otherness, acceptance, and unconventional love have made it a queer touchstone for years. And with the upcoming movie, that connection is only set to grow stronger. Are you ready to defy gravity and embrace the queer magic of 'Wicked'?