Kristin Chenoweth recalls defending friend from homophobic attack in third grade

Pay attention: Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth is speaking!

Chenoweth was honored alongside fellow Out cover stars Lea Salonga (Old Friends), Idina Menzel (Redwood), Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her), and Maleah Joi Moon (Hell's Kitchen) at the equalpride Pride of Broadway celebration on Monday, June 2. The Advocate's cover star, Cynthia Nixon (And Just Like That…), was also honored.

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Though Chenoweth wasn't able to attend the event, drag queen and Broadway star Peppermint read a message from her, thanking Out for having her, Lea, Meagan, Maliah, and Idina on the cover.

"All of you out there know that one of my greatest joys in life is being an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community. My love for this community started way before Broadway," Peppermint read. "Back in third grade in Oklahoma, I found myself ready to kick the shins of some boy who was making fun of my friend Jackie. He called her a 'dyke.' I marched straight home in my coat from Walmart -- sorry y'all, it's all we had -- and I told my mom what happened. And my Southern Baptist mama told me, 'Always pick up people, and when you see wrongs being done, try to make it right.' That's what I've been doing my whole life."

Chenoweth added, "I want to be the reminder that you are seen and that God loves you. That you are not tolerated, you are accepted. We are all made in His image. So remember, he made you exactly who you are meant to be. I wish I was there to give everyone hugs and to check out everyone's outfits, because no one does it better than the queens. Have a beautiful Pride Month, and I've said this before, and I'll say it again, I'm nothing without my gays."

Chenoweth will be starring in the Broadway musical version of The Queen of Versailles, with previews beginning this October.

The actress is well-known for her numerous starring roles on Broadway, including Sally in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Glinda in Wicked, and Cunegonde in Candide. Chenoweth has also appeared in high-profile films and TV shows, including The West Wing, Glee, Schmigadoon!, and The Opposite Sex.

In her Out cover story, Chenoweth discussed her experience of Pride Month as an ally to the community.

"I know Pride wasn't designed for someone like me, but I have pride," Chenoweth remarked. "I'm gonna go out and be proud of who I am, that God made me like this, and God made you like you, so we have to celebrate that. And it's a whole month of it, so it's also a time to look really cute."

The Pride of Broadway Red Carpet is sponsored by Maybelline New York, with support for the cover party from Gay Water, Heineken, Hornitos Tequila, and official hotel partner Motto Times Square.

Watch the video below to check out some of the best moments that took place on Out's and The Advocate's Pride of Broadway celebration.