JoJo Siwa, the former child star and current contestant on UK’s Celebrity Big Brother, has made headlines with a recent revelation about her gender identity and sexual orientation. Siwa, who publicly came out as a lesbian in 2021, has now expressed that she no longer identifies strictly with that label, opting instead for the term queer. This conversation, which occurred during a live-stream on the reality show, has sparked significant attention on social media and within the LGBTQ+ community.
JoJo Siwa’s Evolution of Identity
JoJo Siwa, who first rose to fame as a Dance Moms star, has been open about her sexuality for years. In 2021, she shared a post wearing a shirt that read, “BEST GAY COUSIN EVER,” publicly coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community. However, her recent comments on Celebrity Big Brother reveal that her understanding of her identity is still evolving.
During a live conversation with housemate Danny Bear, a drag performer, Siwa discussed her shifting feelings about the label “lesbian.” Siwa shared that, while she had previously identified as a lesbian, she now feels that the term queer is a better fit for her current identity.
“I feel, like, so queer, do you know what I mean?” Siwa explained during the conversation. “I think that’s the thing, I’ve always told myself I’m a lesbian, and I think being here I’ve realized: ‘Oh, I’m not a lesbian, I’m queer,’ and I think that’s really cool.”
This conversation illustrates how Siwa’s gender identity and sexual orientation are fluid, reflecting her personal growth and the complexity of understanding oneself in a world with evolving terms for gender and sexuality.
The Importance of Fluidity in Identity
Siwa’s comments reflect an important aspect of LGBTQ+ identity—the idea that labels are not always fixed, and they can change as people explore and understand themselves more deeply. For Siwa, identifying as “queer” rather than “lesbian” represents a more accurate reflection of her feelings and experiences. She embraced the idea of flexibility, saying:
“I’m switching letters! F**k the L, I’m going to the Q! That’s what I love about sexuality.”
While some might find such shifts in labeling challenging to understand, many in the LGBTQ+ community find Siwa’s openness empowering. Her decision to embrace a label that feels more authentic to her is a significant part of the conversation surrounding gender fluidity and sexual diversity.
JoJo Siwa’s Relationship Status and Openness About Her Partner
Siwa’s conversation on the reality show also touched on her current relationship. When asked about her sexual preferences, she revealed that her partner, Kath Ebbs, is nonbinary. Siwa explained:
“Me? Girls. My partner is nonbinary.”
This statement highlights Siwa’s growing understanding and acceptance of nonbinary identities and her own evolving relationship with gender. Her openness about her relationship with Ebbs challenges traditional gender norms and highlights the diversity of romantic and sexual relationships.
A Disheartening Encounter with Mickey Rourke
During the same episode of Celebrity Big Brother, Siwa faced homophobic remarks from fellow contestant Mickey Rourke. When Rourke asked Siwa about her sexuality, he made inappropriate comments that included using derogatory language and slurs toward LGBTQ+ individuals. He also made a disturbing remark about Siwa’s sexual orientation, claiming that she “wouldn’t be gay anymore” if she stayed on the show longer.
Siwa responded with poise and confidence, emphasizing that her identity was unwavering and not subject to the opinions of others:
“I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
Following the incident, Big Brother took immediate action by giving Rourke a warning and eventually asking him to leave the competition after he violated the show’s code of conduct. His behavior sparked backlash from both viewers and fellow contestants, highlighting the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ acceptance in public spaces.
Siwa’s Reflection on Gender Identity and Expression
Later in the show, Siwa was called in for a private conversation with Big Brother after it was discovered that she had communicated a “secret message” to fellow contestant Chris Hughes, which violated the rules of the show. In a moment of vulnerability, Siwa broke down in tears, revealing that the message was about her gender identity.
“It’s something that I’m not ready, necessarily, to be open about or upfront about, but it has to do with gender and how do I feel,” Siwa shared.
This tearful confession underscores the complexity and fluidity of gender identity. Siwa admitted that she still felt uncertain about how she identifies, acknowledging the pressures of public expectation and the importance of self-exploration. She added:
“It’s OK to not know.”
Her honesty about not having all the answers reflects a broader truth within the LGBTQ+ community: it’s acceptable to take time to explore one’s identity and to embrace uncertainty.
Siwa’s Impact on LGBTQ+ Visibility
Since publicly coming out in 2021, JoJo Siwa has become an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community, especially among younger audiences. Her journey of self-discovery, which continues to unfold in real-time, is a source of inspiration for many who are navigating their own identities. By using her platform to openly discuss her experiences, Siwa has contributed to a growing acceptance of gender and sexual diversity.
Siwa has also been vocal about the importance of representation, particularly in media. In interviews, she has expressed a desire to see more diverse and inclusive depictions of love, relationships, and gender expression in popular culture. Her willingness to be open about her identity has helped many young people feel seen and supported in their own journeys.
Conclusion: Embracing Change and Fluidity in Identity
JoJo Siwa’s evolving perspective on gender identity and sexual orientation offers a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation about sexuality and self-expression. By embracing the term “queer,” Siwa demonstrates the fluidity of identity and the importance of staying true to oneself, even as labels change. Her openness about her relationship with Kath Ebbs, her emotional journey, and her willingness to speak out about gender identity on a global stage have made her an important figure in the LGBTQ+ community.
As Siwa continues to explore her identity, her message resonates with people around the world: it’s okay to question and redefine your identity, and it’s important to prioritize self-acceptance and authenticity. Siwa’s journey proves that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of identity, and that embracing change is part of the process of self-discovery.
Sources:
- The Trevor Project – LGBTQ+ Identity
- Human Rights Campaign – Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
- People Magazine – JoJo Siwa Interview
