Siwa’s Public Declaration
Over the weekend, dancer, singer, actress, and YouTube personality JoJo Siwa posted on various different social media accounts that she was coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. While fans have always had suspicions, Siwa had never confirmed nor denied rumors regarding her sexuality, until now.
Happier than ever, Siwa first caused speculation of her coming out after appearing in videos on TikTok account @pridehousela, an account filled with former Disney stars who have come out as queer. After those appearances, she made her own TikTok without saying anything, but singing to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” a notorious gay anthem. Fans drew their own conclusions that she was in fact a member of the community, but Siwa finally made a public statement on her Instagram a few days later.
“I’m just so happy and it’s just so amazing,” Siwa proclaims in her 15 minute long Instagram video. She officially comes out as unlabeled and incredibly happy. Throughout the video, she never stops referencing how happy she is that she can finally share this part of her life. Even with the excitement, though, she notes that now is not the time to share everything.
Rather than putting a label on herself, she admits to the fact that she hasn’t fully discovered herself. Because of this, she doesn’t feel ready to choose a label. She does say, though, that she has almost always known that she would be okay ending up with a man or a woman.
Siwa also detailed the immense amount of love and support she has received since coming out. She thanked everyone for accepting her with open arms. It is so clear to see that Siwa is so genuinely happy and glowing post coming out which is exciting for her.
She reminds everyone that “there is so much love in the world, so, so, so much love.” This is amazing sentiment for those who might be questioning their own selves. She also reveals that her parents have welcomed her confession. Siwa claims that her mom has known for around 2 years and accepts her wholeheartedly.
About Siwa
Siwa has been in the public eye since her 2015 appearance on Dance Moms. Since the show, her career has skyrocketed with her production of music and different product lines. Siwa’s impressive presence has earned her great recognition and praise. In September of 2020, Siwa was included in Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Her fans, primarily young girls age 6-12, love her intensely. She has come out with several hit products, such as her trademark hair bow.
Her career has been wildly successful in such a short amount of time. She produces so much content that it is easy for her fans to feel like they know her. Once we are post-pandemic, Siwa plans to continue her D.R.E.A.M. The Tour, as she adores performing for fans. Siwa always takes time for her fans and stays active on social media. It’s not surprising that she chose to come out on an app like TikTok first.
Brave Decision
Considering that her fan base is primarily children, it is a big deal for her to publicly come out. It is so important to have figures that children can look up to that actually resemble them. Siwa’s choice to come out doesn’t alienate anyone from being able to like her, but it allows kids who are questioning who they might like to feel seen.
Siwa deciding to come out could also have implications for her career, as homophobia is still alive and well everywhere in the world. The risk of angry mothers coming out of the woodwork to condemn Siwa’s statement is a real possibility. This could hurt Siwa not only emotionally, but financially as well.
In her Instagram video, Siwa claims that coming out is not as scary as it once was. This statement might be true in a sense, simply because of the recent acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. But even so, it is scary for her. She could stand to lose a lot, but none of that mattered to her. Siwa put more importance on living truthfully and inspiring others to do the same.
It’s comforting to know that little girls everywhere who are queer or questioning can have someone like JoJo Siwa to look up to and breathe a sigh of relief. This is an exciting moment for Siwa’s career and personal growth. Going forward, she will be able to be even more authentically herself and inspire so many young people.
Featured image credit: Unsplash
