‘Love is universal’

Popular influencer shares LGBTQ status with the world in a series of social media posts

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Influencer, dancer, and now LGBTQ icon Jojo Siwa discussed her new status in a series of social media posts.

Paola Zapata, Reporter

Jojo Siwa On Coming Out: 

Clad in a rainbow hairbow and hoodie, Jojo Siwa recently posted a TikTok lip-syncing to “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, causing other influencers and fans to assume she was coming out. Fans and other Influencers were quick to congratulate Siwa and they let it be known that they will continue to support her.    

Siwa later Tweeted a photo of her wearing a shirt that said “Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever.” The post was captioned, “My cousin got me a new shirt.” Even more, people saw her post and she was given more love and support.    

Siwa’s coming out is a huge thing, especially now with more people being more accepting than ever. Siwa is letting it be known that coming out shouldn’t be a scary thing. Her audiences are many kids and pre-teens so getting this message out, she is letting them know that it isn’t something wrong.   

Siwa posted a TikTok on Jan. 25 discussing how this is the happiest she has been. Siwa captioned the TikTok “Love is Universal? I’m so happy right now. The love and support during this time of my life is UNREAL. Thank you❤️.” She let it be known that it is okay to be a little different and weird. She mentions that people aren’t going to take it as a normal thing, but it is okay because that is your own normal. She mentions that we should never be afraid of being different but something we should be proud of and we should celebrate.   

Siwa was Jimmy Fallon on Feb. 3 and she talked about her coming out and how she does have a girlfriend. On Instagram she some pictures of her and her girlfriend. She captioned the post “After being my best friend for over a year, January 8th, 2021 I got to start calling this exceptional human my Girlfriend… and Since then I’ve been the happiest, I have ever been! She seriously is the most loving, supportive, happiest, protective, and just the most beautiful perfect person in the world. And I get to call her mine! Happy one month to my girl! I love you more and more every day!❤️”   

It is important to note that Siwa hasn’t put a label on her sexuality yet, but coming out doesn’t automatically mean picking a label. On an Instagram Live Siwa said, “You know, I have thought about this, and the reason why I’m not ready to say this answer is because I don’t really know this answer.” Siwa also said, “I think humans are awesome. I think humans are really incredible people. I, right now, am super-duper happy and I want to share everything with the world, I really do, but I also want to keep things in my life private until they’re ready to be public.”  

Jojo Siwa’s Background:  

Siwa is a 17-year-old influencer, actress, model, YouTuber, singer, dancer, television producer, vocalist and TV personality. Siwa is considered as influential on young children and focuses on being confident and loving yourself.    

Siwa started her fame as a top-5 finalist and the youngest contestant on the second season of “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition.” Siwa also appeared in “Dance Moms” for two seasons, until she was eliminated. 

Her appearances on “Dance Moms” started her career as an artist and entertainer. Siwa delivered her singles “Boomerang” and “I Can Make U Dance” in 2016. “Boomerang” addresses internet harassment and online hate and the video has over 1.7 million views on YouTube. Siwa also signed with Nickelodeon and earned a part in the film “Shout!” in 2016.  

In 2018, Siwa started touring and she was able to go all over the world, including Canada and Australia. Siwa fans are called Siwanators. Siwa also has a ton of merch including bows, a doll, press-on-nails, slime, and even bandages.  

Why Jojo’s Coming Out is Important

Siwa is only one amongst influencers that have come out. But this coming out is special, especially with Siwa’s audience. LGBTQ kids and teens have one of the world’s biggest child stars on their side!  

Siwa is not only helping kids see that it is okay to be LGBTQ, but also all the parents that have kids who are fans of Siwa. Of course, there were parents who disagreed, but who cares about them. Homophobic parents just make LGBTQ kids feel worse and unloved. In my opinion these parents are worrying about the wrong things.  

I think it is also important to note that Siwas was able to receive lots of love with her coming out, and that’s the way it should be for all LGBTQ kids and teens. Coming out shouldn’t be something scary. It should be exciting and a relief that you get to be the person you around the people you love.  

Struggling with Coming Out?

Coming out can be a scary thing but knowing that you have people on your side can help you gain more confidence. If you or someone you know is struggling to come out I would recommend these websites + hotlines!! Remember you are NOT alone!

The Trevor Project

LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564

It Gets Better Project

Stomp Out Bullying: Making Schools Safe for LGBTQ Community 

True Colors United

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255

For Parents:

Confused on your child’s sexuality? Confused on how to react or support? Check out these websites!

What to Do (and Not Do) When Your Child Comes Out to You

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/trvr_support_center/family-friends/