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| Credit: JoJo Siwa. |
Update (1/24) - JoJo has confirmed in an Instagram livestream that she is gay! Congrats JoJo! :)
The news follows JoJo teasing fans that she maybe gay in a recent TikTok video. In the video, the singer lip syncs the “No matter gay, straight or bi / lesbian, transgender life / I’m on the right track, baby / I was born to survive” part of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way, which is a an LGBTQ+ anthem, leading some of her 31.3 million followers to believe this was her coming out.
Out of the over 260,000 comments on the video, several prominent stars and YouTube influencers, such as Big Time Rush's Stephen Kramer Glickman, James Charles, Colleen Ballinger, Nikkie de Jager, Bretman Rock and more, congratulated and praised her.
Praise and positive reactions poured in for JoJo on Twitter, who became a trending topic on Friday afternoon.
“if u spell ‘swag’ backwards, it’s ‘gay.’ coincidence??” wrote Lil Nas X, who publicly came out on Twitter in June 2019.
“WE LOVE THIS FOR YOU,” influencer Brenna D’Amico wrote in the comments of the TikTok video.
“I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU,” wrote beauty influencer James Charles.
FIlmmaker Casey Neistat showed his love: "been a JoJo fan since day 1 (that is the first day my daughter told me about her 😉) very proud to see a role model to so many not shy away from who she is."
JoJo also retweeted some supportive messages, including ones featuring the iconic Pride flag.
JoJo also posted an Instagram photo of herself wearing a rainbow Gucci track jacket on Thursday, with thousands of comments from fans, including musician Luke Eisner, Paris Hilton and other celebrities, congratulating her.
As a dancer, JoJo first shot to fame on the Lifetime reality series Dance Moms and soon skyrocketed with her fashion, accessories and music aimed at a young audience. She signed with Nickelodeon in 2017 and appeared in the TV movie Blurt, Lip Sync Battle Shorties and is the youngest contestant ever on Fox’s The Masked Singer. JoJo has also released songs such as “Boomerang” and “D.R.E.A.M.,”
Siwa, who has built her empire with business savvy, has also lit up the internet by visiting TikTok collective Pride House LA and has collaborated with queer TikTokers.
JoJo has yet to release any sort of statement beyond these posts, so we shouldn't rush to any conclusions. Reps for Siwa did not immediately respond to The Los Angeles Times’ request for additional comment.
The news also follows JoJo recently breaking up with her boyfriend, Mark Bontempo.
Though young, JoJo Siwa has been a "gay icon" for a few years. Siwa knows this in fact and in 2018 when she was asked what she felt about being a gay icon she replied simply: "I love it."
Siwa’s has deep ties to the community. In 2018, was asked about her “gay icon status” by drag queens Izzy Uncut and Poppy during a New York event. According to Out, Siwa said she feels comfortable around everyone and wants everyone to feel comfortable around her, and that she loves and supports people for who they are, with no exclusions.
From Out:
JoJo Siwa Opens Up About Coming Out, Says 'Best Experience' in Life
The well-followed star also opened up about labels.
This week, JoJo Siwa rocked social media with a series of posts where she came out. The posts began on TikTok — of the two uploads neither explicitly labeled the former Dance Moms star as queer. She confirmed the widespread speculation of her coming out yesterday with a T-shirt that read "Best. Gay. Cousin." She's since retweeted a lot of support for her admission on Twitter. Saturday, she hosted a livestream on Instagram opening up about the experience and answering questions.
"For the last 48 hours, 72 hours, I have gotten the most endless amount of support," Siwa, who has released music and has a massive deal with Nickelodeon, said on the livestream. "I'm really happy. Now that the world gets to see this side of my life it makes me really really happy. I've been happy in this world for a minute now and now that I just get to share that with the world, it's just awesome."
Siwa has long been known for her bubbly and overall happy persona. That persona is a massive brand of over one billion dollars according to her — she signed a deal with Nickelodeon where the network handles her licensing which covers accessories, toys, bedding, and more. She also has appeared in music videos for other artists and sells out arenas on tour, dancing and performing her own music. All of this after rising to fame on two seasons of Dance Moms.
"In my career I've always been super, super happy," she said referencing the touring, products, and videos. "But like personally I have never, ever, ever, ever been this happy before and it feels really awesome and I've been really happy for a little bit now."
In the Instagram live, which is now available on her page, the 17-year-old mogul shied away from labeling herself in response to a comment.
"The reason that I'm not ready to say this answer is because I don't know this answer," she said. In the video she is wearing her hoodie she received after being named to the TIME 100 in 2020. With a feature written by Kim Kardashian-West, she was dubbed one of the world's most influential people of the year. "I think humans are awesome. I think humans are really incredible people." Later she said that while she's interested in sharing details, she wants to "keep things in my life private until they are ready to be shared with the public." She also said that she believes she's always been queer and was always open to falling in love with anyone.
Much has been made of Siwa's coming out. It's been dubbed a game changer and history-making because of her prominence, particularly for youth. While she's recently said that she's seen an influx of teenaged fans during quarantine, the bulk of her fan base has historically been quite young. Her coming out is likely to leave an indelible impact on peer acceptance and relatability.
"What matters is that you guys know that no matter who you love, that it's ok and that it's awesome and that the world is there for you," Siwa said in the livestream, in ways acknowledging this very point and what role her actions may serve for LGBTQ+ youth. "There are so many people that are there for you. And I know that everyone's situation is different and it might be harder for some people and it might be easier for some people to come out and be themselves but I think coming out has this stigma around it that it's this really, really, really scary thing but it's not any more. There's so many accepting and loving people out there and and it's ok."
While there certainly is a massive uptick of support online, and the stigmas around coming out certainly have been dramatically reduced (and will continue to be with figures like Siwa,) it is important to note that there is more at play for many LGBTQ+ youth. Support online, and even peer support, isn't the only thing that youth must consider when coming out. Not only are they frequently forced to face their own comfort, but what coming out may mean for their living situation depending on the attitudes of their families. Many organizations and support systems exist if they are disowned, but it is important to note that the coming out experience of a teen star that is the bread-winning face of a billion-dollar brand is not necessarily universal.
That said, her visibility could help to change attitudes and assist in pushing the world to a place where that is no longer a concern.
In the live stream, Siwa reported that her parents supported her after coming out. Her mom, in fact, said that she had suspected it for about two years before she was told. Her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, also appeared on Dance Moms.
In the full video JoJo batted away the idea that she broke up with Mark Bontempo, a TikTok star she dated in 2020, in order to come out.
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From Entertainment Tonight:
Abby Lee Miller Calls JoJo Siwa a 'Shining Example' for Coming Out
Houston, we have a Goofball! Host Jay Pharoah introduces two mystery celebs hiding behind 3D animated filters. Gabrielle Nevaeh Green, Chinguun Sergelen and Ryan Alessi from All That ask questions and gather clues to unveil Nickelodeon's two special guests
Abby Lee Miller couldn't be more proud of JoJo Siwa. The Dance Moms star took to Instagram on Saturday to send her love to Siwa, after the 17-year-old came out last week.
"I always knew the world would be a more colorful, positive, sparkly place with a kind, loving, dazzling triple threat like you in it - a shining example for the kids out there to live their BEST lives each and every day," Miller wrote alongside a slideshow of pics of herself and Siwa. "*You put your heart on the platter! (If you know you know)."
"Love you kiddo!!! Keep making me proud 🌈," she added. "#aldcalways #ALDC #abbyleedancecompany #losangeles #aldcla #LA #pittsburgh #aldcpgh #PA #jojo #jojosiwa #loveyou."
GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis also praised Siwa in a statement on Saturday.
"JoJo Siwa's decision to share her truth with the world is a powerful moment that is being celebrated by the millions around the world who admire her," she said. "As one of the most influential young role models today, JoJo's story is a reminder for LGBTQ youth to love who they are and to find safe and welcoming environments to speak out."
In an Instagram video on Saturday, Siwa opened up about her sexuality, and thanked her followers for "the most endless amount of love and support."
"Somebody said, 'What label are you?' And you know, I have thought about this and the reason I am not ready to say this answer is because I really don't know this answer," Siwa shared. "I think humans are awesome. I think humans are really incredible people."
"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," she added. "What matters is that you guys know that no matter who you love, that it's OK and that it's awesome, and that the world is there for you."
Siwa appeared on seasons 5 and 6 of Dance Moms with her mom, Jessalynn Siwa, before signing a contract with Nickelodeon.
The performer has stayed close with Miller in the years since, and often defended her in the public eye. In an interview with ET last June, Siwa explained her close connection to Miller.
"Listen, Abby is Abby ... you either go to Abby's studio, you work for Abby; Abby doesn't just go pick up people off the street and be like, 'You're working for me.' That's not how it works," Siwa said. "You go to Abby, you know what you're getting into. So it makes me really, really upset that I am one of the few -- there's only a few people -- that really truly thank Abby, and are thankful and grateful for what she's done for us. Because without her, Dance Moms wouldn't be a thing."
"And without that, none of us would have a career. Like, Dance Moms is where I got my start," she added. "That's where Maddie [Ziegler] got her start, that's where Kenzie [Ziegler] got her start, Kalani [Hilliker], Paige [Hyland], Brooke, Nia [Sioux], Chloe [Lukasiak], Kendall [Vertes]. I mean, that's where everyone got their start."
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From E! Online:
JoJo Siwa Gets Support From Abby Lee Miller After Coming Out as Member of the LGBTQ+ Community
In addition to fans, JoJo Siwa is finding public support from her old Dance Moms instructor Abby Lee Miller following her announcement about her sexual orientation.
Abby Lee Miller has voiced support for her former Dance Moms student JoJo Siwa after she announced she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
The 55-year-old reality star posted throwback photos of her and the 17-year-old Nickelodeon and YouTube star on her Instagram page on Saturday, Jan. 23. Abby wrote, "I always knew the world would be a more colorful, positive, sparkly place with a kind, loving, dazzling triple threat like you in it - a shining example for the kids out there to live their BEST lives each and every day."
"*You put your heart on the platter! (If you know you know)," Abby added. "Love you kiddo!!!Keep making me proud [rainbow emoji] #aldcalways #ALDC #abbyleedancecompany #losangeles #aldcla #LA #pittsburgh #aldcpgh #PA #jojo #jojosiwa #loveyou."
JoJo reposted Abby's tribute on her Instagram Story. Days earlier, the teen drew speculation that she was coming out when she posted a TikTok video lip syncing Lady Gaga's hit song "Born This Way," namely the lyrics, "No matter gay, straight, or bi / Lesbian, transgender life / I'm on the right track baby / I was born to survive."
On Friday, Jan. 22, JoJo tweeted a photo of herself wearing a T-shirt her cousin gifted her, which had the words, "Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever."
On Saturday, hours before Abby expressed her support, JoJo went on Instagram Live and answered fans' questions. One person asked, "How long have you been a part of the [LGBTQ+] community? How long have you been whatever you are?"
"I don't know," JoJo said. "I think my whole life. Because my whole life, I've really really been, I just liked people, but I have never fallen in love before. But I always believed that my person was just going to be my person. If that person happened to be a boy, great! And if that person happened to be a girl, great! I think I'm just really happy. I think in life you know when you meet your person, I really do."
JoJo also said, "I have never, ever, ever been this happy before and it feels really awesome," adding, "and now that the world gets to see this side of my life, it makes me really, really happy."
JoJo was also asked about her "label," to which she responded, "I have thought about this, and the reason I am not ready to say this answer is because I don't really know this answer." She said that she does want to keep "things in my life private until they're ready to be public."
The teenage sensation, known for her bright, colorful looks, sparkly makeup, big hair bow and high ponytail and bubbly personality, is most popular among kids and teens. JoJo starred on the Lifetime reality show Dance Moms in 2015 and 2016 before she became a Nickelodeon star.
She has reunited with Abby since she left the show. JoJo visited her former dance teacher in the hospital as she battled Burkitt's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affected her spine, in 2018. She also joined other alumni at her former instructor's 52nd birthday party that year. In 2019, Abby announced she was cancer-free. Also that year, confined to a wheelchair following surgery, she attended JoJo's 16th birthday party.
JoJo's comments about her sexual orientation, while vague, have been received with mixed reviews online but mostly supportive ones on her personal social media pages.
"Right now what matters is that you guys know that no matter who you love, that it's okay," she continued. "It's awesome and the world is there for you. There are so many people that are there for you."
###
From HUFFPOST:
JoJo Siwa Is 'Really Happy' To Be Part Of LGBTQ+ Community After Coming Out
"Of course people are going to say it’s not normal, but nothing is normal," said the YouTube superstar.
JoJo Siwa is living her truth with plenty of sparkles, but without any labels.
The 17-year-old singer, actor and YouTube superstar — who has cultivated a massive following of millions of young fans — has confirmed she is a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Days after sharing a video of herself lip-syncing to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and showing off a new T-shirt that said “Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever,” Siwa addressed the speculation over her sexuality in a 15-minute Instagram Live on Saturday.
“For the last 48 hours, I have gotten the most endless amount of love and support,” she said. “And now that the world gets to see this side of my life, it makes me really happy.”
In response to a livestream viewer who asked how she chooses to identify, Siwa said she wasn’t ready to put any labels on herself just yet.
“I have thought about this, but the reason I’m not going to say this answer is because I don’t really know this answer. I think humans are awesome, I think humans are really incredible people,” she said. “Right now, I’m super duper happy and I want to share everything with the world but I also want to keep things in my life private until they are ready to be public. Right now what matters is that you guys know that no matter who you love, that it’s OK. It’s awesome and the world is there for you.”
Siwa acknowledged that while coming out might seem like this “really, really scary thing” and that it’s certainly “harder for some people and easier for some people,” she wanted to push back against the stigma of the process.
“Of course people are going to say it’s not normal, but nothing is normal. Literally not one thing about anybody is normal and it’s OK not to be normal, it’s OK to be a little different, it’s OK to be a little weird, strange, different,” she continued. “That’s something we should never, ever be afraid of. That’s something we should be proud of.”
Responding to another fan who asked how long she’s been a part of the LGBTQ+ community, the star said, “I don’t know, I think my whole life. Because my whole life, I’ve really, really been ... I just liked people, but I have never fallen in love before. But I always believed that my person was just going to be my person. If that person happened to be a boy, great, and if that person happened to be a girl, great! I think I’m just really happy. I think in life you know when you meet your person, I really do.”
Both her parents have been supportive of her coming out journey, she said, explaining that her mom has “known for the last two years.”
“She’s like, ‘I just know with you!’ Around two years ago, she was like, ‘I don’t think you only like boys, that’s totally OK.’ They’ve always been so everything ... My family is awesome.”
Since coming out, Siwa has also received love from fellow celebrities, including Ellen DeGeneres, James Charles, Paris Hilton and Lil Nas X.
Siwa first rose to fame on the “Dance Moms” spinoff “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition,” which she first appeared on in 2013 when she was 9, before joining the flagship series for multiple seasons. By her 13th birthday, she’d already released her first of many chart-topping singles.
Siwa has since become one of the most-followed creators on YouTube, inked a multiyear and highly lucrative deal with Nickelodeon, and transformed herself into a multimillion-dollar global brand.
###
From USA Today:
JoJo Siwa opens up about being part of LGBTQ community: 'I am just so happy'
Online superstar JoJo Siwa has officially come out as a member of the LGBTQ community.
Siwa, 17, opened up in an Instagram livestream over the weekend about being "just so happy" after she received an outpouring of support for two posts she made earlier last week that seemed to indicate she had come out.
"Someone asked, 'How long have you been a part of the community? How long have you been whatever you are?' I don't know," Siwa said. "I think my whole life, because my whole life I have really really been just – I like people. But I never had fallen in love before, but I always believed my person was going to be my person. If that person happened to be a boy, then great. If that person happened to be a girl, great."
She added: "I'm the happiest that I've ever been, and that's what matters."
Siwa posted a video earlier this week on TikTok of her mouthing the lyrics to "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga, typically known as a LGBTQ anthem.
Then on Friday, she tweeted, "My cousin got me a new shirt," with a picture of herself in a T-shirt that reads "BEST. GAY. COUSIN. EVER."
USA TODAY has reached out to her representative for comment.
Siwa recalled a discussion with her parents in which her mom said she realized "about two years ago" that her daughter didn't "only like boys." Both her mom and dad were very supportive, Siwa added.
"Somebody asked, 'What label are you?' You know, I have thought about this, and the reason why I'm not ready to answer is because I don't really know this answer," she 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."
She added: "But right now what matters is that you guys know that no matter who you love, that it's OK. And that it's awesome. And that the world is there for you."
Throughout the livestream, Siwa beamed and reiterated to her fans how happy she was.
"No matter what, I love you guys. I have your backs for forever," she said. "If I could give you any advice, do whatever it is that makes you happy."
The Omaha, Nebraska native, born Joelle Joanie Siwa, is famous for her giant hair bows, sparkly outfits and larger-than-life personality, and she boasts millions of followers online. Across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, Siwa has racked up more than 42 million followers.
Fans were quick to celebrate the news across social media.
"jojo siwa coming out is so important.. her audience is younger and kids being able to look up to someone thats NOT straight could help them discover themselves and hopefully make future generations even more open-minded. this is a jojo siwa stan account" @sisterariola wrote. @bridgetsrose added: "jojo siwa coming out at what could be considered the peak of her career when her audience is mostly kids is such a power move and i respect her so much for that"
GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said Siwa's "decision to share her truth with the world is a powerful moment that is being celebrated by the millions around the world who admire her. As one of the most influential young role models today, JoJo's story is a reminder for LGBTQ youth to love who they are and to find safe and welcoming environments to speak out."
The entertainment world initially met Siwa in 2013, when she appeared as a contestant on "Dance Moms" spinoff "Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition" before landing a role as a "Dance Moms" regular in 2015.
Abby Lee Miller, Siwa's former dance coach on "Dance Moms," wrote on Instagram in response to Siwa's coming out that she "always knew the world would be a more colorful, positive, sparkly place with a kind, loving, dazzling triple threat like you in it – a shining example for the kids out there to live their BEST lives each and every day."
In 2017, Nickelodeon signed Siwa to a talent deal, which led to 2018's animated series about her and her dog, "The JoJo and BowBow Show Show." She has also worked with Nick Cannon on "Lip Sync Battle Shorties" and lent her voice to last year's "Angry Birds" movie sequel.
Siwa was recently unmasked on "The Masked Singer," where she appeared as the T-Rex. Some clues about her background, like a plate of junk food seasoned with glitter, were dead giveaways for fans.
[...]
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From Business Insider India:
JoJo Siwa confirms she's a part of the LGBTQ community and says she's the happiest she's 'ever been' as she opens up about her sexuality
JoJo Siwa confirmed she's a part of the LGTBQ community during an Instagram Live video on Saturday.
Siwa sparked rumors that she was coming out with two TikTok videos and a Twitter post last week.
Celebrities and fans alike have shared an outpouring of support on social media.
It's official: JoJo Siwa has confirmed she's a part of the LGBTQ community.
The Nickelodeon star opened up about her sexuality to her 10.3 million Instagram followers on Saturday with an Instagram Live video.
"Personally I have never, ever, ever been this happy before and it feels really awesome. I've been happy for a little bit now," Siwa, 17, said from her Los Angeles home.
"You guys probably haven't seen me this happy since I was on tour!" she added.
Siwa nearly broke the internet last week when she posted two TikTok videos that hinted at her coming out.
The first video featured the "Dance Moms" alum lip-syncing to Lady Gaga's queer anthem "Born This Way" while wearing rainbow-themed bows and a similar hoody. The second video sported the hashtag "#pridehouseLA."
And she doubled down one day later and surprised fans with a now-viral Twitter photo. In the photo, Siwa donned a t-shirt reading "Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever."
Siwa later said she's been a part of the LGBTQ community her entire life.
"Because my whole life, I've really really been, I just liked people, but I have never fallen in love before," Siwa began.
"But I always believed that my person was just going to be my person," she said. "If that person happened to be a boy, great! And if that person happened to be a girl, great! I think I'm just really happy. I think in life you know when you meet your person, I really do."
When a fan asked Siwa about her sexual identity, she admitted she's not ready to put a label on it yet. Fans previously cautioned others not to label Siwa until she does so herself.
"I have thought about this, but the reason I'm not going to say this answer is because I don't really know this answer," said Siwa. "I think humans are awesome, I think humans are really incredible people. Right now, I'm super-duper happy and I want to share everything with the world but I also want to keep things in my life private until they are ready to be public."
Siwa added: "Right now what matters is that you guys know that no matter who you love, that it's okay. It's awesome and the world is there for you."
Siwa said her family has been very supportive of her decision to come out.
"You know what my dad said? He said, 'Hey man, love is universal.' My parents have known," Siwa said on Instagram Live, adding that her mother has known for some time.
JoJo Siwa confirms she's a part of the LGBTQ community and says she's the happiest she's 'ever been' as she opens up about her sexuality
"My mom said she's known for the last two years," she said. "She's like, 'I just know with you!' Around two years ago, she was like, 'I don't think you only like boys, that's totally okay.'"
In the Instagram Live video, Siwa also addressed her fans and encouraged them to live their truth regardless of other's opinions.
"I know everyone's situation is different and it might be harder for some people and easier for some people to come out or be themselves but I think coming out has this stigma around it - that it's this really, really scary thing, but it's not anymore," said Siwa.
She continued, "Of course people are going to say it's not normal, but nothing is normal. Literally, not one thing about anybody is normal and it's okay not to be normal, it's okay to be a little different, it's okay to be a little weird, strange, different. That's something we should never, ever be afraid of. That's something we should be proud of."
After speculation began, a number of internet celebrities like YouTubers Colleen Ballinger and Casey Neistat offered their support.She added, "I'm the happiest I've ever been, that's what matters."
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From Business Insider India:
Nickelodeon superstar JoJo Siwa's coming out is a huge deal for LGBTQ+ kids and their parents
Teen idol JoJo Siwa came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in mid-January.
Her coming out marks significant progress in LGBTQ+ representation, particularly in the world of kids' entertainment.
Queer therapists and media experts said that Siwa's coming out could have a positive impact on kids and parents.
In mid-January, JoJo Siwa - one of the world's biggest pop stars, with a sparkling, rainbow empire to prove it - came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, posting several videos previewing the moment before making a definitive announcement.
The outpouring of support online was immediate and intense, with people online excitedly posting supportive comments, tweets, and moving personal statements.
Siwa, who is 17, felt the same: "Personally I have never, ever, ever been this happy before and it feels really awesome. I've been happy for a little bit now," she said during a Saturday Instagram livestream in which she discussed her sexuality and coming out process.
@itsjojosiwa Love is Universal🌈 I’m so happy right now. The love and support during this time of my life is UNREAL. Thank you❤️
♬ original sound - JoJo Siwa
While acceptance of LGBTQ+ Americans has generally increased over the years (with some setbacks during the later years of the Trump Administration), it still feels remarkable, and incredibly moving for many LGBTQ+ people, to see Siwa come out publicly online. Perhaps most remarkable is the swift positive response, both from her young fanbase and Nickelodeon, to which Siwa is signed.
The composition of Siwa's fanbase, mostly kids and their parents, means the moment is a giant leap for LGBTQ+ representation in family-oriented media, and according to queer therapists, may even help families be more accepting towards their queer children.
"For anyone walking a similar path and who shares similar struggles, she will shine a bright media spotlight and be a beacon of empowerment for the LGBT community," Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, author of "Let's Get it! Hustle and Grind Your Way to Personal Empowerment," told Insider.
Siwa's coming out represents broader industry progress
Siwa isn't the first young celebrity to come out while in the spotlight: fellow celebrities and online personalities like Lil Nas X, Josie Totah, and Amandla Stenberg have all come out as part of the LGBTQ+ community as teens or young adults. Siwa is one of the latest to publicly join the community.
Her coming out is part of a larger trend in young, LGBTQ+ people and celebrities choosing to do so earlier in life, GLAAD's head of talent, Anthony Ramos, told Insider. He said that it marks a transition in the entertainment world itself in regards to celebrities coming out."Years ago, people were so afraid to come out, and if they did it was so much later when they got to be adults," he said. "With celebrities specifically, we've all heard the stories of that apprehension to come out in fear of not getting work. I really think that when someone like JoJo does come out publicly, it sends a message that that whole era is ending and people really want to live their most authentic life."
Nickelodeon's explicit support for Siwa on social media is a powerful signifier in its own right. The network, and all-ages programming writ large, has made leaps and bounds in LGBTQ+ representation, and support of Siwa's coming out can help erase "apprehension that it's potentially divisive or a risk" to have LGBTQ+ talent leading a program, Ramos said.
Siwa's coming out resulted in an outpouring of support and stands to positively impact queer youth
What makes Siwa's coming out feel so impactful is that, as Insider reporter Kat Tenbarge wrote on Twitter, she's "the Hannah Montana of her generation" - a celebrity regarded as a positive influence with a huge, young fanbase. In addition to being Nickelodeon's biggest star ever, she's also one of the biggest teen idols, period: with over 12 million YouTube subscribers and 31.8 million followers on TikTok, she's a top influencer in her own right.
As Insider's Amanda Krause reported, discourse around her has major potential to impact her fans. The praise for her choice to publicly come out online - a daunting feat, even when there aren't millions hanging on your every word - stands to have a positive impact that's already visible on social media.
idk but if i was 10 and saw jojo siwa coming out as gay .... the impact that would have on my mental health and confidence as a little girl who just knew she wasn’t straight.. i am so proud of jojo for always being herself and helping a new generation of kids be themselves too
— kya 🌨 (@softsadsatan) January 23, 2021
According to The Trevor Project's 2020 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, over 80% of LGBTQ+ youth say out celebrities make them feel better about being queer.
"When young LGBTQ people can see themselves and their stories represented positively and genuinely, it can offer them perspective on how to cope with similar struggles they're facing in their lives, while also helping to improve their perceptions of the LGBTQ community - and themselves," Tia Dole, Chief Clinical Operations Officer for The Trevor Project, told Insider.
Furthermore, JoJo's brand is and always has been based on living authentically, a theme that emerges frequently in her music and that Kim Kardashian West remarked upon in Siwa's 2020 Time 100 blurb. Her coming out, without a specific label but with an overwhelming feeling of happiness, could also serve as an inspiration to youth.
"I think what we saw with JoJo is that there's really no rules for coming out," Ramos told Insider. "I think youth just need to always do so when they feel supported and safe, which could be at very different points for different people. But for JoJo specifically, I really think the potential for young kids to see her living authentically will ultimately inspire so many of her young fans to do that and accept that part of themselves."
According to queer therapists, Siwa's coming out could help make parents more accepting of their queer children
It's a well-known fact that LGBTQ+ youth suffer from disproportionate rates of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. This is in great part to do unsupportive families who react poorly when their children come out or are outed.
Sometimes families react by throwing their queer and trans children out of the house, as LGBTQ+ youth make up 40% percent of the US youth homeless population.
Other times, families send their children to conversion therapy, a violent tactic that consists of mental, emotional, and physical abuse with the goal of forcibly turning a child straight or cisgender through pseudoscience.
According to Dr. Lea Lis, psychiatrist and author of "No Shame: Real Talk With Your Kids About Sex, Self-Confidence and Healthy Relationships," Siwa's coming out could help parents be more willing to accept their queer children when they come out because of her wide reach and kid-friendly message. "She is a figure for young people and they are going to share her news with their parents," Lis told Insider, highlighting that Siwa's coming out could change multiple viewpoints per family.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Siwa first grew her fame on "Dance Moms," a Lifetime reality show that showcased the tension-laden world of competitive dance. According to Ramos, those origins may also widen her impact.
"There's a lot of people I would say in middle America that probably know who she is and have since followed her, and so I really think that with JoJo coming out, there's a really strong possibility and opportunity for people have their hearts and minds change on what being LGBTQ really means," he told Insider, calling Siwa's coming out a "tremendous opportunity" for parents as well as kids.
Siwa coming out and receiving an outpouring of support from fans could offer hope to queer youth who may feel especially alone during the pandemic, Jor-El Caraballo, a therapist and founder of Viva Wellness NYC, told Insider.
Siwa has said that she's still keeping parts of her personal life private, but that what matters is that others know that "no matter who you love, that it's OK."
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Originally published: Friday, January 22, 2021 at 23:35 GMT.
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