“I’m so proud to be me”: Jojo Siwa Coming Out, Bringing Inspiration and Inclusivity to her Young Audience
Ryan McGinley, Entertainment and Photography Co-Editor
Since her debut on the reality television show Dance Moms in 2015, singer, dancer, and entertainer Jojo Siwa has become a Kids Pop sensation and taken over the entertainment world. At only 17 years old, Siwa has achieved amazing success and has influenced many young kids around the globe. By inspiring children to choose to be positive and live out all of their dreams, she has grown a massive fan base and started a lucrative business, promoting happiness and positivity. She goes on tour around the world and sells any kind of merchandise available, from her iconic hair bows, to cereal, to shampoo. She teaches kids everywhere to be their authentic self all of the time, regardless of negative opinions. Little kids all over the world listen to her music, dance to her songs and dress up in her bows, expressing themselves however they can. Her large following and the dedication from her fans is all a testament to her message of choosing to be yourself and being proud of who you are.
Earlier in 2021, Jojo Siwa posted a Tik Tok video in which she was dancing to Born This Way by Lady Gaga, and she received massive amounts of love and support from her fans and followers. According to NBC, the Tik Tok received over 25 million views, showcasing just how public and important this single video was for Siwa. Many saw it as a post of self expression and a desire to be who you are and love who you love. But soon after, she officially came out on Twitter, opening up to her fans and the world about her sexual orientation. She posted a photo with the caption “My cousin got me a new shirt,” in which she was posing wearing a shirt that said “Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever.” with a big smile on her face. The post received immediate responses and an even larger outpour of support from her fan base and other entertainers, celebrating her for getting the chance to talk about who she is.
Image courtesy of Variety
Image courtesy of Lifetime
Image courtesy of Jojo Siwa's Instagram
Image courtesy of Jojo Siwa's Youtube Channel
Unfortunately, coming out at any age can be an incredibly challenging task. At only 17 years old, coming out to the world could understandably be extremely intimidating, with the eyes of the public on her at all times. Siwa still chose to take this step not only for herself, but to be open with her fans and to let them know they deserve to be accepted and loved, an act of courage and inspiration. As stated by CNN, Siwa is one of the first public figures her age to come out this young, saying, “there is no precedent for what she did.” With a younger generation of followers and fans, she wants everyone to know that it is okay to be who you are and to be proud to love who you love. Taking this step has made Siwa a trailblazer, and helped her to feel closer to her fans.
When discussing the reaction she has received from the public and how she’s felt since coming out, Siwa explains that she is happier than she has been in a long time. According to ABC, Siwa said that this is “the first time that I’ve felt so personally happy.” Siwa has taken a huge step in her own life and for the world. By sharing her sexuality, she has positively impacted the LGBTQ+ community and showed the world how beautiful it is to love and support others and be who you truly are.