Jojo Siwa is quite an alternative pop star. Originally from the show Dance Moms, she burst into the pop music scene with a unique bang. However, what made her unique is also what confused fans about her recent announcement of her relationship with Chris Hughes. Jojo Siwa claimed in the past that she wanted to create a new genre of music, which she titled “gay pop.” But her novel’s heterosexual relationship conflicts with her previous message(s).
Jojo Siwa, a Notable Queer Figurehead
Ever since her coming out around several years ago as “gay”, she has associated herself with the label “gay icon,” confirmed by her on the Ellen Show in 2011. Her announcement created waves not only in the LGBTQ community but also in the pop community, as LGBTQ females are few and far between. Besides Hayley Kiyoko (an openly lesbian singer and actor), there are almost no lesbian-identifying women in the world of pop, which made Jojo’s announcement all the more significant.
In a lot of heterosexual music videos, sexuality is commonly a big theme with men and women winding and grinding against each other on the regular. However, there are not many that reflect similar themes for same-sex partners. Jojo Siwa’s videos, such as “Karma” and “Guilty Pleasure,” have helped normalize same-sex relationships and joined the likes of Lil Nas X (an openly gay pop/hip-hop star) and Hayley Kiyoko’s impacts on the cause.
Shocking Announcement
As previously mentioned, Jojo continuously self-described as “gay,” which is typically only used to describe same-sex relationships. In multiple interviews, she only talks about having relationships with girls. Then, suddenly after starring on ‘Celebrity Big Brother UK’, she announced that she was currently in a “special relationship” with co-star Chris Hughes, an entrepreneur and author, who is 11 years her senior.
No one is chastising Siwa for having a partner, but her thoughtless actions/comments may cause a negative light for the LGBTQ community. For instance, a common sentiment that anti-LGBTQ bigots have is that anyone can turn straight if they find the right man/woman. In their minds, Siwa is ‘switching sides’ may be all the ammo they need to put down other members of the LGBTQ community.
Final Thoughts
In no way is Siwa wrong for being who she truly is. Sexuality is a complicated thing that can fluctuate or change as time goes on. It is great that Jojo Siwa is exploring her identity. However, for the sake of others in the LGBTQ community, she should consider exploring her sexuality outside of the public eye. This could be as simple as not labelling herself as one thing or the other to avoid disappointment for fans who assimilated with her previous message, and to save other LGBTQ members from ridicule.
