Young Influncer, JoJo Siwa has exploded in the news recently for her decision to come out despite her young fanbase.
On January 20th when Jojo released a Tik Tok video of her lip-syncing to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” lyrics. The lyrics that specifically captured everyone’s attention were lines aimed at the LGBTQ+ community.
“No matter gay, straight, or bi, Lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track baby, I was born to survive.”
Many took that as confirmation and congratulated on her coming out while many others were still on the fence. After all, lip-syncing a few lyrics doesn’t necessarily mean anything about one’s sexuality.
Speculations started to seem more likely when a Tik Tok collab involving JoJo was also released on the 20th. The Tik Tok includes a bunch of LGBTQ+ members dancing with JoJo. Paramore’s “Ain’t it Fun” played in the background while Jojo was introduced on the “baby, now you’re one of us” line.
The rumors continued to circulate until Jojo put them to rest herself with a twitter post and Instagram post on the 22th. It’s a picture of her wearing a shirt her cousin gave her with the words “Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever.”
This tweet spawned a lot of supportive comments and memes congratulating her on coming out. One of her young fans even posted a Tik Tok about how happy she was for Jojo since she herself has two moms.
“I think many in her fanbase will feel encouraged to come out as well,” said Ms.Vargas. “Yet, I imagine that many parents or more conservative consumers may be turned off by the coming out because it does not align with their values.”
This ended up ringing true as many have commented under Jojo’s posts saying it was “inappropriate” considering how young Jojo’s fanbase is. There was even one mother who stated on JoJo’s instagram post that her child will never watch her videos again with JoJo replying back okay. Despite some of the backlash she received over this decision, JoJo has stated she’s happier than ever.
“I always take great pause when a child celebrity makes public declarations because of their reach and influence on young consumers,” said Ms. Vargas. “However, I believe living in your truth is essential for a person’s inner peace. Hence, by coming out, Jojo Siwa may have given other young people the courage to come out, attempt to live in their truth, and ultimately achieve inner peace as well.”
