Just days after dancing to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” on TikTok in a rainbow-adorned outfit, JoJo Siwa seemingly addressed her sexual identity further. In a tweet on Friday, January 22, the YouTuber shared a photo of herself wearing a shirt reading “Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever.” In the caption, she added, “My cousin got me a new shirt.”
Fans on social media have been taking this to mean that JoJo was, in fact, coming out when she posted those TikToks earlier this week, and plenty of people — including lots of celebs — have flocked to the 17-year-old’s page to congratulate her and offer their support. Lil Nas X, Ellen DeGeneres, Paris Hilton, and Rachel Zegler have been among the many stars who have shared their excitement for JoJo’s journey.
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Others are noting that JoJo’s coming out is a huge win for representation among LGBTQ+ youth, and it sends a big message to other young folks who are embracing their own sexual identities. As YouTuber and Instagram star Matt Bernstein wrote on Twitter, “Ok but the impact of JoJo Siwa coming out to millions of very very young kids and their parents ?? the normalization this has .... a queen.”
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The speculation surrounding JoJo’s sexual identity began a few days ago, when the YouTuber shared a TikTok of herself lip syncing along with Gaga’s “Born This Way” lyrics, mouthing the words: “No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgender life, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to survive.” Another video showed JoJo dancing with members of the LGBTQ+ TikTok group Pride House while Paramore’s “Aint It Fun” plays in the background.
It’s important to note that it remains up to JoJo whether or not she wants to elaborate any further on her sexuality, and sometimes a picture (or an emoji) is all you need to share your identity with the world! Either way, it’s clear that the YouTuber has a ton of support — and plenty of rainbow glitter — by her side every step of the way.
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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: Fans Think JoJo Siwa Came Out as Queer
