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JoJo Siwa has publicly shared that she no longer identifies as a lesbian, a realization she came to during her time on the UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother. The 21-year-old dancer and internet personality revealed the change in a candid conversation with fellow housemate and RuPaul's Drag Race star Danny Beard.
"I feel so queer," JoJo confessed during a bedroom chat, to which Danny replied, "I'm queer!" Siwa then elaborated, "I've never—I think I've always told myself, I'm a lesbian. I think being here, I've realized I am not a lesbian, I'm queer." She went on to say, "I'm switching letters! I've dropped the L and I've gone to the Q baby! That's what I love about sexuality."
The term "queer" is widely used as an umbrella term for people who don't identify as exclusively heterosexual. JoJo previously came out as pansexual in 2021 but has described herself as gay in past interviews.
Her evolving identity comes amid speculation about her close and affectionate friendship with fellow housemate Chris Hughes, known from Love Island. The two have been seen cuddling in bed, and Chris even admitted wanting to kiss JoJo. Their bond has sparked rumors online and led to negative comments directed at JoJo's partner, Kath Ebbs, who identifies as non-binary and uses she/they pronouns. As a result, Kath has disabled comments on her Instagram posts.
JoJo addressed her relationship with Kath on the We Need To Talk podcast, saying, "I have the most amazing, beautiful partner... With Kath, I just trust them beyond trust."
She also recounted moments from her past that shaped her understanding of her sexuality, including her first crush on a girl she met at 16. "She became my first girlfriend," JoJo shared, recalling how she first confessed having a crush on a girl to her. She added, "My mum said, 'Do you like her as a friend or more than a friend?' and I said, 'More than a friend.'"
JoJo's time in the Celebrity Big Brother house has not been without controversy. Fellow housemate Mickey Rourke was removed after making homophobic comments, including calling her a slur and stating, "If I stay longer than four days, you won't be gay anymore." JoJo responded, "I can guarantee I'll still be gay and I'll still be in a very happy relationship."
