In a Billboard interview published on Tuesday, June 3, the 22-year-old performer and Dance Moms alum reflected on the public's reaction to her newly confirmed romance with Hughes, 32, and how it has stirred discussion about her identity.
"It's really hard because people tear it apart," Siwa said, referring to public scrutiny around her sexuality. "I understand if you have no context why people tear things apart... there's people going through this same thing that I'm going through."
Siwa, who came out in 2021, shared that she's dated women, non-binary individuals, and men. "I've dated beautiful women, I've dated beautiful non-binary people, I've dated men... and I realize that's just who I am," she explained. "For myself, I just like humans."
She acknowledged that some people struggle to embrace changes in their identity, especially when they feel boxed into a label. "There's somebody who's identified as one sexuality and then maybe had this realization within themselves," she said, adding that they might feel unable to "change or grow."
Discussing her relationship with Hughes, Siwa revealed she never expected to form a bond with him. "It's the weirdest idea," she admitted, adding, "[He's someone I would] die for... when someone comes into your life and you enjoy it, you can tell."
Siwa publicly confirmed their relationship in an interview with The Guardian on June 2, saying their connection had evolved into something more than friendship. "It's not platonic anymore," she said. "It's been a beautiful development, a beautiful connection, and I'm absolutely head over heels for him, and he's the same way."
When they met, Siwa identified as a lesbian and was dating actor Kath Ebbs, who is non-binary. The couple split shortly after the show wrapped, but Siwa has denied that Hughes played any role in the breakup.
Amid claims that her romance with Hughes is a PR stunt, Siwa responded firmly: "Clearly, you've never been around us. The happiness in my life just radiates off of me." She added, "Yesterday, I was massaging my cheeks; I've never been in pain from smiling so much."
