JoJo Siwa Recalls Social Media Being 'Safe Space' While Coming Out
By Fiyin Olowokandi on June 14, 2023 at 6:00 PM EDT
JoJo Siwa is opening up about her coming-out experience and how social media played a role in making it a positive experience.
The internet may be a scary place filled with people dishing out criticisms from the safety of their screens. However, the media sharing platforms allow celebrities like the "Dance Mom" alum to be their true selves.
The sensational singer is no stranger to connecting with her adoring fans through popular sites like TikTok and recently got candid about the benefits of using these apps.
JoJo Siwa Says She Was 'Excited' To Find Her People On Social Media
During a recent interview with E! News, the 20-year-old reflected on her coming-out journey. The blonde beauty revealed why she prioritized announcing her LGBTQ+ membership on social media instead of breaking the news in person.
Praising the social platforms for making her experience challenge-free, the Omaha native explained she found it "easier" to discuss her sexuality online because it housed people who understood and supported her feelings.
"Just getting social media for me, it gave me a safe space when I came out," the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award winner confessed, referring to her viral 2021 clip. The entertainer filmed herself singing along to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" song in the social media post.
Despite being 17 at the time of the video, the "JoJo's Guide to the Sweet Life" author was unafraid to embrace her genuine self. According to Siwa, she "knew that even if everyone around me didn't support me that there was gonna be people online that did."
"And I knew that I was gonna find those people, and I was excited about that," the media personality continued. "I always told myself it would be easier to come out online than in person. And I do believe that's very true."
As an award-winning creator with millions of subscribers on her "Its JoJo Siwa" YouTube channel, among other platforms, the Omaha native saw the beauty of social media. Gushing about them, the 20-year-old chimed:
"I've never talked about this before, but social media is an art. And a lot of times, people dog on influencers and nag on influencers saying that anyone could do it. That's not true. Social media, it really is an art."
Additionally, the Nickelodeon alum was happy to have found her place in the online community, saying: "It's been fun to figure out what ways I get to be a part of that. You know what I mean? How I fit into the piece of the puzzle there."
Apart from having supportive fans, the "Lip Sync Battle Shorties" star listed some influential LGBTQ+ icons who impacted her coming-out journey. These individuals included Elton John, her "superstar ally" Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and the late Freddie Mercury.
"Miley Cyrus is a freaking icon till the day I die. Freddie Mercury has taught me a lot. Freddie Mercury has gotten me through a lot of my insecurities. And he's not even alive here. He's fixed my brain," the blonde beauty raved.
After everything she has experienced and learned from these stars, the "Kid in a Candy Store" artist concluded her story with a powerful message to those struggling with sexuality.
"Be yourself. You have to know that you're always changing," the Emmy nominee stressed. "You're always growing. You're always evolving. Never, ever put yourself in a box. And never limit yourself."
The YouTuber Was Honored At The Annual Real to Reel LGBTQ+ Event
Days before recounting her coming-out story, the blonde beauty received a prestigious award inducting her into the halls of fame for LGBTQ+ icons in honor of Pride Month. On June 8, the 20-year-old was honored at the 10th annual "Real to Reel: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQ+s in Hollywood."
Per the event's description, the ceremony was an "educational, entertaining, and informative retrospective of LGBTQ images in film and television." It featured "costumes, props, photos, and iconic imagery" that told the "story of the milestones and influence that LBGTQ characters and plot lines have had in Hollywood."
Donna Dadigan, Founder and President of the Hollywood Museum, explained that the institution would revisit significant LGBTQ moments in history with memorabilia, including personal artifacts from famous LGBTQ+ artists and gay icons from television, film, and music.
Given her active support for the LGBTQ+ community, the "JoJo and BowBow: Candy Kisses" author was blessed with the prestigious Future of Hollywood award. The honor was presented by the actress Raven Symoné at the Hollywood Museum.
