It doesn’t always matter when celebrities come out, but when that person is a 17 year old girl with a HUGE mainstream following of mostly children and an enormously popular brand widely known for catering to a younger crowd, it’s a VERY big deal. So congrats to JoJo Siwa on coming out last weekend! In her Instagram video, she stated that she hasn’t settled on a label just yet (which is completely normal, especially for teens like all of you who are still figuring yourselves out!), but she feels so happy to finally be open and free.
It’s amazing that so many young children will have this young queer icon to look up to. Someone who they already admire, who they can now say, “Hey! She’s like me!” Her glittery reach goes out and back like a boomerang (😉), and here’s hoping that her existence as an out queer teen star will help kids feel seen, if nothing else.
And remember: coming out is a VERY personal decision. Only you can choose if or when you ever want to come out. No one should ever force you to come out, or to stay closeted. It is your decision, and yours alone.