As the Dance Moms alum and TikTok sensation JoJo Siwa marks two years of embracing her truest self, it is worth reflecting on the impact and importance of her coming out journey.
On Saturday, Siwa shared a throwback photo on her Instagram page with her 11.4 million followers, celebrating the second anniversary of her coming out. In the caption, she wrote, “Two years ago today now looking back on everything…. I’m SO proud of 17-year-old JoJo.” The photo featured Siwa wearing a “BEST. GAY. COUSIN. EVER.” T-shirt, which she previously posted to come out as a member of the LGBTQ community in a series of posts on TikTok and Instagram back in January 2021.
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At the time, Siwa teased the news with a lip sync of Lady Gaga’s 2011 LGBTQ anthem “Born This Way” and a visit to the TikTok crew Pride House LA. In an interview with PEOPLE, she explained that she was still figuring out how to label her identity, but it was the “first time that I’ve felt so personally happy.”
Siwa’s coming out was an important moment for the LGBTQ community, especially for young people who may have been struggling with their own identities. Her candidness and openness about her own journey helped to empower and inspire others to be true to themselves. As she said in the interview, “I always just say gay because it just kind of covers it, or queer because I think the keyword is cool.”
We commend JoJo Siwa for her courage and for being a role model for others. Her journey is a reminder that everyone deserves to live authentically and without fear. Two years later, we celebrate her continued growth and self-acceptance.
