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Sexuality, much to the dismay of those like Donald Trump and his supporters who try to box it into rigid categories, is a journey of discovery. You learn more about it as you grow, and no one better exemplifies this than JoJo Siwa. She recently made waves by stepping back from her previous label of being a lesbian after just 19 days in the Big Brother house.
In 2021, JoJo Siwa publicly opened up about her sexuality but refrained from sticking to any one label, explaining that she hadn’t fully figured it out yet. Over time, she came to identify as pansexual, then shifted to calling herself a lesbian in 2023 during a video with Joey Graceffa. But things took another turn in 2025 when Siwa entered Celebrity Big Brother UK on April 7. Cut off from the outside world, Siwa found herself getting close to her housemate, Chris Hughes. They were often seen flirting, cuddling, and hugging during the show, which raised questions about her relationship with Australian content creator Kath Ebbs. Regardless of that, it was clear that this experience played a significant role in her evolving understanding of her sexuality.
During the show, Siwa confided in co-star Danny Beard, who had won RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, saying, “I think I’ve always told myself I’m a lesbian… but being here, I realize, ‘Oh, I’m not a lesbian, I’m queer.’ And I think that’s really cool. I’m switching letters! F*** the L, I’m going to the Q.” She expressed how much she loved the fluidity of sexuality and how it allowed her to explore and express herself in new ways.
This shift from identifying as a lesbian to embracing a queer identity marks a significant moment in Siwa’s personal journey of self-discovery. She reflected on her connection with nonbinary individuals and, although she felt a bond with them, she wasn’t ready to adopt that label for herself just yet.
However, not everyone on the show was open-minded about Siwa’s evolving identity. In the early episodes, actor Mickey Rourke aggressively questioned Siwa about her sexuality, mocking her for identifying as a lesbian and for her relationship with a nonbinary partner. He made crude comments, even claiming that if he stayed longer than four days, Siwa “won’t be gay anymore,” and further added that he would “vote the lesbian out real quick,” using a homophobic slur in the process.
This contrast between Siwa’s open exploration of her sexuality and Rourke’s outdated, harmful attitude highlights the ongoing challenges many face when it comes to understanding and accepting the fluidity of sexual identity. While Siwa’s journey shows how embracing one’s true self can be empowering, it also serves as a reminder of the ignorance and intolerance some still face today.