“I kind of boxed myself in” — JoJo Siwa claims she was pressured by LGBTQ community into calling herself lesbian

JoJo Siwa, 22, revealed the truth about her identity in an April 2025 episode of Celebrity Big Brother.

As Us Weekly reported, she clarified that she is "queer" and "not a lesbian" anymore.

She reflected on her journey of being a lesbian and her sexuality in a recent exclusive conversation with the Daily Mail and admitted,

"When I came out at 17, I said: 'I’m pansexual, because I don’t care [about gender].' But then I kind of boxed myself in and I said: 'I’m a lesbian.' And I think I did that because of pressure."

JoJo Siwa also recalled feeling pressure, particularly, further explaining,

"In a weird way, I think it came a little bit from inside the [LGBTQ] community at times. From people I know, from partners I’ve had. You just get put in this world where you feel like, because you now have said, 'Oh, I’m a lesbian,' you have to be a lesbian. And the truth is, s**uality is fluid."

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JoJo Siwa opened up about her sexuality in a recent interview

The Hold the Drama singer came out of the closet in January 2021. During this significant moment of her life, she was just a 17-year-old and was signed by Nickelodeon.

As the Daily Mail confirmed, JoJo Siwa did not discuss her reveal particularly with anyone. Instead, she posted her picture wearing a t-shirt with "Best Gay Cousin Ever" written on it.

The next morning, she came across unexpected interactions. Recalling a conversation with the company's president for whom she was working, she revealed that she was asked what the firm would convey to her young fans.

Additionally, the president asked her to reach out to the retailers carrying her products and inform them that she was not losing her mind.

JoJo Siwa remembered those days and chimed in that the retailers were "so supportive, so excited, so happy."

She also continued,

"I honestly think that made the company be like: 'Whoa, maybe we’re the problem.'"

Before Hughes, Siwa dated Kath Ebbs. The estranged couple confirmed their relationship in January 2025. However, they broke up just three months after the afterparty of Celebrity Big Brother U.K. season 24, as per a People magazine report.

Following the split, netizens found Kath sharing sad videos on TikTok, hinting at the recent breakup. JoJo reacted to it, simply saying,

"It's all good. Sometimes people just like to have a quick bite."

Ever since she came out of the closet, she has had to face remarks and challenges. Mickey Rourke bullied her at the Celebrity Big Brother house. Nickelodeon did not invite her to the popular Kids' Choice Awards.

Despite everything Siwa encountered in the past few years, she remained firm. During her recent interview, she conveyed her feelings, saying,

"Gone crazy? Yes. I mean, I'm young; there’s still time for me to develop and to process more of what’s happened in my life. But, truth be told, I think I’ve done most of that. I've already thought about it and I’m beyond happy with it all. If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change a thing. Really. Zero. I would change nothing."

Now, JoJo Siwa is dating Love Island's Chris Hughes. Earlier this month, she spoke with The Guardian and confirmed her relationship with Hughes, announcing,

"It’s not platonic any more."

As Entertainment Weekly reported, the "Guilty Pleasure" singer further added,

"It’s been a beautiful development, a beautiful connection, and I’m absolutely head over heels for him and he’s the same way."

Expressing her appreciation for the relationship,

"This is a very genuine connection — we’re not faking a thing. People can see our chemistry, and they got to see it develop."

The couple often shares glimpses of their romance on Instagram.