JoJo Siwa – she from the huge shiny ties, colorful clothes and “Dance Moms” backgrounds – apparently became gay, sharing the news on Friday on Twitter with the help of a T-shirt with a message.
“My cousin gave me a new shirt,” tweeted the 17-year-old, sharing an image of the black T-shirt with the inscription “BEST. GAY. COUSIN. ALWAYS. “A rainbow emoji was also featured prominently in his Twitter bio.
Followers of the upbeat YouTube star and Nickelodeon celebrated the announcement with Siwa’s departure, welcoming him to the LGBTQ community with open arms.
Longtime friend Colleen Ballinger of the famous “Miranda Sings” congratulated Siwa on Twitter, writing “This is the happiest I’ve ever seen you. You are absolutely radiant and I am very proud of the woman you are becoming! love yoooou! “
Siwa, who also released songs like “Boomerang” and “DREAM”, spawned a separate wave on social media on Thursday with a TikTok video in which, bathed in rainbow lights, she sang along with the verses of the hymn. Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.”
Of particular interest were the lines Siwa chose to recite: “It doesn’t matter if you are gay, straight or bi / lesbian, transgender life / I am on the right track, baby / I was born to survive”, taking some of his 31.3 million followers I believe it was her leaving.
“WE LOVE IT FOR YOU,” wrote influencer Brenna D’Amico in the comments on the TikTok video.
“I AM HAPPY FOR YOU,” wrote beauty influencer James Charles.
Before that, Siwa, who built his empire with business experience, lit up the internet by visiting the collective TikTok Pride House LA and collaborated with queer TikTokers.
Siwa has deep ties to the community. In 2018, she was asked about her “gay icon status” by drag queens Izzy Uncut and Poppy during an event in New York. According to Out, Siwa said that she is comfortable with everyone and wants everyone to be comfortable with her, and that she loves and supports people for what they are, without exclusions.
Siwa’s representatives did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for additional comments.
Times staff writer Christie D’Zurilla contributed to this report.