Sep 13
JoJo Siwa Decries Biphobic Backlash, Says Queer Community “Turned On Her” for Dating a Man
READ TIME: 6 MIN.
JoJo Siwa has been an outspoken member of the LGBTQ+ community since her 2021 coming out. Siwa initially identified as pansexual and later as lesbian, consistently sharing her personal journey with millions of fans across social media and television appearances . Her openness has made her a role model for many young LGBTQ+ individuals seeking representation.
Over the last year, Siwa’s romantic life has been particularly visible. She was in a relationship with Australian dancer Kath Ebbs during the filming of “Celebrity Big Brother UK” in April 2025, where she met British reality star Chris Hughes . After the season concluded, Siwa and Ebbs broke up, and Siwa quickly shut down rumors that Hughes was the reason for their split.
By June, Siwa publicly confirmed her relationship with Hughes to The Guardian, describing it as a “beautiful development” and saying she is “absolutely head over heels for him” . Their relationship has since featured heavily in both traditional media and social platforms, with Siwa sharing candid moments and affectionate photos with Hughes.
In a recent appearnce on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, Siwa talked about how some in the queer community have criticized her for her relationship with Hughes. “It is hard because it feels like my own family has turned a little bit," Siwa told Smith. "And I think we are the LGBTQIA+ family, not the LG community, and it’s a beautiful rainbow — and the number one saying of the queer community is, 'Love is love.' And that goes both ways."
Siwa’s comments have prompted a range of responses from LGBTQ+ advocates, fans, and commentators. Many supporters have rallied behind the pop star, emphasizing that queer identities are not invalidated by the gender of one’s current partner. Some critics, however, have accused Siwa of “queerbaiting” or exploiting LGBTQ+ identity for attention—a charge that has been repeatedly rejected by advocates who highlight the harm of gatekeeping and erasure within the queer community itself.
Public figures and queer activists have weighed in, calling for more nuanced conversations about the diversity of queer experiences. “JoJo’s experience is too common,” said a spokesperson from BiNet USA. “We see bi and pan folks questioned and policed constantly. We should celebrate every authentic expression of queerness, not turn against each other” .
Siwa’s situation highlights the complex pressures faced by LGBTQ+ celebrities. Visibility can be empowering but also exposes individuals to intense scrutiny. For young queer people, Siwa’s journey offers both hope and caution: the affirmation of identity remains essential, but acceptance from the broader community can be uneven.
