JoJo Siwa Speaks Out on Sexuality and Relationship with Chris Hughes

Pop star and former 'Dance Moms' personality JoJo Siwa has once again addressed her sexuality, firmly stating that her current heterosexual relationship does not invalidate her identity as queer. In a recent interview on SiriusXM's 'Smith Sisters Live' show on September 21, 2025, Siwa clarified, "Just because I'm in a heterosexual relationship does not mean I'm straight. And okay, just say all of a sudden I said 'yeah, I'm straight.' Awesome. I'm not straight."

The 22-year-old entertainer rose to fame as a child on the reality show 'Dance Moms', known for her oversized bows and energetic dance routines. Over time, she transitioned into a successful music career with hits like 'Boomerang' and 'Karma', and became a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate. Siwa came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community in 2021, initially identifying as a lesbian before later describing herself as queer. Her journey has been marked by public scrutiny, especially surrounding her relationships.

Background: From Dance Moms to Celebrity Big Brother UK

Siwa's time on 'Dance Moms' from 2013 to 2016 made her a household name among tweens and teens. She built a brand around positivity, self-expression, and sparkle, but as she grew older, she began to explore more adult themes in her music and public persona. In 2024, she entered the 'Celebrity Big Brother UK' house, where she formed an unexpected connection with 'Love Island' star Chris Hughes. Despite being in a relationship with non-binary influencer Kath Ebbs at the time, Siwa and Hughes were frequently seen cuddling and sharing intimate moments inside the house. The show ended in February 2025, and shortly after, Siwa and Hughes were spotted together publicly, confirming their relationship.

This development came as a surprise to many fans who had known Siwa as a lesbian, leading to debates online about whether her identity had changed. Some questioned if Siwa had been "confused" about her sexuality, while others defended her right to identify as queer regardless of her partner's gender. Siwa has consistently maintained that she is still part of the LGBTQ+ community and that her love for Hughes does not erase her history.

Siwa's Response to Criticism

During the interview, Siwa acknowledged the public confusion but urged people to understand that sexuality can be fluid. She stated, "I mean, I'm in love with a man… But my past doesn't get to be discredited though because of that." This sentiment echoes her earlier statements after leaving the Big Brother house, where she emphasized that her identity is not defined solely by the gender of the person she dates. She has also pointed out that identifying as queer allows for a broader understanding of attraction that may not fit neatly into labels like 'straight' or 'gay'.

The singer's relationship with Chris Hughes has been a topic of intense media interest. Hughes, 30, is best known for his appearance on 'Love Island' in 2017 and subsequent ventures in fitness and modeling. The couple has been photographed together at various events, and Siwa has shared glimpses of their romance on social media. Despite the speculation, Siwa remains confident in her queer identity and continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility.

Broader Context: Queer Identity and Public Perception

Siwa's situation is not unique in the entertainment industry. Many public figures have faced questions about their sexuality when they enter relationships that seem to contradict their previous labels. For instance, actress Anna Paquin has spoken about being in a heterosexual marriage while openly identifying as bisexual. Similarly, singer Halsey has navigated public perceptions of their fluid sexuality. Siwa's case highlights an ongoing conversation about the validity of queer identity in monogamous relationships that appear heterosexual to outsiders.

Activists and academics argue that queerness is about self-identification and community, not about the gender of one's partner. The term 'queer' itself was reclaimed as an umbrella for non-normative sexual and gender identities. By using this label, Siwa joins a growing number of young people who reject binary labels in favor of more flexible terminology. This shift is particularly prominent among Gen Z, who are more likely to identify as bisexual, pansexual, or queer rather than strictly gay or straight.

Siwa's journey also intersects with her previous relationships. Before Chris Hughes, she was in a public relationship with Kath Ebbs, a non-binary influencer. That relationship ended during the filming of 'Celebrity Big Brother UK', which added to the drama of the show. Siwa has not detailed the circumstances of the breakup, but she has expressed gratitude for Ebbs and their time together. Her ability to love across the gender spectrum reinforces her queer identity.

Industry Reactions and Future Plans

Since the interview, many of Siwa's fans have rallied behind her, while critics continue to question her authenticity. The entertainer has not shied away from addressing the backlash head-on. In a previous social media post, she wrote, "You don't have to understand my journey, but you do have to respect it." Siwa's commitment to honesty about her fluid identity has earned her praise from LGBTQ+ organizations. GLAAD, in particular, has commended her for using her platform to educate the public about the nuances of queer life.

Looking ahead, Siwa is working on new music and planning a tour. She has hinted that her upcoming album will explore themes of love, identity, and growth. Chris Hughes has also been supportive, with sources close to the couple saying they are happy and focused on their careers. Siwa continues to be a role model for young fans who may be questioning their own identities. By refusing to be boxed into a label, she demonstrates that being queer is valid regardless of who you date.

The conversation around JoJo Siwa's sexuality is far from over. As she navigates the public eye, she remains a symbol of authenticity and resilience. Her message is clear: love is love, and labels are less important than the truth of one's own experience. Whether single, dating a man, or dating a woman, Siwa's queerness is an integral part of who she is.

Source: MSN News