Jojo Siwa

Even if you have never watched Dance Moms chances are you will know the name Jojo Siwa through her bubblegum fun poptastic songs, massive hair bows and bold make-up looks. For the last few years Jojo has danced and sung her way across Youtube, Instagram and Tiktok to amass a massive 54 million followers and counting.

Now at the age of 17, Jojo has come out as gay and she proudly says she’s the happiest she’s ever been. The story has made headlines around the world.

So why is this such a big deal? In short, never before has such a young voice, with such as large audience come out so loudly, so proudly and so positively. 

From a societal perspective, as her audience is largely young tweens, she is an example unlike any LGBTQ young people have had before. It’s also impactful for parents to see how JoJo's parents have shown their support publicly. 

As with anyone on social media – a massive star or not, - being open and honest on social media will always have its downside – negative comments, online bullying, trolling, so to make this statement is bold, even brave.

But as Jojo’s message is all about ‘proudly be you’ and ‘love yourself’ it seems in this instance, her unrelenting positivity and overwhelming support from her fans will drown out the negative comments. Her statement therefore, will be as much about her coming out as about supporting other young people who feel the same.

What are your thoughts? Please share them with us at comments@franc.world. But please remember, as always, we are a platform for positivity (like Jojo!). If you can’t be kind, be quiet.