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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Louis Chilton

JoJo Siwa says she’s ‘never been this happy before’ after coming out

Photograph: Getty Images for Streamy Awards

YouTube star JoJo Siwa has addressed her followers after coming out as gay.

The 17-year-old singer and dancer, known for her appearances on the reality series Dance Moms, tweeted a picture yesterday of herself wearing a shirt that reads: "Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever.”

Siwa was then flooded with support from her fans a number of high-profile celebrities, including “Old Town Road” artist Lil Nas X, who came out as gay in 2019.

In a new video posted to her Instagram Stories, Siwa said: “Personally I have never, ever, ever been this happy before and it feels really awesome.” 

When she was asked by a fan how she wanted to “label” herself, she said: “I have thought about this and the reason why I'm not ready to say this answer is because I don't really know this answer.”

“I think humans are awesome,” she added. 

“I right now am super duper happy and I want to share everything with the world I really do but I also want to keep things in my life private until they're ready to be public.”

Prior to posting the picture of herself wearing the shirt on Twitter, Siwa had hinted at the announcement by sharing a video on TikTok of herself lip-syncing and dancing to Lady Gaga’s queer anthem “Born This Way”.

As well as Nas X, Ellen DeGeneres and Paris Hilton were among the celebrities to extend their support and congratulations to Siwa.

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