JoJo Siwa has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, or her truth. But after her stint on Celebrity Big Brother UK, her evolving identity and new romance with fellow contestant Chris Hughes have stirred up more than just headlines. Thankfully, Hughes is stepping in to clap back at critics questioning Siwa’s place in the LGBTQ+ community.
From Labels to Liberation
During her time on Big Brother, Siwa had a heartfelt conversation with Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard about how her understanding of herself has shifted. The 22-year-old performer, once a self-described lesbian, shared that “queer” now feels like the more accurate label.
“I feel, like, so queer,” Siwa said on the show. “I’ve always told myself I’m a lesbian, and I think being here I’ve realised, ‘Oh, I’m not a lesbian, I’m queer.’ I’ve dropped the L and gone to the Q, baby!”
It wasn’t just about who she loves. Siwa also cracked open her thoughts on gender identity, hinting at a deeper exploration that’s still in process.
“I don’t know… it’s confusing,” she told Hughes at one point. “I’ve met people in my life that are non-binary, and these beautiful non-binary people are who I feel the most like.”
A New Chapter and A New Love
Amid the self-discovery came something else unexpected: a budding romance with Hughes, the 32-year-old reality TV personality best known from Love Island. After weeks of speculation, Siwa confirmed to The Guardian in June that their connection had turned romantic.
“It’s not platonic anymore,” she said. “It’s a beautiful development… I’m absolutely head over heels for him.”
View this post on Instagram
But not everyone celebrated the news. The internet, as it often does, had opinions—many of them biphobic. Some critics even accused Siwa of “turning straight,” despite her very public queerness.
Chris Hughes Isn’t Having It
In a recent interview with The Sun’s Fabulous magazine, Hughes directly addressed the backlash, and firmly defended Siwa.
“She is bisexual. She’s not now straight because she’s with me,” he said. “She’s still part of the LGBTQ+ community; she always will be.”
He also shared how upsetting it’s been to see his partner face online hate.
“I do feel a sense of responsibility that being with me has led to her getting hate,” Hughes admitted. “But I don’t understand how anyone could be mean to someone as caring as her.”
Age Is Just a Number and So Is the Gender of Who You Love
Hughes also opened up about their 10-year age gap, brushing it off with a bit of humor: “She’s one of the most mature people I’ve ever met, and I’m very immature. But it works.”
And yes, wedding bells might be in the daydreams.
View this post on Instagram
“I’d love to marry her,” he added. “I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I run through scenarios of our wedding day.”
JoJo Siwa’s journey, like anyone else’s, isn’t up for public approval. Whether she’s dropping letters from the LGBTQ+ acronym or dancing her way through new chapters, she remains proudly, unapologetically queer. And with Hughes by her side, she’s not backing down anytime soon.
