Why JoJo Siwa Faces Rejection from the LGBTQ+ Community

JoJo Siwa once symbolized joy, youth, and hope. Lately, her recent behavior – cursing out a fan and claiming she wanted to start an already-established genre called “gay pop” – has given many the “ick,” particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, of which she is a member.

On a recent Instagram post promoting the 21-year-old’s debut EP and single “Guilty Pleasure,” one user commented, “As a gay person we do not claim whatever this is.” Another added, “Cannot believe THE creator of gay pop missed the opportunity to have a pride month release.” While some comments were supportive, it’s clear that many are not resonating with Siwa’s new darker, grittier aesthetic. USA TODAY has reached out to Siwa’s representatives for comment.

Siwa’s perceived lack of authenticity and ignorance of queer history has sparked criticism from the LGBTQ+ community and experts. “JoJo Siwa is exemplary of a problem plaguing her generation: willful ignorance about the past coupled with keen eagerness to be ‘iconic,'” says Kadian Pow, an expert in popular culture and social media.

However, this doesn’t mean she can’t change course. Craig Loftin, a lecturer in American Studies at Cal State Fullerton and LGBT and pop culture specialist, says, “As a community, we are often harsh on each other, and sometimes that harshness is motivated by love and a desire to help someone. I don’t think the boos are meant to be hateful so much as rather corrective.”

Following the release of her song and music video “Karma” on April 5, which features a large cast of female dancers on a yacht, opinions flooded in about her outfits, exaggerated dance moves, and voice. It’s a far cry from her “Dance Moms” and Nickelodeon days.

“At its core, JoJo’s pop music rebrand exclaims obnoxious ‘pick me’ behavior, prompts cringe-worthy audience embarrassment, and displays an underdeveloped queer-baiting model curated by record executives,” says Melvin Williams, associate professor of communication and media studies at Pace University.

Social media users mocked her for saying she would love to have one of her exes featured on her podcast “JoJo Siwa Now.” They were especially offended by her desire to “start a new genre of music…called gay pop.” In an interview with Billboard, Siwa responded, “The internet has taken me through the freaking ringer. But at the end of the day, I made the art that I wanted to, and I’m so happy, so proud, so excited to bring this version of pop music back.”

Siwa has since walked back her “gay pop” comments, but that hasn’t stopped the criticism regarding her lack of knowledge about queer and pop music history. “Her ignorance of queer history, pop music history, and the important intersections between the two going back to the 1800s, is loud and egocentric,” Loftin adds. “She’s embarrassing herself.”

Her grittier, raunchier aesthetic has drawn comparisons to Miley Cyrus, another queer artist who sought to break out of a child star mold. However, “unlike queer artists like Miley Cyrus or contemporarily Chappell Roan, JoJo’s music is devoid of authenticity, commercial success, riveting vocal prowess, and the distinctive artistic branding and visuality required to entice queer audiences seeking more nuanced queer musical offerings,” Williams says.

There are varied opinions about the severity of the criticism Siwa faces. “There is nothing new about mainstream criticism of former child stars’ development into adults, including disgust about their adult sexual identities,” says Shana Goldin-Perschbacher, associate professor of music studies at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Ironically, many child stars are professionally sexualized from the start.

Some fans defend Siwa, urging others to support her journey of self-discovery. “I don’t understand why you all hate her,” a fan wrote in an Instagram comment. “She’s trying to be herself. There are millions of people following her. If you don’t like her music or her fashion choices, don’t follow her on social media. Follow those you do like. Stop being negative and learn to pick people up instead of putting them down.”

While celebrities often rebrand, Loftin points out that Siwa’s attempt to negate her original star persona completely rather than adding layers to it has met with confusion and scorn. “Sudden drastic image changes for celebrities often are met with confusion and scorn by dedicated and casual fans,” he adds.

This phenomenon is even more pronounced in the era of social media. People feel they know Siwa on an intimate level, “thus feel entitled to express themselves bluntly and honestly towards her,” Loftin notes.

Only time will tell where Siwa’s place in LGBTQ+ history and pop music will lie. The conversation will likely continue as we grapple with what queerness looks like in 2024 and beyond. “The best artists are also students of their craft, especially if they want to be more than a flash in the pan,” Pow says. “I’m not sure if JoJo is actually passionate about the music she’s making, or if this is a pit stop on the road to discovering her next role.”

Source: USA TODAY