JoJo on Coming Out as LGBTQ!: 'I'M THE HAPPIEST I'VE EVER BEEN!'

Youtube sensation Jojo Siwa shares her joy at finally living her truth at age 17

Speaking to fans via Instagram Live, Jojo Siwa couldn’t stop smiling. “Personally, I have never ever, ever been this happy before,” the 17-yearold gushed during the Jan. 23 appearance. “It feels really awesome!”

The reason? Days earlier, the perky singer, dancer and general influencer had come out as a member of the LGBTQ community — first by posting a video of herself lip syncing to Lady Gaga’s acceptance anthem, “Born This Way,” and later by sharing a pic of herself in a T-shirt bearing the words, “Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever,” which she simply captioned, “My cousin got me a new shirt.” While

Jojo says that her sexuality reveal didn’t come as a surprise to loved ones, sharing the news with the world left her excited about starting a new chapter of her life. “Of course people are going to say it’s not normal, but nothing is normal,” says the star, who split from beau Mark Bontempo, 19, in 2020. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, that’s what matters.”

POSITIVE VIBES ONLY

Jojo’s announcement was lauded by fellow celebs like Ellen Degeneres and Kerry Washington. But there was also some controversy. Homophobic comments were made by internet trolls,

while one parent declared, “My daughter will never watch you again.” Jojo’s response: “Okay!” She’s too busy finally living her truth to care about haters. “Jojo definitely feels like a weight has been lifted,” says a source. “She feels free and hopes that this will help others be true to their own feelings.”

She’s Never Labeled Herself “Jojo always felt different, but never in a bad way,” says a source close to the singer. “She’s had crushes on boys and girls and the decision to come out now just felt right.”

Her No. 1 Fan Jojo’s former Dance Moms coach Abby Lee Miller was among the stars who voiced their support.