Gender positivity, gender equality, and inclusivity are a big deal right now. As people understand sexuality better, how it does and does not matter, they become more understanding towards LGBT+ members.
Sex toy and sex doll companies support these movements by making sexual wellness products for non-cisgender people. They want to promote LGBT rights and self-expression. Understanding oneself and sexuality is key to having healthy psychological well-being. Thus, what they are doing helps these people so much.
Sex tech is not the only sector that does this, however. Other fields and industries show their support through their own ways. For instance, the entertainment industry helped star Jojo Siwa, a pansexual, feel more comfortable.
Jojo Siwa
Joelle Joanie Siwa, more known for her alias Jojo Siwa is an American teen celebrity. She is a dancer who appeared for two seasons on Dance Moms along with Jessalynn Siwa, her mother. Jojo is also a singer, known for her singles “Boomerang” and “Kid in a Candy Store.” Furthermore, Jojo Siwa is a vlogger, posting videos about her daily life on the video streaming platform Youtube. She also authored several books. The star was included on Time‘s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020. Jojo Siwa’s brand is built on a foundation of self-love. For that, and for being a voice for the younger generation, she deserves the spot.
Jojo Siwa’s Relationships and Sexuality
It took long before Jojo Siwa realized her non-binary sexuality, but she received nothing but love and support when she did.
Jojo Siwa had a heterosexual relationship with TikTok star Mark Bontempo. They confirmed their relationship on August 1, which is National Girlfriend Day. In their respective TikTok accounts, the two have posted videos that confirmed their ongoing relationship. Fans loved how happy they are and how good they looked together. However, the romance between the two was short-lived. It lasted until November only. Although their romantic relationship did not work, the celebrities said that they remained friends after the break-up.
Then, in January this year, Jojo Siwa revealed that she is not straight. She later revealed her romantic relationship with her best friend, Kylie Prew.
When asked by a fan about what her sexuality is, the star said she doesn’t really know. Then, in an interview with People, she was asked the same question. In response, Jojo said she has always used the terms gay and queer because those are umbrella terms that cover them all. She also liked to joke that the correct label for her is “Ky-sexual” because Kylie is the one she loves. All jokes aside, she said she is leaning more towards pansexuality.
In her own words, Siwa said that her person would be her person. It does not matter if that person is a boy or a girl. Based on that, you could argue that she is bisexual. However, she said it herself that she technically would be considered pansexual because she knows she is capable of loving someone regardless of their gender identity.
Pansexuality
A person that is pansexual can get attracted to people who identify as male, female, or neither of those. They are versatile and flexible in relationships. In line with Jojo Siwa’s statement, pansexuals see people for who they are, not for what they identify with. To them, a great person is a great person, a candidate for a romantic relationship. Because of this nature, pansexuality is the gender identity that is the most inclusive.
Jojo Siwa said this could be the label for her since she feels like this ever since. However, she is still not sure if it really embodies her sexuality. So, you can also say she belongs to the Queer or Questioning group of people. It doesn’t really matter, though. Jojo believes and shows that you should not feel pressured when discovering yourself. You should not rush to find a label for your sexuality. That ideal is something that sex toys and sexual wellness companies also promote. Intimacy with yourself is essential for your growth, so you take your time when you are reflecting.
Jojo Siwa and The Kissing Scene
The teen star has already achieved a lot, but she is still trying to expand her horizons. She is not stopping at doing different things that eventually would lead to learning more about herself. Currently, she is working on an upcoming film. The film is titled Bounce; a Christmas movie adapted from Megan Shull’s young adult novel of the same name.
In the script of the film, there is a kissing scene between Jojo’s character and a man. Jojo, being in a relationship and slightly confused about her sexuality, wants it to be removed. She publicized this wish in a story for Entertainment Weekly‘s Pride digital cover. Jojo says, “I’m madly in love, and I do not want to kiss another human. Especially because it’s a man.” Jojo says that she is not about it, and she wants it to be pulled so badly.
A source close to Siwa told Variety that the kissing scene is not essential to moving the story. Thus, it can be removed without affecting the outcome of the movie. And the producers should because clearly, Siwa is not comfortable with it.
Thankfully, Will Smith’s production company Westbrook Studios – the one making the film- is understanding and supportive. It seems that they granted the wish of the actress.
Just after the interview with Entertainment weekly dropped, Jojo tweeted something about the movie makers. The tweet says Jojo is overjoyed because her friends at Paramount, especially Caleeb Pinkett, the film producer, are very supportive. They assured her that she does not have to do anything that makes her uncomfortable. For that, Jojo Siwa is thankful.
Jojo Siwa is lucky to be surrounded by people who understand and support her on her journey. As she expressed, that means a lot to her. There are other people out there who are going through the same quest. Let us be kind and help them as much as we can.
Leave a Reply