Gayety

Tag: Danny Beard

  • JoJo Siwa’s Boyfriend Defends Her Queer Identity: ‘She’s Still Part of the LGBTQ+ Community’

    JoJo Siwa’s Boyfriend Defends Her Queer Identity: ‘She’s Still Part of the LGBTQ+ Community’

    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.”

     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by JoJo Siwa (@itsjojosiwa)

    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.

     
     
     
     
     
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    A post shared by JoJo Siwa (@itsjojosiwa)

    “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.

  • JoJo Siwa Reacts to Miley Cyrus’ Pride Joke: ‘Not What the World Needs to Hear’

    JoJo Siwa Reacts to Miley Cyrus’ Pride Joke: ‘Not What the World Needs to Hear’

    JoJo Siwa is setting the record straight, with grace, honesty and a touch of shade.

    The 22-year-old pop star, TV personality and LGBTQ+ icon recently addressed a viral video from Miley Cyrus that made a cheeky jab at her sexuality during a WorldPride celebration. While the “Dance Moms” alum has long been a devoted Miley fan, even she admits the joke landed more awkward than amusing.

    A WorldPride Surprise Turns Sour

    During the 2025 WorldPride Dreamland DC festivities on June 7, attendees were treated to a surprise video message from Cyrus. Standing in the doorway of a food closet, the “Flowers” singer cracked: “Oh my god. I haven’t been in there since the sixth grade. Enjoy coming out of the closet if this Pride is the time for you. It shouldn’t be a month, it should be a year. It should be infinite.”

    But it was her closing quip that raised eyebrows: “I’m going back in the closet to get more pretzels… and to find JoJo Siwa and bring her back out.” The remark was widely seen as a nod to Siwa’s recent relationship with Love Island UK’s Chris Hughes, a notable shift after she previously identified as a lesbian.

    @poppinmiley

    she’s SO unserious 😭 #MileyCyrus #miley #jojosiwa #hannahmontana

    ♬ Easy Lover – Miley Cyrus

    JoJo Breaks Her Silence

    On June 12, Siwa posted a thoughtful Instagram response, blending vulnerability and maturity with a bit of side-eye. The post included childhood photos from her Miley-themed fifth birthday party and a heartfelt caption reflecting on how the moment made her feel.

    “If you know me, you know that Miley is my day one,” she wrote. “Grew up beyond inspired by her from 2 years old on.”

    After taking a few days to process the comment, Siwa admitted, “I don’t believe what Miley said at WorldPride was ill-intended. Honestly, I think it was meant to be a joke, but just not a very good one haha. Not what the world, or myself, needs to hear any day of the week.”

    She added that she messaged Cyrus “light-heartedly” about the incident, and the pop star responded with a brief but kind reply: “All love. Always. ❤️❤️❤️.”

     

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    A post shared by JoJo Siwa (@itsjojosiwa)

    Embracing Queer Identity, On Her Terms

    Siwa used her platform to deliver a larger message about self-love and authenticity. “The most beautiful thing I’ve learned in the last 5 years is that love is a gorgeous rainbow,” she wrote. “Don’t question yourself, don’t second guess yourself, just love.”

    This isn’t Siwa’s first time addressing how she labels, or doesn’t label, her sexuality. Since coming out in 2021 with a “Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever.” T-shirt, she’s shared that she’s still navigating identity on her own terms.

    “I still don’t know what I am,” she told People in a previous interview. “I always just say gay because it kind of covers it… but I think the keyword is queer. I like queer.”

    Most recently, while appearing on Celebrity Big Brother UK, Siwa opened up to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard about identifying more with the “Q” than the “L.”

    “I’m switching letters! I’ve dropped the L and gone to the Q, baby,” she joked. “That’s what I love about sexuality.”

    Social Media Weighs In

    As expected, the internet had thoughts, lots of them. Some fans were quick to defend Miley’s humor as playful and light-hearted, while others criticized the joke as tone-deaf and unnecessary.

    “It’s really strange how some bi women can be biphobic lol,” one fan wrote on X.

    Others defended Siwa noting her age and exploration as a queer person. “Maybe one day yall will realize you have been bullying Jojo Siwa since she was little. She has been growing up and making mistakes in front of the entire world. Stop acting like yall perfect. She’s only 22, some empathy and understanding would be nice,” said another.

    Queer creators also chimed in, many expressing how important it is to respect how fluid and personal identity can be, even for celebrities.

    Love, Laughter, and Lessons

    In the end, Siwa’s message was about more than just a misplaced joke. It was a reminder that Pride isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress, personal truth, and giving people the space to evolve.

    “People judge no matter what,” Siwa concluded. “But if you feel happy and content with yourself, that’s most important. You get one life, hold onto it, make it yours, find your happy, and love.”

  • ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ Star Ella Rae Wise Opens Up About Sexuality: ‘I Do Want a Girl Experience’

    ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ Star Ella Rae Wise Opens Up About Sexuality: ‘I Do Want a Girl Experience’

    Ella Rae Wise, known for her role on The Only Way Is Essex, has shared with fellow housemates JoJo Siwa and Danny Beard that she believes she might be gay. In a candid conversation, Wise expressed her desire to have a “girl experience,” indicating her openness to exploring her sexuality further.​

    A Supportive Conversation with JoJo Siwa

    During their discussion, JoJo Siwa offered supportive words, stating, “They say if you have thought, ‘I wonder if I am gay,’ you are gay.” Siwa, who has been open about her own sexuality, reassured Wise that questioning one’s sexual orientation is a valid and personal journey.​

    Wise, who recently ended her relationship with TOWIE co-star Dan Edgar, reflected on her experiences, saying, “I have had that thought quite a bit.” She expressed a desire to explore her feelings and hoped to have an “experience” with a woman in the future.​

    Tensions Within the House

    Wise’s revelation adds to the ongoing drama within the Celebrity Big Brother house. Earlier in the season, JoJo Siwa’s partner, Kath Ebbs, faced online harassment from trolls who falsely claimed Siwa was cheating on her with fellow housemate Chris Hughes. Ebbs was compelled to disable comments on her Instagram account due to the influx of negative messages.​

    Additionally, actor Mickey Rourke faced backlash for making homophobic comments towards Siwa. Rourke questioned Siwa’s sexuality and made derogatory remarks, prompting emotional support from Hughes. Producers issued a formal warning to Rourke, and he was later removed from the house after further incidents of inappropriate behavior. ​

    JoJo Siwa’s Exploration of Gender Identity

    In another significant moment, JoJo Siwa opened up about her ongoing exploration of gender identity. She described her feelings as “confusing” and expressed uncertainty about where she stands. Siwa shared that she feels a connection with non-binary individuals but is not ready to label herself as non-binary. Her vulnerability sparked a supportive conversation among housemates, including Danny Beard, who reassured Siwa that she doesn’t need to have all the answers. ​

    The Impact of Reality TV on Personal Journeys

    The discussions within the Celebrity Big Brother house highlight the challenges individuals face when navigating their sexual orientation and gender identity in the public eye. Reality television provides a platform for personal stories but also subjects participants to intense scrutiny. The support among housemates, such as the encouragement Wise received from Siwa and Beard, underscores the importance of creating inclusive and understanding environments.​

    As the season progresses, viewers can anticipate more personal revelations and interactions that delve into the complexities of identity and relationships. The ongoing conversations among the housemates serve as a reminder of the diverse experiences individuals have in understanding and expressing their true selves.

  • World of Wonder Announces Documentary on Late Drag Race UK Winner The Vivienne

    World of Wonder Announces Documentary on Late Drag Race UK Winner The Vivienne

    World of Wonder, the production company behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, has revealed plans for a new documentary focused on the late James Lee Williams, better known as Drag Race UK’s inaugural winner, The Vivienne. Titled Dear Viv, the documentary aims to celebrate Williams’s life and legacy, utilizing rare archival footage, deeply personal letters from fans, and new interviews with friends and colleagues, including Danny Beard, Baga Chipz, and Michael Marouli.

    The project, which has the support of Williams’s family and close friends, will provide an intimate portrait of the performer who made history as the first-ever winner of Drag Race UK. While the documentary’s release date has not been announced, it promises to highlight Williams’s remarkable contributions to the drag community and her undeniable talent.

    “We want to celebrate The Vivienne’s extraordinary life and work so everyone can experience her incredible talent, sass, and enormous heart,” said Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, co-founders of World of Wonder and executive producers of Dear Viv. “Although her stay here on Earth was far too brief, it is with tremendous admiration and affection that we share her legacy in ‘Dear Viv.’”

     

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    A post shared by World of Wonder (@worldofwonder)

    Williams was found dead at his home in January of this year, with a subsequent coroner’s report confirming the cause of death as “unnatural causes.” The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the drag community, with many of his fellow Drag Race UK stars and colleagues expressing their sorrow and tributes on social media.

    Baga Chipz, a fellow competitor from the first season of Drag Race UK, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling Williams “my beautiful, talented, mad, bestest friend in the whole wide world.” She described Williams not only as a sister but also as a brother, recalling their time together on the show. “You taught me the true meaning of sisterhood, but more importantly, you taught me how to do a cut crease,” Chipz wrote. “I’m sending all my love to your mama and family, me and the girls will always be there for them. I’m gonna bloody miss you, friend. Get the drinks in for me, love. I love you.”

    A vigil was held in Liverpool, Williams’s hometown, where his family issued an emotional statement remembering his life. “As a family, we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne,” they said. “From an early age, it was evident they were destined for the stage… they were determined to pave their own way in this world. The road was not easy, but the dream never, ever changed, and James would always tell us that they would make it happen, and they did. We will miss you for an eternity, and for an eternity, we will all love you.”

    Williams was widely recognized for his charisma, quick wit, and exceptional drag performance skills, which made him a standout on the first season of Drag Race UK. His win in the inaugural season cemented his place in the hearts of fans and made him an influential figure in the global drag community.

    In addition to his Drag Race success, Williams’s career spanned across television, music, and live performances, where he became a beloved figure in the entertainment world. His distinctive style and larger-than-life personality helped shape the visibility and acceptance of drag culture.

    Dear Viv promises to offer an inside look at Williams’s journey, featuring candid reflections from those who knew him best and showcasing his incredible impact on the world of drag and beyond. The documentary is expected to be a heartfelt tribute to a star whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of drag performers.

    The announcement of Dear Viv has been met with anticipation from both fans and the drag community, eager to celebrate Williams’s life and art. As the documentary moves forward, it will undoubtedly become a touching and emotional homage to a performer whose presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered.