“No matter gay straight or bi, lesbian or transgendered life, I’m on the right track baby I was born to survive”, were the lyrics Nickelodeon star Jojo Siwa sang along to On Jan. 20 when she posted a Tik Tok using the sound “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. Siwa confirmed that she is part of the LGBTQ+ community later on Instagram saying, “I have never, ever been this happy.” Siwa’s coming out is very significant due to her large following and the very public way she came out.

Siwa first gained popularity after being on the popular reality television show “Dance Moms.”. Since her time on the show, she has become an icon for young children through her contract with Nickelodeon and her hit children’s songs “Boomerang” and “Kid in a Candy Store.”

For Siwa, coming out is especially significant because of her largely elementary age following. Elementary school kids have fewout, queer pop-culture figures to look up to, so it is great for them to be able to see someone as famous as Jojo Siwa come out so publicly.

Siwa is a great role model for LGBTQ+ youth because she has so much pride in her identity and confidently shrugs off negative comments. She is showing young kids that being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is something to be proud of and not something they need to be ashamed of.

“Coming out” as LGBTQ+ is seen as unnecessary by some, as many people make the valid argument that nobody has to come out as straight. However, Siwa has a large online following, and by deciding to come out in such a public way she has made her message to be proud of who you are so much louder to her fans.

Siwa’s joy and pride in herself is inspiring to every person watching her and struggling with their own identity.