JoJo Siwa is an American Dancer, singer, and YouTuber and is mostly known for her appearance on the show Dance Moms and her music. She has a large following and 12.2 million subscribers on her Youtube channel. JoJo bases her content on being positive and having fun. She utilizes her media outreach to inspire others and spread positivity. This is particularly important considering the fact that her fanbase ranges from age three to fifteen. JoJo has received various judgments from adults and critics who think a certain way about the way she dresses, acts, and behaves. However, many people stand behind her and support her positive influence despite the individuals who criticize her actions and character.

JoJo Siwa is open about her life choices and has received criticism regarding her lifestyle and choices. JoJo Siwa came out as being part of the LGBTQ+ community on social media in January of 2021 and since then she has become a beacon of hope for the younger generation who may struggle with expressing themselves. Siwa is very open with her fans and even responded to questions when she was asked what she labeled her sexuality, she said that although she doesn’t feel comfortable labeling her sexuality and she is “the happiest she’s ever been.” She is exactly the kind of influencer that kids and teens should be looking up to.

Recently she received a very hateful tweet from someone who went to her concert. The tweet said, “hey jojo, I’m coming to the concert tonight. Please don’t say you’re gay.” At her concert, she stopped and addressed this comment being the vocal influencer that she is. She addresses what the commenter said to the crowd and responds by saying, “I’m going to take their advice and I’m not going to say it, but instead, I’m going to do this.” and displays a large pride flag with an image of herself on it. The elicits loud cheers from the entire stadium and she wraps the flag around herself. Siwa gives a short speech to the stadium and ends by saying “being who you are is the most important thing ever.”

Although the speech she gave to the stadium was unique in its response to a homophobic comment, she frequently gives motivational speeches that inspire others at her shows. She uses her voice to share her life experiences with her audience about haters and her self-expression.  These are all reasons why she has such a large positive influence on her fanbase and the younger generations who look up to her. During one show she even told the audience, “No matter who you are, I want to tell you that you are just right… I love you for who you are.” The is incredibly heartfelt and Siwa always makes strong connections with her audience and ensures them that they have the ability to be who they are, regardless of others’ opinions. 

JoJo Siwa’s audience expects these types of thoughtful and inspiring speeches and most of the crowds at her performances express their adoration and support by cheering loudly and motivating her and listening to what she is telling them. Despite a few parents in the audience being unhappy with the message being sent that motivates their children to express themselves, there are more audience members and supporters who have become fans of JoJo Siwa because of her motivation to the younger generation to advocate for themselves.

Although this is not the first time she has received hateful messages from fans, this response to the hateful comment spoke so much louder than words. When JoJo Siwa first announced her relationship on social media there was a tremendous amount of positive feedback and of course, some negative fans who did not support her afterward.  One fan left a very inspiring comment that said, “there are lgbt kids that watch her videos that may have felt so alone with their identity and seeing the person they look up to coming out makes them feel safer and more comfortable with themselves”, this is exactly what JoJo Siwa wants for her fans. She wants to spread the message that it is okay to express and advocate for yourself and hopefully young fans will take her messages and positively influence others as well.