Miley Cyrus has a reputation for being audacious—her public persona is often a mélange of humor, rebellion, and, at times, controversy. This week, however, she crossed a line that has ignited a fierce debate about the appropriateness of humor within the LGBTQ+ community during Pride. At the Dreamland Pride Festival, Cyrus quipped about fellow star JoJo Siwa “coming back out” of the closet in light of her new romance with Chris Hughes. Although intended as a lighthearted joke, Cyrus’s comment was met with backlash, laying bare the thin line between humor and insensitivity in discussions surrounding sexual identity.
A Miscalculated Attempt at Humor
Cyrus’s joke about Siwa’s sexuality may have seemed innocuous in intent, but the execution highlights a pervasive problem: the misunderstanding of queer identities. By suggesting that Siwa, who has openly identified as queer, needed to “come back out” because of her relationship with Hughes, Cyrus inadvertently implied that one’s sexual orientation can shift or be negated by their romantic partnerships. This is a dangerous narrative that undermines the complexities of sexual identity, especially for bisexual and pansexual individuals who often face scrutiny from both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities.
The swift reaction on social media was largely critical. Fans began to remind Cyrus and others that bisexuality and pansexuality exist—an essential reminder during a month that aims to celebrate and illuminate diverse identities. Comments from fans pointing out that Siwa’s bisexuality is not negated by her relationship with a man embody the kind of awareness that is crucial, especially for public figures whose words carry significant weight.
Navigating Public Personas and Private Lives
JoJo Siwa’s own journey through sexuality has been complex and often public. When she came out as queer, she expressed the struggle of pinning down her identity, stating, “I always just say gay because it just kind of covers it.” In responding to her evolving understanding of herself, Siwa embodies the very fluidity of sexual identity that Cyrus’s joke undermined. It reflects how, in an age where labels seem to matter more than understanding, the intricacies of someone’s sexuality can often be simplified to fit societal norms.
Siwa criticized the assumptions that can come with relationships as she attempts to define her identity on her own terms. This dialogue is not merely an academic debate over sexual orientation; it speaks to the feelings of millions who identify similarly and seek acceptance.
The Burden of Influence
For Cyrus, whose own public declaration of being pansexual in 2016 was a step forward for representation, this incident serves as an important reminder. Influencers and celebrities have a responsibility to educate themselves about the intricacies of the communities they engage with. Comedy, especially in the context of identity and belonging, will always be subject to interpretation, and what may appear to be an attempt at relatability can often be viewed as tone-deaf.
As discussions about sexuality and identity become more complex, so too must our understanding of how to communicate about them respectfully. Cyrus’s misstep failed to capture the nuances of LGBTQ+ experiences, and it opens the door to meaningful dialogue about the responsibility of public figures to foster an environment of understanding rather than division.