Queer vs. Lesbian Difference Explained After Big Brother Reveal

Singer JoJo Siwa has come out to reflect on her sexuality, noting that she is queer as opposed to the common notion that describes her as lesbian. In one of the recent episodes of Celebrity Big Brother UK, the multi-faceted artist opened up about the confusion she had harbored regarding her sexuality before providing a conclusive clarification. As such, the singer’s confession has initiated a discussion on the internet, with several users asking the difference between the terms queer and lesbian.

So, here’s everything you need to know regarding the significance of the two terms, as well as Siwa’s sexuality.

Queer vs. Lesbian difference explained after JoJo Siwa clarifies her sexuality

In simple words, the term lesbian is used to define a woman who is attracted to other women. However, queer is more of an umbrella term that includes any individual whose sexual orientation and/or sexuality falls out of the conventional heterosexual and/or cisgender norms. Thus, anyone who identifies as queer can also choose to describe themselves as lesbian or gay.

During the April 22 live stream of Celebrity Big Brother UK, JoJo Siwa explained that she considers herself to be queer, despite coming out as a lesbian previously. Speaking with her fellow housemate, Danny Beard, the media personality noted, “I feel, like, so queer, do you know what I mean?”

Siwa added, “I think that’s the thing, I’ve always told myself I’m a lesbian, and I think being here I’ve realized: ‘Oh, I’m not a lesbian, I’m queer.’ And I think that’s really cool.” She jokingly alluded to how she is switching preferences in the LGBTQ term, stating, “I’m switching letters! I’ve dropped the L and I’ve gone to the Q, baby! That’s what I love about sexuality.”

Upon this, Beard issued a supportive response to the “Guilty Pleasure” singer’s comments, saying, “You are Q, honey. And you know that British people love a queue!” At the time of writing, JoJo Siwa is dating influencer Kate Webbs, as revealed by the latter’s Instagram post in January.