Musical duo Tegan and Sara subtly criticized JoJo Siwa for claiming she wants to create a new genre of music called “gay pop.” Tegan and Sara, who have been openly gay since the ’90s, reacted silently to a clip of Siwa discussing her upcoming music in a TikTok post. Fans praised the duo for their response, calling them trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community. Siwa, who recently came out as queer, has been transitioning from child star to adult pop artist and released a new song called “Karma” with a provocative music video.
In interviews, Siwa has expressed her desire to mark her shift into adult music as significant, describing it as a dramatic change unlike anything seen in her generation. The lyrics of “Karma” and the imagery in her music video reflect this new phase in her career, with Siwa fully embracing her transition and declaring her intention to create a new genre of music called “gay pop.” However, some online commentators have pointed out that LGBTQ+ pop artists have been around for decades, and Siwa’s claims to be inventing a new genre were met with skepticism.
Critics on social media, including X (formerly Twitter), have called out Siwa for what they see as ignorance and disrespect towards LGBTQ+ musicians who have come before her. Some have highlighted the long history of LGBTQ+ representation in pop music, mentioning artists like Hayley Kiyoko, Troye Sivan, Elton John, and David Bowie. One TikTok comment criticizing Siwa for her lack of humility and awareness received significant support, reflecting the backlash she faced for her comments about “gay pop.”
Despite the criticism, Siwa remains focused on creating music that she is proud of, regardless of whether it garners widespread approval. She acknowledged the pressure of public opinion but emphasized the importance of staying true to her artistic vision. While some have taken issue with her claims to be pioneering a new genre, Siwa’s determination to express herself authentically and confidently marks a significant moment in her career. As she continues to navigate her transition into adult music, Siwa’s bold statements and provocative imagery are sparking conversations about representation and authenticity in the music industry.
