Singer-actress Demi Lovato is clarifying their pronoun usage. Lovato told GQ Hype Spain that she “got tired” of constantly explaining her gender identity to people. She elaborated on her experiences, saying “I constantly had to educate people and explain why I identified with those pronouns. It was absolutely exhausting.” The singer clarified that the lack of awareness surrounding nonbinary people is what inspires her to continue speaking on the importance of pronoun usage and the nonbinary experience.
Lovato first came out as nonbinary in 2021, on an episode of the ‘4D with Demi Lovato’ podcast, opting to use gender-neutral language and they/them pronouns. About a year later in 2022, Lovato announced that she would use “she/her” and “they/them” pronouns going forward, stating that she was “feeling more feminine.” The singer elaborated about feeling conditioned to identify as female.
“I face this every day. For example, in public toilets. Having to access the women’s bathroom, even though I don’t completely identify with it,” said Lovato. “Or it also happens when filling out forms, such as government documents or any other where you have to specify your gender. You only have two options, male and female, and I feel like none of that makes sense to me.”
The multi-hyphenate previously came out as pansexual in 2020 following the death of her friend and former “Glee” costar actress Naya Rivera. Rivera portrayed one of the first Latina gay characters on a major network television show, and Lovato expressed that she saw her role as a celebration of her own identity.
Now, the internet is sharing mixed reactions to the former Disney star’s comments.
Internet Reactions
Fans of the singer and onlookers alike had a lot to say regarding Lovato’s most recent pronouns change. Some feel that Lovato’s statement was insensitive, and that many transgender and nonbinary people do not have the same option. Others felt that the switch would promote several harmful stereotypes about the community.
Demi Lovato really not helping the LGBTQIA+ community allegations of “making up pronouns” because she just switches them everyday like she switches her panties ???? #DemiLovato
— ✨Dee✨ (@DestiniKristal) June 14, 2023
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Elsewhere, fans and LGBTQ+ people defended Lovato’s choice. Many argued that some nonbinary people continue to utilize gendered pronouns in the workplace for either safety reasons or for a lack of understanding among coworkers.
that they/them pronouns had to be so endlessly explained until demi lovato gave up isn't a consequence of ignorance. this is something that's been in the news, it's not, like, a revelation.
it's cruelty meant to make using they/them pronouns as exhausting as possible. https://t.co/vom66HzlaU
— (IT/ITS) Arkhiereú ????????????????A CREATURE NOT A PERSON (@deathpigeon) June 14, 2023
i’m not a Demi Lovato supporter for personal reasons, but this title is kinda misleading because SOOO many gender non-conforming people that I know will constantly use “easier” pronouns in the workplace, public settings, etc.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE ARENT NON-BINARY https://t.co/Qa9J0GNp8e
— serenFPS | Fuerte y Feroz Sept 16-17 (@Seren_FPS) June 14, 2023
The singer has long faced criticism over her personal life and struggles with addiction and mental health issues. Some felt that the coverage of the GQ interview was misleading and could lead to further antagonizing of the star, who continues to identify as nonbinary.
was so close to quote w/ something else til i read the part where she ACTUALLY says 'i constantly had to educate people and explain why i identified with those pronouns. it was <educating people> absolutely exhausting.' can y'all stop using demi lovato as your punching bag ?????? https://t.co/I8EGdshYIh
— irem ???? jungkook day! ???????? (@intothejjk) June 14, 2023
Lovato has not commented further on the public reaction to the GQ interview.
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