JoJo Siwa has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, or her truth. But after her stint on Celebrity Big Brother UK, her evolving identity and new romance with fellow contestant Chris Hughes have stirred up more than just headlines. Thankfully, Hughes is stepping in to clap back at critics questioning Siwas place in the LGBTQ+ community.From Labels to LiberationDuring her time on Big Brother, Siwa had a heartfelt conversation with Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard about how her understanding of herself has shifted. The 22-year-old performer, once a self-described lesbian, shared that queer now feels like the more accurate label.I feel, like, so queer, Siwa said on the show. Ive always told myself Im a lesbian, and I think being here Ive realised, Oh, Im not a lesbian, Im queer. Ive dropped the L and gone to the Q, baby!It wasnt just about who she loves. Siwa also cracked open her thoughts on gender identity, hinting at a deeper exploration thats still in process.I dont know its confusing, she told Hughes at one point. Ive met people in my life that are non-binary, and these beautiful non-binary people are who I feel the most like.A New Chapter and A New LoveAmid the self-discovery came something else unexpected: a budding romance with Hughes, the 32-year-old reality TV personality best known from Love Island. After weeks of speculation, Siwa confirmed to The Guardian in June that their connection had turned romantic.Its not platonic anymore, she said. Its a beautiful development Im absolutely head over heels for him.But not everyone celebrated the news. The internet, as it often does, had opinionsmany of them biphobic. Some critics even accused Siwa of turning straight, despite her very public queerness.Chris Hughes Isnt Having ItIn a recent interview with The Suns Fabulous magazine, Hughes directly addressed the backlash, and firmly defended Siwa.She is bisexual. Shes not now straight because shes with me, he said. Shes still part of the LGBTQ+ community; she always will be.He also shared how upsetting its been to see his partner face online hate.I do feel a sense of responsibility that being with me has led to her getting hate, Hughes admitted. But I dont understand how anyone could be mean to someone as caring as her.Age Is Just a Number and So Is the Gender of Who You LoveHughes also opened up about their 10-year age gap, brushing it off with a bit of humor: Shes one of the most mature people Ive ever met, and Im very immature. But it works.And yes, wedding bells might be in the daydreams.Id love to marry her, he added. Id be lying if I didnt tell you I run through scenarios of our wedding day.JoJo Siwas journey, like anyone elses, isnt up for public approval. Whether shes dropping letters from the LGBTQ+ acronym or dancing her way through new chapters, she remains proudly, unapologetically queer. And with Hughes by her side, shes not backing down anytime soon.Source