JoJo Siwa, the once-bow-wearing, always-bold pop culture phenomenon, is in love; and its changing how she sees her future in more ways than one.In a candid and emotionally revealing interview on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast this week, the 22-year-old entertainer and LGBTQ+ icon opened up about her relationship with Love Island UK alum Chris Hughes, 32, and how their connection has shifted her outlook on romance, commitment, and identity.Im happy, Siwa said. Ive never wanted the future so bad. Ive never, ever wanted the love that I have to just continue to grow.While fans have long known Siwa as a proud and outspoken member of the LGBTQ+ community, her current relationship has prompted both celebration and criticism, especially from within queer spaces. But the Dance Moms alum isnt backing down. Instead, shes inviting fans to expand their understanding of love, labels, and growth.From Big Brother to Big FeelingsSiwa and Hughes met earlier this year while filming Celebrity Big Brother UK Season 24. What started as an unlikely friendship quickly blossomed into something deeper, culminating in a romance that surprised even them.By the summer, Siwa had confirmed the relationship publicly in a June 2 interview with The Guardian, stating: Its not platonic anymore, and its been a beautiful development, a beautiful connection, and Im absolutely head over heels for him and hes the same way.Now, just months later, shes opening up even further about how being with Hughes has transformed her perspective on what love, and a future, could look like.Ive never craved a wedding, Siwa admitted. Ive always wanted to just go sign a piece of paper or go to Vegas cause I didnt wanna have a wedding. But now Im like, No, I want a ring and I want my dad to walk me down the aisle, and I want a first dance, and I want butterflies.Navigating Identity, Visibility, and BacklashFor Siwa, who came out as LGBTQ+ in 2021 and has been a vocal advocate for queer youth, being in a relationship with a man has complicated her public perception, and drawn backlash from some corners of the queer community.It is hard because it feels like my own family has turned a little bit, she said, referencing the LGBTQ+ community. And I think we are the LGBTQIA+ family, not the LG community. Its a beautiful rainbow, and the number one saying of the queer community is love is love.Siwa emphasized that her relationship with Hughes doesnt erase or invalidate her past, nor should it call her queer identity into question. Just because I am in a heterosexual relationship, that doesnt discredit my past.Unfortunately, the backlash shes experienced has been more than just comments online. Siwa spoke about witnessing peoples reactions to her in public, describing them as dismissive or mocking.I see them see me, and I see them laugh. I see them point. I see them roll their eyes, she shared. That to me has made me be so aware of how brutal hate can befrom outside the community and from within.She also pointed to the broader impact of such criticism, saying, I think people need to watch it, because I can take itbut other people cant, and thats tough.A Message to the Community: Love Doesnt Have to Fit a MoldDespite the scrutiny, Siwas message remains clear: shes living her truth. And while she acknowledges the nuance and complexity of queer identity, she also believes in making space for joy, especially when it comes to love.I think older people in the community need to realize the way that you treat me in this situation doesnt affect me, I promise, at all, she said. Im very happy. Im very loved. I give a lot of love. Im feeling very loved. I am in a great place.Hughes has been featured regularly on Siwas social media in recent months, including posts celebrating their travels and sweet PDA moments, most recently during a romantic Royal Caribbean cruise. Siwa has also shared that Hughes is playing a role in her brothers upcoming wedding, signaling just how deeply their relationship has already integrated into her family life.Source