Tegan and Sara, a musical duo known for their queer identity and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, subtly called out JoJo Siwa for claiming she wants to create a new genre called “gay pop.” In a TikTok video, the twins shared a silent reaction to a clip of Siwa’s interview with Billboard where she discussed her transition into adult pop stardom. Fans praised Tegan and Sara for their response and recognized them as trailblazers in the queer community.
Siwa, who recently came out as queer, has been teasing new music and her shift from children’s music to a more adult sound. The release of her song “Karma” and its music video marked a significant change in her career, with lyrics that include “Karma’s a bitch” and visuals that signify a new phase in her life. Siwa told Billboard that she aims to create a new genre called “gay pop,” sparking criticism from some online users who argued that LGBTQ+ artists have been in the pop music scene for decades.
Many online users expressed their disagreement with Siwa’s claim to invent a genre that has been represented by LGBTQ+ artists like Hayley Kiyoko, Troye Sivan, and Elton John. Some criticized her for being dismissive of queer musicians who paved the way before her, like Tegan and Sara, who have been creating music that reflects their identity for years. The audacity of Siwa’s statement sparked a debate on social media about the importance of recognizing LGBTQ+ contributions to the music industry.
Despite the backlash, Siwa emphasized the importance of being proud of the art she creates, regardless of public opinion. She acknowledged the scrutiny that comes with her transition from child star to adult artist and expressed her determination to make this change in her career. Siwa’s journey into adult music has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning her understanding of the LGBTQ+ music scene and others admiring her willingness to take risks in her career.
Tegan and Sara’s silent reaction to JoJo Siwa’s claim to create a new genre of music called “gay pop” resonated with fans who recognize the twins as queer icons in the music industry. Siwa’s declaration sparked a conversation about the representation of LGBTQ+ artists in popular music and the importance of acknowledging those who have paved the way. As Siwa continues to navigate her transition into adult music, she faces criticism and admiration from online users who are divided on her interpretation of the LGBTQ+ music genre. Ultimately, the debate surrounding Siwa’s statement highlights the ongoing conversation about inclusivity and representation in the music industry.
