TikTok and YouTube star JoJo Siwa is joining the cast of “Dancing with the Stars,” season 30 — and she’ll be paired with a female dancing professional.
The season will be the first ever “DWTS” in the U.S. to feature a same-sex pair. The show’s British and Australian versions have previously featured same-sex couples.
“I am so excited to be a part of this year’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 30, and to be dancing with a girl!,” Siwa, 18, said in a video posted on social media. “I think it’s so cool.”
IM SO EXCITED https://t.co/EN1ygC5Jj3
— JoJo Siwa!🌈❤️🎀 (@itsjojosiwa) August 26, 2021
In an interview with USA Today, Siwa said that the decision to cast her with a female professional came out of her discussions with “DWTS” producers. Ultimately, producers gave her the option to choose, which she did. “I said I actually would love and prefer to dance with a girl,” Siwa said. “Why not show the message even stronger that you can love whomever you want to love.”
Siwa came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in January of this year. In February, she announced on Instagram that she was dating her best friend, Kylie Prew.
“I have a girlfriend who is the love of my life and who is everything to me,” Siwa told USA Today. “My journey of coming out and having a girlfriend has inspired so many people around the world. I thought that if I chose to dance with a girl on this show, it would break the stereotypical thing. It would be new, different, and change for the better.”
So far, only two members of the season 30 cast have been announced. In addition to Siwa, the latest DWTS season will feature Olympic gymnastic gold medalist Suni Lee. The rest of the cast, along with Lee and Siwa’s dancing partners, will be revealed on September 8.
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