Demi Lovato Reflects on Coming Out to Her Parents: A Journey of Acceptance and Love.
During a candid conversation with SiriusXM, the talented 30-year-old singer, Demi Lovato, shared a pivotal moment in her life – the experience of coming out to her mom and stepdad.
Growing up in a Christian background, Demi embraced her queerness but chose to reveal it only when she felt ready. It wasn’t until she turned 25 that she decided to come out to her mom. At that time, she identified as bisexual, but later, she discovered her true self as pansexual. Demi admitted that the journey of self-discovery took time.
She fondly recalled her conversation with her stepdad, Eddie De La Garza, in 2015, right after her song “Cool for the Summer” was released. The song’s lyrics hinted at her feelings, but Demi felt hesitant about sharing the truth at the time. However, during a plane ride, she gathered the courage to confide in her stepdad, who lovingly responded, “Yeah, I know. You have ‘Cool for the Summer’ out.”
Next, Demi knew she had to talk to her mom, Dianna De La Garza, about her feelings, especially when she had plans to go on a date with another girl. She wanted her mom to hear the truth directly from her in case the relationship turned serious. Demi sat down with her mom and shared, “I need to talk to you. I am about to go on a date with a girl, and I just wanted you to know and hear it from me that I do like girls too.” Her mom’s response was filled with love and support as she expressed her desire for Demi to find happiness.
Demi deeply appreciated her mom’s understanding reaction, knowing that not all parents respond that way, and she empathized with those who face less accepting environments.
Her experiences have fueled Demi’s commitment to be a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Using her social media platform, she actively promotes a safe and inclusive space, where everyone feels accepted. Her passion for being part of the community and her dedication to shining a light on important issues, current events, and queer experiences are evident in her frequent posts.
Demi Lovato’s journey of self-discovery and coming out is a testament to the power of love and acceptance, reminding us of the significance of providing a supportive environment for all individuals to be their authentic selves.
In a recent interview with GQ Spain, Demi Lovato shed light on her decision to include both they/them and she/her pronouns after publicly coming out as nonbinary in 2021. Lovato candidly shared that constantly educating others and explaining her pronoun choices became mentally draining.
“It was absolutely exhausting,” Lovato expressed. “I constantly had to educate people and explain why I identified with those pronouns. I just got tired.”
However, Lovato emphasized the importance of continuing to raise awareness and foster understanding around gender identity. They shared personal experiences, such as facing challenges when using public restrooms that adhere to the binary gender system. Lovato expressed a desire for more gender-neutral restroom options to create a space where they could feel most comfortable.
The limitations of gender identification also surfaced when filling out official forms that only provide two options: male and female. Lovato questioned the validity of these options, feeling compelled to choose “woman” despite not fully identifying with it. They highlighted the need for change, hoping that with time, there will be more inclusive choices available.
Despite the personal challenges faced, Lovato believes that their advocacy work is worthwhile as long as it continues to inspire and empower others. Being an inspiration to individuals on their own journeys of self-discovery and helping them feel comfortable in their own skin holds immense meaning for Lovato.
Demi Lovato’s openness about their gender identity serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and challenging societal norms. Their experiences shed light on the need for a more inclusive and accepting world, where individuals can express their authentic selves without fear or judgment.
