Demi Lovato Shares Their Thoughts On Reclaiming She/Her Pronouns
Image: Facebook
International pop sensation and LGBTQ+ icon Demi Lovato has revealed the reasons behind reclaiming she/her pronouns only a year after coming out as non-binary.
Lovato originally came out as non-binary in May 2021, announcing the change as well as a preference for they/them pronouns in an online post. A year later, however, the artist quietly reversed course, updating their social media accounts to show she/her pronouns while remaining vague as to why.
“Absolutely Exhausting”
Currently responding to both she/her and they/them pronouns, the singer-songwriter now takes the time to reflect on their decision, discussing how their contentious relationship with gender comes more as a result of being “fed up,” rather than wanting “to take a step back.”
Revealed in a new interview with GQ Hype Spain, the artist describes how it was “absolutely exhausting” to have to continually justify their identity against a sea of ignorance and disbelief.
“I constantly had to educate people and explain why I identified with those pronouns,” they said.
“I just got tired. But it’s for that very reason that I know it’s important to continue spreading the word.”
Lovato continues, underlining a wider society’s overall discontent with non-binary people and spaces, and the subsequent “gendered rigidity” that larger systems impose.
“I face this every day. For example, in public toilets. Having to access the women’s bathroom, even though I don’t completely identify with it. I would feel more comfortable in a genderless bathroom,” they said.
“It also happens when filling out forms, such as government documents or any other where you have to specify your gender. You only have two options, male and female, and I feel like none of that makes sense to me.”
“I see myself conditioned to choose a woman because there are no more. This has to change. Hopefully, with time there will be more options”
Comfortable Inside
Looking to the future, the artist hopes that despite personal struggles they remain a champion for change and an inspiration for LGBTQ people across the globe – discussing how their journey ultimately remains fulfilling as long as it helps others.
“It will be worth it as long as there are people who tell me that I am an inspiration to them or that I have helped them learn more about themselves and feel more comfortable in their skin. That’s the most meaningful thing to me,” they said.
