Demi Lovato comes out as ‘non-binary’ to widespread eye rolling, as Piers Morgan brands singer ‘attention-seeking celebrity’
Singer Demi Lovato has come out as “non-binary,” and now uses “they/them” pronouns. Lovato’s announcement – which coincided with the launch of a new podcast – was met with both applause and cynicism online.
Lovato, a long-time advocate for feminist and LGBT causes, released the first episode of the new podcast series ‘4D’ on Wednesday, and accompanied the release with a personal announcement.
“Today is a day I’m so happy to share more of my life with you all,” the former Disney star tweeted. “I am proud to let you know that I identify as non-binary and will officially be changing my pronouns to they/them moving forward.”
Today is a day I'm so happy to share more of my life with you all- I am proud to let you know that I identify as non-binary & will officially be changing my pronouns to they/them moving forward 💖
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) May 19, 2021
Lovato said that the decision came “after a lot of healing and self-reflective work,” telling followers that “sharing this with you now opens another level of vulnerability for me.”
The announcement was met with skepticism by online curmudgeons. Without directly naming Lovato, British presenter Piers Morgan accused the singer of being an “annoying attention-seeking celebrity,” while American journalist Michael Tracey remarked on how Lovato’s announcement “just happened to coincide with the launch of a podcast chronicling Demi’s ‘healing journey.’”
Some personal news: I am proud to let you know that I identify as an annoying attention-seeking celebrity. This has come after a lot of self-reflective work but it's my truth & lived experience. 💖
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 19, 2021
So fascinating that this announcement just happened to coincide with the launch of a podcast chronicling Demi’s “healing journey” https://t.co/QNcaYdQOrB
— Michael Tracey (@mtracey) May 19, 2021
Rich celebrities get to a point where they’re so bored of being able to buy anything they want. So instead, the look for the attention they so desperately crave by doing this like this. Demi, love. You’re a woman. Goodbye. https://t.co/42cFXheYHe
— Dominique Samuels🌸 (@dominiquetaegon) May 19, 2021
Transgender and gay rights groups did cheer Lovato’s announcement, however. “Congrats to Demi Lovato for coming out as non-binary!” Xtra, an LGBT magazine, tweeted. “Their continued bravery and vulnerability in the public eye is undoubtedly helpful to so many young folks.”
Prior to this, Lovato’s time in the public eye has been a tumultuous one. A child actress, Lovato struggled for many years with mental health issues, and has spoken openly about drug and alcohol addictions. In 2018, a month after releasing a single entitled ‘Sober’, in which the star revealed a relapse, Lovato was rushed to hospital in Los Angeles following a near-fatal opioid overdose.
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