”I grew up in a home where there was absolutely nothing wrong with somebody identifying as another sex or liking the same sex.”
That's pop star Demi Lovato for you. Most of us would remember her bold single "Cool for the Summer" last year which sparked off rumors about her bi-sexuality. The 23, year-old singer though was mute on the subject till now, but has recently opened up in an interview about her sexuality.
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“Sexuality is something I don’t think needs to have a label. As humans, it’s just about a connection with someone”, she told People magazine.
Lovato also talked about her upbringing - “Being different in Texas or in the South in general, you can be judged. I grew up in a home where there was absolutely nothing wrong with somebody identifying as another sex or liking the same sex. People will say, ‘Thank you so much for all that you do.’ And my response is: ‘It’s just something that people should already be doing."
Another bold statement from the former Disney series actor. "All of my songs are based off of personal experiences. I don't think there's anything wrong with experimentation at all." – This, to host Alan Carr when he quizzed her about the song and lyrics during the British TV show Alan Carr: Chatty Man.
Lovato though is known for her support for LGBT rights. Case in point, she performed “Cool for The Summer” at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in a gender neutral restroom inspired outfit making a very strong statement.
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Curious? Here is more on this bold singer who doesn't hesitate to speak her mind:
- Born in New Mexico on August 20 1992, Demetria Devonne Lovato did her first stage show in kindergarten where she sang "My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.
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- She met her long-time friend Selena Gomez on the set of Barney & Friends, the show she began her acting career with. The 2000-2001 Mini Miss Texas was also in the Disney channel short series As the Bell Rings.
- In 2008, Lovato covered the Academy Award-nominated song, "That's How You Know" from Enchanted on the DisneyMania 6 album.
- The star of her own Disney Channel television show called Sonny with a Chance, in 2008 at age 16 she released her debut album, Don't Forget. Some songs on the album were co-written by the Jonas Brothers. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 charts.
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- In a brave move, she openly admitted that the bullying she suffered as a young teen resulted in her developing emotional problems and an eating disorder. This happened midway through touring with The Jonas Brothers, which caused her to seek help at rehab in 2010. She even released a documentary about her time in the treatment centre called Stay Strong.
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- Not many would admit to harming themselves when they are under stress, but Lovato openly admitted to self-mutilating her wrists, even speaking about it on an abc interview.
- She’s got “Stay Strong” tattooed on her wrist which helps her stay positive.
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- In 2011, she admitted to have a bipolar disorder
- In 2012, she was chosen to be the new ambassador for Secret's "Mean Stinks" campaign, encouraging girls to "gang up for good" to end bullying in schools.
- She also works with the Disney charity Friends For Change which promotes environmental awareness.
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From 'Barney and Friends' to singing, overcoming eating disorders and depression, to receiving awards for her albums, and now being bold about sexuality, Demi Lovato sure has come a long way. Someone worth knowing about, right?
Feature Image Credit: mstarnews.musictimes.com