Demi Lovato announces they identify as non-binary with inspiring message to fans

Demi Lovato has taken to social media to share an empowering message with loyal fans revealing they identify as non-binary and are changing pronouns from she/her to they/them. 

The Confident singer, who rose to fame in their teens previously shared a post calling out 'transphobic' gender reveal parties and has been a passionate supporter of the LGBT+ community throughout their career. Now in a powerful video message, Demi, who previously used the pronouns she/her, revealed that they have changed pronouns to they/them. They explained that these better represent their true identity and that they came to this realization after many months of “healing and self-reflective work”.

Demi started an open conversation about gender identity as they introduced their new podcast produced by OBB Sound, 4D with Demi Lovato, with a video clip posted on Twitter. The star opened the clip by saying: “Living in the 4th dimension means existing consciously in both time and space. But for me it means having conversations that transcend the typical discourse."

They continued: “I want to take this moment to share something very personal with you. Over the past year and a half I’ve been doing some healing and self-reflective work. And through this work I’ve had the revelation that I identify as non-binary.

“With that said, I’ll officially be changing my pronouns to they/them. I feel that this best represents the fluidity I feel in my gender expression and allows me to feel most authentic and true to the person I both know I am and still am discovering.”

Non-binary is the term used to refer to gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or exclusively feminine‍ and instead exist outside the gender binary of male and female.

Following on from their hugely significant video clip, Demi then went on to share the key details of their announcement in a series of Tweets. They also expressed solidarity with those in a similar position with regards to gender identity and pronouns and encouraged fans to be true to themselves.

‘This has come after a lot of healing & self-reflective work. I’m still learning & coming into myself, & I don’t claim to be an expert or a spokesperson. Sharing this with you now opens another level of vulnerability for me’, they explained.

Demi revealed how, whilst this has been a deeply personal journey, they have not just been experiencing it for themselves and feel a huge connection to their fans and followers. 

‘Not only has my life been a journey for myself,  I was also living for those on the other side of the cameras’, they tweeted, before adding: ‘I’m doing this for those out there that haven’t been able to share who they truly are with their loved ones. Please keep living in your truths & know I am sending so much love your way xox’. 

Their millions of followers were quick to express support for their powerful message and decision to share it with the world.

‘Sending you strength, courage, healing, & peace as you continue your journey of self-discovery and strive to become the most You version of yourself you can be.  I've watched you since your Disney days & I'm just so damn proud of you', one fan responded. 

Whilst someone else declared: 'I am so happy you found your path to healing. Best wishes to you into the future. #BeYouBeHappy #TheyThem'. 

This powerful sentiment was echoed by another, who commented: 'Happy for you. It takes courage to step forward and tell the world this is who you are. Congrats. I hope you find nothing but endless happiness on your road of self discovery.'

The pronouns he/him and she/her are often considered to be the most commonly used in the English language, however gender non-conforming, non-binary, and transgender people may feel these pronouns don’t accurately represent or fit their identity. The feeling of displacement and distress that can arise because of this highlights just how important it is to use each individual person’s preferred pronouns rather than imposing incorrect ones.  

As revealed by the LGBT Life Center, these common pronouns can create discomfort and also cause huge stress and anxiety for people in this position. Whilst a recent study by a researchers led by a team at The University of Texas has found that allowing transgender youths to use their correct pronouns and names in places such as work and school can help reduce their risk of depression and suicide. 

For those who are gender non-confirming, non-binary or transgender, some prefer to only be referred to by their names, whilst other commonly used pronouns can include Ze or Zie, sometimes spelt xe, as well as they/them like Demi Lovato has chosen.