Demi Lovato, the multi-talented artist known for her powerful vocals and candid openness about her personal struggles, has once again shared a significant aspect of her identity with the world. The singer and actress recently opened up about her evolving understanding of gender and why she decided to shift back to using she/her pronouns, after initially identifying as non-binary and adopting they/them pronouns.
A familiar name to many, Lovato, now 32, first captured audiences as a Disney Channel star in the late 2000s, particularly through her roles in Camp Rock and its sequel, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. Since then, she has built an impressive music career, selling an estimated 24 million records in the United States alone. Alongside her rise to fame, Lovato has remained committed to sharing her personal experiences, using her platform to discuss mental health, addiction recovery, and LGBTQ+ topics, often embracing vulnerability in ways that many celebrities shy away from.
Coming Out as Non-Binary
In May 2021, Lovato took to Instagram to make an emotional and empowering announcement. She revealed that after deep introspection and personal growth, she had come to identify as non-binary, leading her to change her pronouns to they/them. In her statement, she expressed her excitement about sharing this realization with her fans and emphasized that the journey toward self-discovery was ongoing.
“Today is a day I’m so happy to share more of my life with you all,” Lovato stated in her announcement. “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.” She further explained that the decision was made after extensive healing and reflection, acknowledging that gender identity is deeply personal and continuously evolving.
Lovato has long been vocal about the challenges of growing up in a conservative environment. Speaking with legendary actress Jane Fonda on Fire Drill Friday, she described how her upbringing in Dallas, Texas, had instilled certain gender norms that she later found limiting.
“Growing up in the South, being raised Christian, there were so many expectations and societal norms regarding gender and identity that I didn’t even realize were being imposed on me,” she shared. “I’ve always been someone who embraces fluidity, whether it’s in my identity or my music.”
She candidly admitted that during her younger years, she found herself grappling with confusion about who she was and how she fit into the world. Her journey toward understanding her true self was one of deep exploration, and adopting they/them pronouns felt like a crucial step toward aligning with her identity at the time.
Embracing Change Once Again
However, as time passed and Lovato continued her exploration of gender, she began to feel that her connection to femininity had strengthened. In a candid conversation on the Sprout Podcast, she revealed that she had once again started using she/her pronouns, citing a shift in how she perceived herself.
“I’ve actually adopted the pronouns of she/her again,” she shared. “Especially last year, my energy felt balanced between my masculine and feminine sides. But there were moments when I’d walk into a restroom and see signs for ‘women’ and ‘men’—and I felt like neither. I wasn’t necessarily identifying as a woman or a man; I just felt human.”
Despite this fluidity, she realized that embracing femininity in certain ways felt more natural to her as time went on. Lovato emphasized that identity is not a rigid concept and that self-discovery is a journey that can involve shifts and growth.
The Heart Attack singer also acknowledged that adjusting to different pronouns can be a process, not only for herself but for those around her. “I completely understand that it takes time for people to get used to changes like this,” she admitted. “Even I’ve caught myself making mistakes with pronouns, and that’s okay. What matters most is respect and effort.”
The Role of Community in Her Journey
Throughout her self-exploration, Lovato has found immense support in the LGBTQIA+ community. She spoke about the importance of chosen families and how her connections with queer individuals have helped her embrace her identity.
“There was a time when I thought of family as strictly those you share blood with,” she explained. “But over the years, I’ve come to realize that my queer family—my chosen family—has become just as important. I have my biological relatives, and then I have my queer family, which is made up of people who truly understand me on a deeper level.”
Lovato has always been open about how personal experiences shape her growth. Following her highly publicized engagement and subsequent breakup with actor and singer Max Ehrich, she experienced a profound realization about herself.
“When I was younger, I thought I had everything figured out. I thought I’d spend my life with one person, and when that ended, it was like a door opening instead of closing,” she reflected in an interview. “It was a relief. It gave me the space to really explore my truth and accept who I am in a way I hadn’t before.”
Emphasizing Growth and Acceptance
As she continues to embrace her evolving identity, Lovato hopes to inspire others to do the same. In past interviews, she has stated that gender exploration is a deeply personal and fluid experience, one that should never be confined to rigid labels. While she currently identifies with she/her pronouns, she remains open to whatever may come in the future.
“There might be a time where I identify as trans. Or maybe I’ll be non-binary for my entire life. Or maybe, later down the road, I’ll feel fully comfortable identifying as a woman again,” she shared. “For now, this is how I feel, but I believe in allowing space for change and discovery.”
The Importance of Respect and Understanding
Lovato concluded by encouraging people to be open-minded and patient when it comes to pronouns and identity. “Nobody is perfect. Everyone messes up pronouns, even those within the LGBTQ+ community,” she said. “But it’s not about perfection—it’s about respect.”
Through her honesty and willingness to share her experiences, Demi Lovato continues to be an advocate for self-expression and self-acceptance. Her journey serves as a reminder that identity is an ongoing exploration and that it’s okay to embrace change along the way.