Identities

Demi Lovato says ‘if you misgender me - that’s okay’ and celebs have shared their support

Demi Lovato says ‘if you misgender me - that’s okay’ and celebs have shared their support
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Demi Lovato took to Instagram to share an important message with their fans: It’s okay if you accidentally misgender them, as long as you’re trying.

Lovato came out as non-binary in May via a video shared to Instagram, in which they announced they would be using they/them pronouns moving forward. “Over the past year and a half, I’ve been doing some healing and self-reflection work, and through this healing I’ve had the revelation that I identify as non-binary,” they said. “I’ll officially be changing my pronouns to they/them. I feel this best represents the fluidity I feel in my gender expression.”

Since coming out, Lovato has shared that while friends and family still struggle with their pronoun change, they understand that it’s a difficult transition. “It feels weird to me when I get called a ‘she’ or a ‘her,’” they said in an interview with Audacity. ”I understand that people might have a hard time adjusting to it, because it is something new, but I want to encourage people to keep trying. I understand that it’s a process to get used to. Sometimes I still mess up myself, but it’s okay.”

This week, Lovato shared a similar sentiment to Instagram, in honour of non-binary awareness week. “If you misgender me - that’s okay. I accidentally misgender myself sometimes,” the graphic begins. “It’s a huge transition to change the pronouns I’ve used for my entire life. And it’s difficult to remember sometimes!”

“As long as you keep trying to respect my truth, and as long as I remember my truth, the shift will come naturally,” they continued. “I’m just grateful for your effort in trying to remember what means so much to my healing process.”

“I felt the need to post this because I often find that the change in pronouns can be confusing for some, and difficult to remember for others. It’s all about your intention. It’s important to me that you try, but if you make a mistake, it’s okay,” they captioned the image, hashtagging #nonbinaryawarenessweek.

Lovato’s friends and fans — and fellow celebrities — were moved by Lovato’s touching statement, responding with supportive words.

Paris Hilton commented, “love you!”

Photo Credit: ddlovato/Instagram

Olivia Munn left a series of heart emojis.

Photo Credit: ddlovato/Instagram

Actress Jameela Jamil wrote,” Love you mate x.”

Photo Credit: ddlovato/Instagram

The MTV UK account replied with three heart emojis.

Photo Credit: ddlovato/Instagram

Fellow singer Kesha wrote, “love u n ur honesty,” attaching a pink heart.

Photo Credit: ddlovato/Instagram

Happy non-binary awareness week!

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