Miley Cyrus, known for her iconic transformation from Disney’s Hannah Montana to a fearless pop superstar, has always embraced authenticity.
She’s inspired millions by sharing her struggles with identity, relationships, and the challenges of growing up in the limelight.
Her openness has made her a symbol of resilience and self-expression, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
Miley’s story continues to captivate fans, as she becomes a beacon of hope for those navigating their own journeys.
In a recent interview with Variety, Miley reflected on the complexities of her identity, discussing the confusion she felt about her gender and sexuality.
“My whole life, I didn’t understand my own gender and my own sexuality,” she shared.
Miley described how her understanding of herself began to evolve during her childhood. She revealed that it was in fifth or sixth grade that her “eyes started opening,” sparked by her first romantic relationship—with a girl.
As she grew older, she struggled with societal labels, finding them restrictive and inadequate. “I always hated the word ‘bisexual,’ because that’s even putting me in a box,” Miley explained, adding that she doesn’t view people based on gender.
Her journey took a pivotal turn during a visit to an LGBTQ+ center in Los Angeles. There, Miley met someone who didn’t identify as male or female, and the encounter profoundly resonated with her.
“Looking at them, they were both: beautiful and sexy and tough but vulnerable and feminine but masculine,” Miley recalled. “I related to that person more than I related to anyone in my life.”
This realization helped Miley better understand herself, leading her to reexamine her relationships and her place in the world. Her exploration of identity also brought her closer to her family, sparking moments of healing.
During her time as a mentor on The Voice, Miley shared a touching exchange with her mother. Her mom, once unsure about Miley’s identity, apologized after seeing a contestant credit Miley for inspiring her to come out.
Miley recalled, “My mom started crying. She was like, ‘I’m so sorry about the way I was when you were that age and coming out.’ She never understood me until she saw that girl who couldn’t be herself.”
In past interviews, Miley has spoken candidly about her openness to love and relationships. “I am literally open to every single thing that is consenting and doesn’t involve an animal and everyone is of age,” she told Paper Magazine.
Her fluid view of gender and sexuality reflects a growing societal shift toward inclusivity and understanding. For Miley, it’s not about labels but about connection and being true to herself.
Through her public platform, Miley has become a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Her experiences have encouraged fans to embrace who they are and challenge societal expectations.
Now, Miley has made another personal revelation, choosing to publicly identify as pansexual. She describes pansexuality as an attraction based on emotional connection, unbound by gender.
Speaking to Variety, Miley said, “Once I understood my gender more, which was unassigned, then I understood my sexuality more.” She added, “That’s why I don’t feel straight and I don’t feel gay. It’s because I’m not.”
Miley’s coming out has been met with overwhelming support from fans and advocates alike. Her courage in sharing her truth has further solidified her as a powerful voice for acceptance and love.
As Miley continues her journey, her authenticity will undoubtedly inspire others to embrace their identities. Her story is a testament to the freedom that comes with self-discovery and living unapologetically.
Featured Image Credit: (Instagram/ @mileycyrus)
