It’s an understatement to say that Zendaya is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. After all, she’s part of an elite club of celebrities only known by one name, alongside Cher, Madonna, and Lorde.
But while Zendaya’s superstardom has helped her land interesting acting gigs (like HBO’s Euphoria), it also comes with a few drawbacks. The biggest one is that everybody wants to know more about her personal life, including her sexuality.
As a result, many people have asked: is Zendaya bi? Is she gay? Lucky for you, we have the answer. Keep reading to learn more about the talented Zendaya, her dating history, and her sexuality (as defined by the evidence).
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Where The Rumor About Zendaya Started
Part of being famous is dealing with the endless rumors, but many people fail to recognize that even the idlest of chatter is usually inspired by something real. The stories about Zendaya possibly being gay or bisexual are no exception to this rule. So, why do people think Zendaya might be gay? Here are the two main reasons.
Her Support Of The LGBTQ+ Community
Zendaya has used her voice to support various groups over the years, including the LGBTQ+ community. She’s defended and uplifted members of the gay community enough to have received a GLSEN Gamechanger Award in 2017. Since then, she’s publicly talked about how she’d like to produce a film about two Black girls falling in love.
As a result, she’s become one of the unofficial queens of gay Twitter, with one user posting that they’d seen Zendaya at a gay bar. The original tweet read: “‘Zendaya spotted at a gay bar,’ okay? Fork found in the kitchen, come on now.” Translation: Come on, Zendaya. It’s time to come out. However, Zendaya debunked the Tweet and said she was never there.
Speaking of Twitter, one of the most iconic Zendaya moments was when a troll called her a “gay man with makeup on,” to which she replied, “Is this supposed to be an insult cause they slay.” Get ’em, girl.
Using Gender-Neutral Language In An Interview
Interviews are a big part of a Hollywood celeb’s life, especially since it’s one of the most significant ways to connect with your fanbase without seeing them in person. Lucky for us, Zendaya loves taking on these interviews while being completely unafraid to say exactly what’s on her mind.
In 2021, Zendaya participated in Vanity Fair’s iconic 20-questions style interview. In work-from-home chic, she was asked “what she liked in a man” and quickly responded with her own question: “What do I most like in a person? How about that?” Naturally, media outlets took this as a sign that the Euphoria star didn’t actually like men, but there was no hard evidence to support their claim.
Her Style And Acting Performances
The “gaydar” is an old concept primarily rooted in homophobic stereotypes, but you can’t deny that queer folks have a certain air about them that other gay people recognize. This “vibe” is one of the reasons why people think Zendaya might be part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Fans cite her androgynous style, penchant for kissing girls on Euphoria, and undeniable swag as markers of her alleged bisexuality or homosexuality. However, these are all unrelated factors that really have no bearing on a person’s sexuality.
Zendaya’s Dating History
While Zendaya hasn’t publicly addressed the rumors about her sexuality, she has been seen dating a few people throughout her career. Let’s dive into the actress’ love interests over the years:
- Trevor Jackson (2013-2017): In 2013, Zendaya was featured in Trevor Jackson’s music video for “Like We Grown”. In the video, Trevor and Zendaya were seen to have incredible chemistry. Zendaya denied the allegations of them dating but later admitted she had a secret boyfriend. Was it Trevor Jackson? Many people seem to believe so.
- Jacob Elordi (2019): Zendaya was rumored to be dating Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi in 2019 after they were spotted on holiday together. While both parties denied it, the two were caught kissing in New York. That said, they split up a few months after the New York fiasco and remain friends.
- Tom Holland (2021-present): Tom Holland and Zendaya’s romance has been years in the making – after a few years of seeing other people, they finally ended up together. Today, they share a home in the UK.
Is Zendaya Gay?
Since Zendaya hasn’t come out yet, it’s safe to say that the actress isn’t gay or bisexual. After all, nobody knows better than the person themselves. That said, Ms. Coleman (yup, that’s her last name) has proven to be particularly secretive about her personal life, even outright denying things that ended up being true.
But rather than demanding more information from the actress, fans might take this as a signal that she’d rather leave her business out of the public eye. After all, a girl needs space for herself, too.
Final Thoughts On Zendaya’s Sexuality
Now that we’ve reviewed the available evidence on Zendaya’s sexuality, we can say that she’s straight until she comes out. That said, sexuality is pretty fluid, so things may change as the actress’ outlook on going public with her business does.
Until then, keep reading Queerty to keep up with all the latest news and gossip about your favorite Hollywood stars.
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BLAKENOW
OMG It’s no one’s business what in the hell she likes in the bedroom. This article is beyond stupid. seriously and you wonder why celebs stay in the closet?
Dick Mayhem
Thank you.
Cam
Sweetie, it’s always adorable when you come in here under an old screename and try to Troll.
Nothing you hate worse than when a famous person is supportive of the LGBTQ community or comes out. You always advocate for the closet.
Your trolling is sad and weak.
Den
“but you can’t deny that queer folks have a certain air about them that other gay people recognize.”
Actually you can. Willing to bet that an empirical study would demonstrate that gaydar does not exist. Sure, if someone is in a gay bar and giving you a once over, it is a good bet they’re gay. But unless you take the stereotypes to be true and immutable, you cannot tell.
Den
There are more and more celebrities trying to keep their private lives private as it definitely keeps stress down. Were she engaged or married I am sure the world would know.
What is really funny is the notion that somehow kissing other girls on “Euphoria” indicates she might be bi or lesbian! She is an ACTOR…they do what the role requires, and if they are good, embody it. It’s called art, and skill.
And as for her championing the LGBT community, she is from the Bay Area (Oakland) where we have been visible for her entire life. And both her parents are teachers, so she has roots in critical thinking. She is a pretty impressive young woman.
Cam
Actually not true, whenever LGBTQ celebs are interviewed, they say it was a huge stress relief to come out and not hide who they were.
Max
the whole gender neutral thing is more like she’s trying to let folks know not to be so closed-minded and use the opposite sex as a default when asking. she’s not declaring anything, she’s reiterating a more modern take for the question.
Donston
What a weird ass article. No one knows Zendaya’s dimensions, her sexuality or sexual journey, her preferences, or where she is in the gender, sexual, affection, romantic, emotion, relationship, commitment spectrum. And honestly, her being in the queer spectrum would be non-news, unless she’s actually dealing with some internal/external struggles, internalized phobias, Hollywood pressures. And I’m doubting that’s the case.
This does highlight the double standards. It’s no longer okay for the media to “speculate” about guys, even dudes living in rather obvious glass closets, even guys having obvious years-long same-sex commitments. Yet, here’s this long ass article breaking down and speculating about a female performer and offering zero “queer evidence” outside of a supposed vibe. All for clicks and comments. It’s cringe-y as hell. It just further promotes double standards, gay male panic, male queer insecurities, internalized phobias.
Cam
In what world would a famous celeb coming out in this atmosphere of Republican bigotry not be news? If she’s an ally, fantastic, if she decides to come out, it would be news, bigots would hate it, and also, fantastic.
Donston
She already is an “ally”, already plays a popular “queer” character, and she’s female. Unless she comes out as “lesbian” or is seriously invested in a non-hetero, it would not be that huge of a sociological deal. About half of female public figures are already “queer presenting” in some way or another. It could be a big deal for her personally.
bachy
circle small
life private
mind at ease
jackscott
Seems like she just wants to appeal to anyone that will give her attention. I am of the opinion that folks in the spotlight should be open about their sexual orientation & not use it as a ploy to get press. I understand that others will disagree, however, this is 2022… be proud of who you are and own it!
curiobi
Q, please NO! As you can tell from the comments absolutely no one is here for this wildly inappropriate and super cringe article. What was the thinking? Please leave this nice young lady alone. This is not a good look at all, it comes across as invasive trash journalism, AND as if you are trying to out her at worst. That is just wrong. The fact there seems to be nothing too out is not the point. The point is why is it your business to publically dissect her sexuality like this? She is not some closeted anti-gay politician! Seriously, no. DO BETTER.
Cam
Weird sentence in the article….”Since Zendaya hasn’t come out yet, it’s safe to say that the actress isn’t gay or bisexual.”
That’s like saying “Since Anderson Cooper hasn’t come out yet, it’s safe to say that the Newsman isn’t gay or bisexual”.
No, he was gay, he just wasn’t out. Frankly I think Zendaya is a straight kick ass ally, but saying that because someone isn’t out they aren’t LGBTQ makes it seem as if being Queer is a choice and not part of who they are.
Donston
I’m not gonna comment on the tired “it’s not a choice” stuff (y’all really need to move on from that trope. Everyone with a lick of sense already knows that your queer dimensions are not a choice. The conversation has evolved past that.). But it is strange how “queer media” no longer wants to acknowledge that the closet exist or acknowledge hetero pressures, queer insecurities, internalized phobias. But they’ll still put out sensationalistic and double standard driven articles driven by speculation.
This is just a completely disrespectful and unnecessary article. I thought maybe reading the whole thing would make it better. But the context makes it even more “problematic”. And once again, y’all would never put something out like this about very obviously closeted or “low key with it” male public figures.
Cam
@Donston
How about we move on from the tired “It’s not a choice” trope when Republicans stop trying to outlaw our existence.
As for the double standard, I’ve seen similar articles in the past about male celebs like Adam Lambert, Ricky Martin, and just recently about the lead in the show “Heartstopper” and the lead in “Love Victor”. So yeah, they’ve absolutely put out articles about male celebs.
The problem is, in becoming so overly fearful and sensitive we risk enshrining the closet. Compliment and praise people for coming out, give them a safe space, but enough with the attacking anyone who dares suggest that somebody may be LGBTQ, unless you think that is something shameful. Frankly it’s a compliment.
Rich85
This “article” is beyond embarrassing. Hang your heads editors!!!
Kangol2
I just reread this article and it is pretty cringe-y and confused, as if it’s trying to make a case but doesn’t know why or how. Whatever Zendaya’s sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual object choice, etc., she–because she uses the “she/her” pronouns–is an LGBTQIA+ ally, and appears quite comfortable with LGBTQIA+ people in real life, and playing a queer character on TV. She also played a very straight woman character in Malcolm and Marie, with John David Washington, though I wonder if this article’s writer even saw that film. However she defines herself, she’s a talented actress and I hope her career continues to flourish.
Polaro
The tedious nature of star culture. Yes people want to know everything about these people. Its part of the ecosystem. I think it is unhealthy, but it is what it is.
I’ve always wanted to be rich. I’ve never wanted to be famous. The invasion of privacy isn’t worth the rush of adulation.