In a groundbreaking moment on this season’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, former N-Dubz singer and X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos has opened up about her personal journey, sparking an important conversation about sexuality and identity.
The 36-year-old star made headlines during a heartfelt conversation with campmate Dean McCullough, where she bravely shared her identity as demisexual. “I feel like I’m demisexual; I need to have a really close emotional bond with someone,” Tulisa revealed, adding that she’s been celibate for over three years.
Understanding Demisexuality
For many viewers watching at home, this may have been their first introduction to the term demisexual. Simply put, demisexuality means someone only feels sexual attraction after forming a deep emotional connection with another person. Unlike those who might feel immediate physical attraction, demisexual individuals need to develop a strong bond before experiencing sexual feelings.
This orientation exists across the entire spectrum of sexuality—whether someone identifies as straight, gay, bisexual, or pansexual, they can also be demisexual. Gender identity does not limit this orientation, as people of all genders can identify as demisexual.
A Personal Journey
Tulisa spoke candidly about her dating experiences, sharing her discomfort with modern dating culture. “I’m not an overly sexualized person,” she explained to her campmates. for me is the connection and emotions I feel with someone and wanting to express them.”
The singer even revealed her brief experience with the exclusive dating app Raya, though she admitted she’s never actually gone on a date through the platform. “The thought of dating genuinely makes me feel physically sick,” she confessed, emphasizing her need for genuine connection before intimacy.
Impact And Reception
The revelation has sparked widespread support on social media, with many praising Tulisa for bringing visibility to demisexuality. One viewer tweeted, “Like I couldn’t adore this queen more; Tulisa saying she thinks she might be demisexual is everything!” Another shared a touching personal revelation: “Thank you! After years of contemplating the reasons for my distinctness from the majority of gay men, I have recently discovered that I am a demisexual.
More Than Just Dating
During her time in the jungle, Tulisa has shown remarkable openness about various aspects of her life. In a separate discussion with Olivia Atwood, she spoke about her experience with Bell’s palsy, a condition that temporarily affects facial muscle control. This led to her decision to pursue certain medical treatments to address facial symmetry issues—another example of her willingness to share personal challenges with the public.
The star joins an impressive lineup of campmates this season, including Coleen Rooney, content creator GK Barry, McFly’s Danny Jones, and Radio 1 DJs Melvin Odoom and Dean McCullough. While bookmakers may not currently favor her as the winner, Tulisa has already made a significant impact by sparking important conversations about sexuality and identity.
A Broader Conversation
Tulisa’s revelation comes at a time when discussions about sexuality and identity are becoming increasingly open and nuanced. Her candid sharing has helped normalize conversations about different forms of sexuality and relationship preferences, showing that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to love and attraction.
The episode also featured other meaningful discussions about sexuality, including GK Barry (Grace Keeling) sharing her coming out story regarding her relationship with footballer girlfriend Ella Rutherford, demonstrating how reality TV can serve as a platform for important conversations about identity and acceptance.
Through her honest discussions in the jungle, Tulisa has not only shared her personal truth but has also helped countless viewers better understand themselves and others. As the show continues, her impact extends far beyond the confines of the reality TV format, contributing to a broader dialogue about sexuality, identity, and the importance of authentic self-expression.
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