Miley Cyrus has long been known for her fearless self-expression and advocacy for authenticity. From her early days as Hannah Montana to becoming a global pop icon, she has openly shared her struggles with identity and relationships, inspiring fans to embrace their true selves.

In a recent interview with Variety, Miley came out as pansexual, revealing her lifelong journey of self-discovery. “My whole life, I didn’t understand my own gender and my own sexuality,” she admitted. She recalled questioning her identity from a young age, saying, “My eyes started opening in the fifth or sixth grade. My first relationship in my life was with a chick.”

Miley has rejected restrictive labels, explaining, “I always hated the word ‘bisexual’ because that’s even putting me in a box.” Her perspective shifted after visiting an LGBTQ+ center, where she connected with someone who embodied both masculinity and femininity. “I related to that person more than I related to anyone in my life.”

Her journey also brought healing within her family. Reflecting on her mother’s past struggles to understand her, 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.’” Today, Miley embraces her identity, emphasizing emotional connection over gender.