Ashnikko is a rising star in the music industry known for her eclectic style and fearless approach to self-expression. Born Ashton Nicole Casey on February 19, 1996, in Oak Ridge, North Carolina, she adopted the stage name Ashnikko as a nod to her rebellious spirit. Her music defies easy categorization, blending elements of pop, hip-hop, and electronic genres to create a unique and genre-bending sound.
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Ashnikko gained widespread recognition with her hit single “Stupid” in 2019, which featured a collaboration with rapper Yung Baby Tate. The track’s viral success catapulted her into the limelight, and she continued to build her fanbase with subsequent releases like “Daisy” and “Cry,” showcasing her bold lyrics and unapologetic attitude.
Beyond her music, Ashnikko is known for her distinctive style, often sporting colorful and provocative outfits that compliment her boundary-pushing music. With her empowering messages and artistic creativity, Ashnikko has become an icon for those who celebrate individuality and self-confidence in the world of modern pop music.
With her steadily rising popularity, she has captured the curiosity of the public, with some showing interest in her personal life. There have also been talks about her sexuality, as many wonder if she’s not straight. Well, is she? Is Ashnikko gay? Read on for the answer.
VOTE: What is Ashnikko’s Sexuality?
Ashnikko’s Sexuality Explored
Hip-hop culture is known for its historical homophobia. Consequently, it requires a great deal of courage for hip-hop artists to publicly come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Among the few rappers who have made history by doing so are Lil Nas X, Young M.A., Tyler The Creator, Doja Cat, and Ashnikko.
Yes, Ashnikko publicly came out as bisexual in June 2019 through a Twitter post.
HAPPY PRIDE, BABIES!!!! ðŸ³ï¸ðŸŒˆthis is the first year I have been truly honest with myself about my bisexuality and I’m really happy!!!!”
Ashnikko tweeted on July 5, 2019
However, she later clarified in a 2020 interview that she is actually pansexual. Then, in May 2021, she stated that she is, in fact, genderfluid.
i just didn’t feel ready to tell the internet yet but i guess now’s a good time since everyone’s doing a dissection into my sexuality and gender identity,”
Ashnikko posted on Twitter
She also uses both she/her and they/them pronouns.
However, her journey to understanding and eventually embracing her own sexuality was not easy. She had to grow up in a conservative community and a family that was not particularly welcoming of LGBTQ+ rights.
I spent my childhood in southern small-town USA surrounded by a lot of close-minded people, hating myself and struggling to understand why I wanted to kiss my best girlfriends.”
Ashnikko shared with Gay Times in a 2020 interview
Why do I like all my friends and why am I so jealous of my friend when she gets a boyfriend? Like, so jealous?”
she added
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The first time she opened up about her sexuality, she revealed that her family was disappointed in her. Although she grew up believing that something was wrong with her, she uses her music as a platform to assist and inspire others to embrace themselves, regardless of what the people around them say.
With limited access to materials that could help her explore and understand her own sexuality, the singer shared that it was Tumblr that played a huge role in her self-discovery. She also mentioned that she was disappointed in herself for taking so long to come out and fully embrace her own sexuality.
Tumblr was my saving grace. For me it was like, this is amazing! Finally!”
she said
She also said that Naya Rivera’s role as Santana Lopez on “Glee” helped her come to terms with her own sexual orientation as she was the first LGBTQ lady she saw on TV when she was a child.
The rap icon is currently dating another singer, Arlo Parks. The musical couple made their relationship Instagram official by posting a photo of themselves together in January 2022, along with a caption.
I’M SORRY BUT WE ARE STUPID DUM DUM HOT.”
They also never shy away from showing how deeply they care for each other.
In November 2022, Ashnikko tweeted, “I am crushing so hard right now” and “all day everyday I AM DISTRACTED,” to which Arlo Parks responded with “Je suis folle de toi,” which is French for “I’m crazy about you.”
Then, in December of the same year, the rapper tweeted, “My girlfriend is so hot I want to scream!!!!!!!!!!” to which Parks replied with “hehehehehe.” So, things must be going well between the couple.
Is Ashnikko Gay?
Yes, Ashnikko is openly gay. She initially came out as bisexual in 2019 but clarified that she’s pansexual in 2020. Then, in 2021, she came out as genderfluid through a Twitter post. She’s currently in a relationship with fellow musician Arlo Parks, and the two appear to have been dating since early 2022.