Joan Jett, born on September 22, 1958, is a rock icon, singer, songwriter, and producer known for her influential contributions to the punk and rock music scenes. Rising to fame as the founder and lead guitarist of The Runaways, Jett later formed Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, achieving massive success with hits like “I Love Rock ‘n Roll.”
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Renowned for her rebellious spirit, distinctive voice, and powerful stage presence, Joan Jett has not only shaped the trajectory of rock and roll but has also become a symbol of female empowerment in the male-dominated music industry.
Alongside her fame in the music industry, Joan Jett was also the talk of the fans because of her sexuality—there had always been rumors surrounding the subject. As she refused to clear the air about it, it only heightened curiosity around the topic. So the question remains: Is Joan Jett gay? That’s what we’re going to find out in this article.
VOTE: What is Joan Jett’s Sexuality?
Joan Jett’s Sexuality Explored
Joan Jett’s romantic history includes relationships with women, leading some fans to believe she is a lesbian. However, it’s important to note that the music icon has also dated men in the past, contributing to the belief that she identifies as bisexual.
During a 1994 interview with Out Magazine, the rock icon declined to categorize her sexuality, asserting that people are free to believe whatever they choose.
I’m saying believe what you want.”
she told the outlet
In a separate interview in 2006, Joan Jett was once again questioned about her sexual orientation, and she stated that she had never made any explicit declarations about her sexuality.
I never made any kind of statement about my personal life on any level. I never made any proclamations.”
she said
Nevertheless, during a 2018 interview with The New York Times, when questioned about her sexuality, the rock icon simply gestured towards her necklace.
Two labryses, or axes, crossing each other, inside of two women’s symbols crossing each other.”
she said
I don’t know how much more you can declare.”
she also added
She additionally highlighted that her necklace matched the tattoo on her lower back. Despite dropping these hints, she remained adamant about not explicitly labeling her sexuality. She expressed a reluctance to be dictated to and emphasized that the more she was urged to do something, the less inclined she was to do it.
I’m not going to be told how to live and how I can be myself. The more you want me to say it, the more I won’t say it.”
Apart from declining to discuss matters concerning her sexuality, Jett has also refrained from openly supporting LGBTQ+ issues. It wasn’t until later in her life that she acknowledged herself as a feminist icon.
In a more recent Rolling Stone interview in May 2022, when questioned about what she would like to say to her younger self, she expressed the desire to learn better control over her emotions.
To try to control my emotions a little bit better. When I was younger, (I was) very emotional, in a sense that I would take great offense to people talking about, ‘Girls can’t play rock,’ whatever it was. I was quick to anger, and so I would just try to be a lot more patient. And I’ve never been one to read my own press, because I figured if you believe the good stuff, you got to believe the bad stuff, too. You’re only going to find misery… I would definitely encourage people not to do that – not to Google yourself.”
Joan Jett said
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Joan Jett’s Relationships
To the best of public knowledge, Joan Jett has never been married. Reports indicate she is currently single. Nevertheless, she has been linked to several individuals in the past. Now, let’s delve into her dating history to gain a better understanding of her.
Joan Jett and Carmen Electra (2006)
In 2006, rumors circulated about Joan Jett’s alleged relationship with Carmen Electra. Although details about their connection were scarce, and both parties remained tight-lipped, they were frequently seen together, displaying affectionate gestures. These public sightings sparked dating rumors between them, yet neither Joan Jett nor Carmen Electra officially confirmed the relationship.
Joan Jett and Chuck Zito (2001)
In 2001, there was a rumor linking Jett to Chuck Zito. But similar to other relationships involving the rock icon, no confirmation was provided by either party.
Joan Jett and Billy Idol (1980s)
Speculations arose in the 1980s that the rock icon dated Billy Idol. However, like most of her relationships, details between them were kept away from the public eye.
Joan Jett and Danny Bonaduce (1980s)
The rock singer was also rumored to have been involved with Danny Bonaduce. However, whatever they shared was extremely private, and no information was disclosed to the public.
Joan Jett and Kira Roessler (1980s)
Adding to the mystery of the rock icon’s highly private dating life is her connection with Kira Roessler. Despite numerous speculations, both remained tight-lipped about the rumors.
Joan Jett and Kira Roessler (late 1990s)
Kira Roessler revealed in a 2015 interview with Alice Bag that she had slept with Jett.
The only woman I ever had sex with was Joan Jett because she was/is so amazing.”
the Emmy-winner revealed
However, there were no additional details provided about the hookup.
Dee Dee Ramone (1977)
Rumors have it that Joan Jett also dated Dee Dee Ramone back in 1977. The romance was reportedly brief, and once again, there were no details about the relationship.
Joan Jett and Tom Petersson (1976)
Joan Jett was rumored to have had a brief romance with Tom Petersson. However, the relationship was kept private, and neither of them addressed the dating rumors.
Joan Jett and Cheri Currie (1976)
In a 2010 Hitflix interview, it was mentioned that Joan Jett and fellow The Runaways band member Cherie Currie had “experimented” together in 1976. This was somewhat affirmed when another band member, Lita Ford, disclosed in her 2016 memoir ‘Living Like A Runaway’ that everyone in the band, except one person, expressed an interest in women.
I found out that Cherie was messing around with Joan. I was so freaked out that I quit the band.”
Ford revealed
Joan Jett and John Lydon (1970s)
Contributing to Jett’s extensive catalog of unverified relationships is John Lyndon. They were thought to have been romantically involved in the late 1970s, a period when both of their careers were flourishing. However, neither confirmation nor denial was ever issued, and there remains limited information about the alleged romance.
Joan Jett and Pleasant Gehman (1970s)
Jett was reportedly very close to Gehman in the 1970s, sparking speculation about a potential romantic relationship between them. However, the romance was never confirmed, and no further details about it emerged.
Controversies Involving Joan Jett
In July 2015, Jackie Fuchs, also known as Jackie Fox of The Runaways, claimed that she had been raped by producer and sing writer, Kim Fowley. According to Fuchs, the incident took place on New Year’s Eve in 1975 at an after-party for the Runaways. Fuchs, who was only sixteen at the time, asserted that she was given Quaaludes by someone she mistook for a roadie. When she passed out, Fowley allegedly raped her in front of some guests, including some of her bandmates, with Jett reportedly among them.
Jett, however, denied the claim, asserting that she is not the type to stand by and watch someone being abused.
Anyone who knows me well knows that if I was aware of a buddy or bandmate being abused, I would not stand by and watch it happen. There were strange relationships for a group of young kids catapulted into ’70s rock success, but I was unaware of this episode.”
Jett said in a 2015 interview
Is Joan Jett Gay?
Joan Jett’s sexuality has consistently been one of the most asked questions among her fans. Regardless of how frequently the media sought her comments on the topic, the rock icon steadfastly refrained from addressing the rumors. She asserted her refusal to label herself with any specific identity.
Despite Jett’s extreme secrecy regarding her relationships, to the extent that she never confirmed any of her rumored romances, the rock icon has been linked to various individuals in the past, both men and women. This has led fans to speculate that she may be bisexual. Nevertheless, Jett has consistently refused to comment on the matter.