Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Miley Isn't Into Your Stodgy Gender And Sexuality Labels

Pop star Miley Cyrus didn't necessarily come out as bisexual, genderqueer or otherwise officially, but she did reveal herself as someone who won't be boxed in by labels. These statements come alongside the singer's launch of a new foundation that will help homeless and LGBT youth. Miley Cyrus' new project is called The Happy Hippie Foundation and its mission is to support LGBT and homeless youth, as well as other vulnerable communities. The group calls for young people to stand up against injustice they encounter in their own lives.
When it comes to her own gender and sexuality, Cyrus is all about rejecting labels. Cyrus, who recently ended a relationship with Patrick Schwarzenegger, told the Associated Press that not all of her previous relationships have been "straight, heterosexual" ones, though she did not clarify.
She also told Out magazine that she "kind of wanted to be nothing" when it comes to gender. "I don't relate to what people would say defines a girl or a boy, and I think that's what I had to understand: Being a girl isn't what I hate it's the box that I get put into."
She later posted the quote from The Daily Dot on her Instagram page, saying that nothing could define her.
Cyrus also expressed support for Bruce Jenner and sorrow over the death of Leelah Alcorn, a transgender teenager who took her own life after her parents refuse to support her gender identity.
So far, The Happy Hippie has already provided a grant to a My Friend's Place, a drop-in shelter for homeless youth located in Hollywood. Their gift has provided meals, snacks, fresh socks and clean underwear for two years, as well as set up and supplied arts classes. The foundation also provided My Friend's Place with pet supplies, as many homeless youth find friendship in pets. Cyrus previously helped raise money for the same organization when she took one of their clients, Jesse Helt, as her date to the MTV Video Music Awards in 2014. By bringing attention to the organization, Cyrus was able to raise over $200,000 in a day. The Happy Hippie is also setting up online support groups for LGBT youth and others who desire community.
Cyrus celebrated the Happy Hippie's launch with a few musical performances in her own backyard, will be posted to the group's Facebook page. The video will prompt fans to donate to The Happy Hippie.
Here's Cyrus rocking out with Joan Jett, who has also refused to define her sexuality.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.