The Truth About James Charles's Sexuality: 3 Key Controversies That Define His Identity

The question of "Is James Charles gay?" has been one of the most consistently searched queries about the beauty YouTuber and social media personality for years, and the answer is a straightforward yes. As of this current date in December 2025, James Charles Dickinson is openly and publicly a gay man, a fact he has embraced throughout his career, often using his platform to promote makeup artistry that challenges traditional gender norms and benders of traditional gender conventions.

However, the conversation surrounding James Charles's sexuality is far more complex than a simple label, having been repeatedly scrutinized and debated due to past controversial statements and recent high-profile dating rumors that have captivated the online beauty community and his millions of followers. To truly understand his identity, one must look at his public statements and the ongoing discourse about his personal life.

James Charles Dickinson: Biography and Profile

James Charles Dickinson is a prominent American YouTuber, makeup artist, and social media personality who rose to fame as a self-taught beauty guru. His career has been marked by both groundbreaking achievements and significant online controversies.

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• Full Name: James Charles Dickinson
• Date of Birth: May 23, 1999
• Age (as of 2025): 26
• Hometown: Bethlehem, New York, U.S.
• Career: YouTuber, Makeup Artist, Social Media Influencer, Entrepreneur
• Notable Achievements: First male spokesperson for CoverGirl (2016), one of the world's most-followed beauty YouTubers, creator of the "Sister Squad" and the iconic "Hi Sisters!" greeting.
• Sexual Orientation: Openly Gay
• Public Image: Known for his elaborate makeup tutorials, vibrant personality, and frequent involvement in high-profile internet feuds and allegations.

The Definitive Answer: James Charles's Openly Gay Identity

The core of the matter is unequivocally clear: James Charles is openly and proudly gay. He has been out for his entire public career, and his sexuality is central to his brand, which often focuses on breaking down gender barriers in the cosmetics industry.

His content, which ranges from elaborate makeup transformations to viral challenges, has always been an expression of his identity, appealing to a massive audience who see him as a symbol of self-acceptance and defiance of traditional masculinity. This open declaration of his homosexuality is the foundation upon which his entire public persona is built. He is a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, using his platform to discuss issues of identity, though his statements have occasionally caused controversy.

The "Not Fully Gay" Controversy and Nuances of Sexuality

While James Charles is gay, his own words sparked a significant debate about the fluidity and nuances of sexuality in 2019, which continues to be a point of reference for topical authority discussions. In a video, Charles made a comment suggesting he wasn't "fully gay" because he had been attracted to and dated transgender men in the past.

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He later clarified and apologized for the remark, acknowledging that his phrasing was problematic and insensitive. The controversy centered on the idea that dating a trans man is still a homosexual relationship, as trans men are men. His initial statement was criticized for implying a distinction that many felt invalidated the identity of transgender men or suggested that attraction to them somehow lessened his "gayness."

This incident highlighted a complex discussion within the LGBTQ+ community and on social media: the difference between sexual orientation (who you are attracted to) and the gender identity of the people you are attracted to (transgender men, cisgender men, etc.). James Charles’s apology indicated an understanding that his identity remains homosexual, and his attraction to all men, regardless of their trans or cis identity, falls under the umbrella of being gay.

The discussion around this topic, including LSI keywords like bi-curiosity and sexual orientation, shows how public figures like Charles are at the forefront of evolving conversations about identity and attraction.

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The Latest Rumors and Dating Life in 2025

Despite being openly gay, James Charles's dating life is a frequent subject of speculation, often fueled by his own dramatic online content and the relentless scrutiny of the beauty community. As of 2025, his relationships continue to make headlines, demonstrating the constant public interest in his personal life.

In 2025, Charles faced renewed controversy regarding his alleged involvement with a straight man named Evan Johnson, the ex-boyfriend of influencer Kayla Malec. These rumors, which Charles publicly denied, placed his sexuality back under the microscope, especially given his past history of being accused by fellow beauty guru Tati Westbrook of attempting to "trick straight men."

• Evan Johnson Controversy: Allegations surfaced that Charles was involved with Johnson, who was at the center of a domestic dispute drama. Charles vehemently denied the romantic involvement, stating there was "zero evidence" of a relationship, but the claims kept the gossip mill churning.
• Past Relationships: His known dating history is limited in the public eye, though he was previously linked to Instagram star Shawn.
• The "Straight" Rumor: A recurring, unsubstantiated rumor on social media platforms like Reddit suggests Charles is secretly dating a girl or is not truly gay, which he often addresses with humor or dramatic content, such as his satirical "Coming out to my parents... as straight" video. These rumors are likely a reaction to his past controversies and the general public's fascination with his celebrity status.

These ongoing discussions, including the constant appearance of keywords like James Charles dating history and current dating life, underscore how his sexual orientation is a dynamic and frequently debated aspect of his overall celebrity. While the definitive answer is that he is a gay man, the public's curiosity and the nature of social media drama ensure that his identity will remain a topic of intense discussion for the foreseeable future.

In summary, James Charles is openly gay and has used his platform to celebrate his identity. However, his journey has been complicated by controversial statements about the nuances of sexuality (specifically regarding transgender men) and persistent rumors about his dating life, which continue to generate headlines and maintain his relevance in the ever-evolving social media landscape. His story is a powerful example of how public figures navigate their personal identity under the relentless scrutiny of the internet age.