Ava Phillippe, the daughter of Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon, is once again embracing her identity and celebrating Pride Month with an empowering message. Over two years after she initially spoke about her views on gender and sexuality, Ava has revisited those remarks, reinforcing her belief that “gender is whatever” when it comes to romantic attraction. This time, her words resonate even louder as she stands proudly with the LGBTQ+ community.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on June 2, Ava reflected on her earlier statements about her sexuality. “Once upon a time, some gal on the internet said ‘gender is whatever’ in reference to her own sexuality,” she wrote. “Many took her words out of context, but she knew what she meant. Anyways, this is her posting for the first day of pride month 2024.” Accompanying her post was a radiant image of Ava standing by a pond during golden hour. She wore sunglasses, a red crop top, and cargo pants, waving a rainbow flag proudly in the air. The post perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Pride—a celebration of love, identity, and self-expression.
Reese Witherspoon, ever the supportive mother, quickly reacted to her daughter’s post with a simple yet meaningful double tap. The bond between Reese and Ava has always been strong, and moments like these highlight the love and understanding that Reese consistently shows for her children. Besides Ava, Reese also shares two sons—20-year-old Deacon Phillippe and 11-year-old Tennessee Toth—with exes Ryan Phillippe and Jim Toth, respectively.
Ava didn’t stop at just one post. As part of the Pride celebrations, she also shared a powerful quote on her Instagram story from a photographer that read, “Pride is important because someone tonight still believes they’re better off dead than being themselves.” By resharing this message, Ava not only acknowledged the importance of Pride but also underscored the ongoing struggles faced by many within the LGBTQ+ community. Her gesture was a reminder of the resilience and courage needed to live authentically in a world that doesn’t always offer acceptance.
This year’s Pride Month marks over two years since Ava’s initial public comments about her sexuality. In 2022, she responded to a follower’s question about romantic preferences by stating, “Gender is whatever.” She elaborated further, explaining that her attraction was not confined by traditional gender norms. “I’m attracted to… people!” she candidly admitted. Her openness about her evolving identity struck a chord with many of her followers, garnering both praise and criticism.
While Ava’s words were celebrated by many, they also attracted backlash from some corners of the internet. However, she didn’t let the negativity affect her. Addressing the criticism head-on, Ava firmly stated, “I can & will block profiles commenting bigoted/hateful messages under my posts. My Instagram profile is not a place for cruelty/hate speech & I intend to do what I can to keep it that way. Peace & love.” Her unapologetic stance against hate speech demonstrated her commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space on her social media platforms.
Ava’s willingness to share her truth comes as no surprise to those who have followed her journey. Despite being the daughter of a high-profile celebrity, she has consistently strived to carve out her own identity. Known for her candidness and relatability, Ava has fostered a genuine connection with her audience. In a 2021 interview with E! News, she shared her thoughts on social media transparency. “It makes me feel good, in more ways than one, to be able to share and be real with people on social media as much as is possible,” she said. This philosophy of authenticity continues to guide her online presence.
Beyond her personal reflections, Ava’s love life has also been a topic of interest. For several years, she was publicly linked to Owen Mahoney, a UC Berkeley student. Their relationship, which began in 2019, appeared to be strong, with the couple often sharing glimpses of their moments together. However, fans recently noticed the absence of Owen from Ava’s social media, sparking speculation about their relationship status. Ava has since deleted photos of him from her account and hasn’t posted any new ones for several months. While she hasn’t publicly addressed the situation, her followers remain curious about the next chapter of her romantic life.
Despite the curiosity surrounding her relationships, Ava remains focused on self-growth and advocacy. Her participation in Pride Month serves as a testament to her commitment to supporting marginalized communities. By revisiting and reaffirming her past remarks, Ava not only honors her journey but also inspires others to embrace their identities without fear or shame.
In an era where visibility matters more than ever, Ava Phillippe’s voice adds to the chorus of young individuals challenging societal norms. Her courage to stand by her beliefs—even in the face of criticism—reflects the spirit of Pride Month. For Ava, Pride isn’t just about celebration; it’s about fostering understanding, compassion, and acceptance for all.
As she continues to navigate the complexities of identity, love, and public life, Ava Phillippe’s unwavering authenticity shines through. Whether she’s waving a rainbow flag by a pond or simply sharing her thoughts online, her presence serves as a reminder that love knows no boundaries. And as Pride Month unfolds, Ava’s message remains clear: live your truth, unapologetically and proudly.