Pop stars and celebrities can protest against their status as role models as much as they like but it's an unfortunately unavoidable part of being famous. This is why Jessie J stating that her bisexuality was just a phase feels like such a loss for young gay or questioning people who look up to her.

Ambiguous sexuality has long been a selling point for pop stars, David Bowie being the most obvious example. However, Jessie J didn't foster a studied ambiguity about her sexual preferences but instead openly came out as bisexual. I would never deny Jessie J, or anyone else, the right to define themselves, identify with whatever sexuality they want or reject labels altogether. However, since she so publicly and boldly came out as having had relationships with both men and women, it feels all the more disappointing.

To have such a strong, female, bisexual role model speak in a way that clearly distances herself from her bi and gay fans is a big letdown. Jessie J's assertion that she wants to "stop talking about it completely" is directed at a media fond of asking her questions about her sexuality, but however justified her frustration, the message to young women and men questioning their sexuality is that she's over it, she doesn't want it to be a part of her life anymore, it's something that she wants to move away from.

Many people couldn't understand why lesbians were so excited about Ellen Page coming out. "How is this news?" was a fairly common observation. It was news because the lack of female, gay role models for young women is astonishing. I get excited when I see a high-profile gay woman because I see myself in her; being successful, being accepted. Jessie J has described her relationships with women as a phase.

It's an unhelpful term as this is an idea that gay people find themselves constantly battling against. Jessie J doesn't have to be bisexual if she no longer identifies that way. Who are we to dictate her sexuality or make her talk about it at all? But having already entered into a public discussion about it, to dismiss her previous brave coming out as something she did when she was young and naive, just "a part of growing up", is a real shame.

Jessie J remains a fantastic female role model, that hasn't changed. She is a breath of fresh air as a pop star, outspoken, bold and interesting. However, when she says she wants to move on from her declaration, the hearts of all those who saw it as an inspiring, hopeful moment will sink.