While New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was at the forefront to try and contain the spread of Coronavirus, he got some much needed help from his 23-year-old daughter, Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo. She proved herself to be an incredible role model for young people, joining her father, 62, during a message to New Yorkers. In the months since, she has also been open about her sexuality and her struggle with societal labels, revealing she identifies as demisexual. Here are five things you need to know about Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo.
1. Michaela came out as demisexual.
In honor of Pride Month, Michaela Kennedy Cuomo posted a selfie of herself with a background made up of rainbow flags, and opened up about her queer identity. She later offered some more insight about her sexual orientation during an Instagram Live with activist and author Donato Tramuto, revealing she identifies as demisexual. PFLAG describes it as individuals who only feel sexually attracted to someone when they have an emotional bond with the person. “When I was in elementary school, I feared that I was lesbian. When I was in middle school, I came out to my family and close friends as bisexual. When I was in high school, I discovered pansexuality and thought, ‘That’s the flag for me.’ ” Michaela explained. “I’ve recently learned more about demisexuality and have believed that that identity resonates with me most.”
2. She comes from a very prominent family.
Not only is Michaela the daughter of the New York Governor, her mother, Kerry Kennedy, is a celebrated human rights activist and author. Furthermore, Michaela’s family is connected to American politics and one of the most well known political families in the United States. Her maternal grandfather was United States Senator Robert F. Kennedy, making her great uncle President John F. Kennedy. On her father’s side, Michaela is the niece of CNN correspondent Chris Cuomo. Michaela has two older twin sisters, Cara Ethel Kennedy-Cuomo and Mariah Matilda Kennedy-Cuomo.
3. She attended an Ivy League school.
Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, Michaela was wrapping up her final year at Brown University. She majored in Education and Human Development, with a focus on Social Inequality, according to her LinkedIn page. While attending Brown, Michaela wrote for the Brown Political Review as a Culture Writer.
4. She’s already embracing political activism.
While attending Brown, Michaela became one of the major leaders on her campus for the It’s On Us Campaign. The campaign began under the Obama administration and was a major tentpole for Vice President Joe Biden‘s time at the White House. It’s On Us combats sexual assault on college campuses by encouraging bystanders to horrific sexual crimes to speak up without penalty, empowering victims as well. Along with meeting Vice President Biden — and posting about it regularly on Instagram — she also shared images from It’s On Us week at her campus.
5. Michaela gets political online.
Apart from her Instagram, Michaela’s Twitter account also showcases some real activism. “Respect Existence or Expect Resistance,” reads the bio underneath her Twitter profile. In June 2019, Michaela used her Twitter account to speak out against former political candidate Roy Moore, Supreme Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh, and President Donald Trump for creating legislation “that protects privileged assailants at the expense of the survivor.”