Ever since she stepped onto the national stage in that sparkly Miu Miu coat during the 2021 Inauguration, people have been obsessed with Ella Emhoff. She’s not your typical political scion. Between the tattoos, the curly hair, and the "First Daughter of Bushwick" vibes, she basically represents a whole new era of Gen Z influence. Naturally, when someone doesn’t fit the stiff, traditional mold of a "Second Daughter," the internet starts asking questions. Specifically: is Ella Emhoff gay?
It’s a question that pops up on Google every time she walks a runway or posts a new knitting project on Instagram. People look at her androgynous style and her fierce support for LGBTQ+ causes and start making assumptions.
But identity is a complex thing. Especially when you're 26 and living your life under a microscope.
The Reality of Ella Emhoff’s Relationships
Honestly, if you're looking for a definitive "coming out" moment where Ella Emhoff labeled herself with one specific word, you won't find it. What we do have is a very public, long-term relationship that has been well-documented by the fashion world and the tabloids alike.
For several years, Ella has been in a relationship with Sam Hine, an editor at GQ. They first went public back in 2021, and they’ve been a staple at high-fashion events ever since.
- The First Reveal: In an August 2021 interview with Vanity Fair, Ella confirmed she was dating Hine.
- Their Dynamic: She famously described their perfect date as going to a market, buying "wackiest produce," and cooking it together.
- Public Support: Sam Hine has been her biggest cheerleader, calling her a "true individual" and an icon because she simply "does herself."
Because she has been in a high-profile relationship with a man, many people assume the answer to "is Ella Emhoff gay" is a simple no. But in 2026, we know that who someone is dating doesn't always tell the full story of how they identify.
Why People Keep Asking: The Queer Aesthetic and Allyship
So why does the question persist? A lot of it comes down to her aesthetic. Ella Emhoff is the queen of androgynous fashion. She doesn’t do "First Family Polished." She does "Brooklyn Art Student Realness."
She’s often seen in oversized suits, mullets, and knits that she makes herself. In fashion circles, this "gender-fluid" style is often associated with the queer community. While style doesn't equal sexuality, Ella has leaned into a look that challenges traditional gender norms.
More importantly, her advocacy is loud and clear. This isn't just someone who shows up to a Pride parade for a photo op. Ella has a real history of putting her money where her mouth is:
- For the Gworls: Back in 2020, she used her growing platform to support this Black, transgender-led collective. She even raffled off her own knitwear to raise money for their rent and gender-affirming surgery funds.
- Proposition 8: Even as a kid, she was politically active. She and her brother, Cole, campaigned against California’s Prop 8, which sought to ban same-sex marriage.
- Trans Rights Advocacy: She has been vocal on social media about the importance of protecting trans youth, often sharing resources and donation links with her followers.
Some publications, like nss G-Club, have even described her as "calling herself queer," though Ella herself tends to be more private about specific labels in major mainstream interviews. She seems much more interested in doing the work of an ally than talking about her own box.
Navigating the "Bushwick" Identity
Living in Bushwick, Brooklyn, puts her right in the heart of one of the most vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in the world. It’s a place where the lines of identity are often blurred and where "straight" or "gay" feels like an oversimplification for a lot of people.
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Ella’s life is a mix of high-fashion runways for Proenza Schouler and quiet nights knitting in her apartment. She’s navigating a world where her stepmother is the Vice President, yet she’s also just a 20-something trying to find her voice in the art world.
When people ask if she’s gay, they’re often really asking: "Does she belong to our community?" Given her relentless support for trans rights and her rejection of "traditional" femininity, many in the LGBTQ+ community view her as a kinswoman, regardless of who she’s dating.
Addressing the Rumors and Misconceptions
Let’s get one thing straight (pun intended): Ella Emhoff has never officially come out as a lesbian. She has, however, spent years in a committed relationship with Sam Hine.
The confusion often stems from the fact that Gen Z views sexuality on a spectrum. Someone can date a man and still identify as queer, bisexual, or pansexual. Ella hasn't felt the need to give a press conference about her bedroom habits, and frankly, why should she?
What we know for sure:
- She is a fierce ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
- She dates (or has dated) Sam Hine.
- She uses her platform to fundraise for transgender healthcare.
- She rejects traditional gendered clothing in favor of a fluid aesthetic.
What to Take Away from Ella’s Journey
Whether or not Ella Emhoff identifies with a specific label, her impact on the visibility of "alternative" identities in political spaces is huge. She’s proof that you can be part of the most powerful family in the country and still have hairy armpits, tattoos, and a wardrobe that makes your grandma confused.
If you’re following her story, don't look for a label. Look at her actions. Her commitment to organizations like For the Gworls and her refusal to conform to "Washington DC" standards of beauty tell you way more about her character than a one-word answer about her sexuality ever could.
If you want to support the causes Ella cares about, you can check out the For the Gworls collective or look into local mutual aid funds that support Black trans people with housing and medical costs. Keeping up with her Soft Hands Knitting projects on Instagram is also a great way to see how she’s continuing to blend art with activism in 2026.