LGBTQ+ Role Models on YouTube

According to a study by the government, 6% of the British population are gay, bisexual or lesbian. Alongside this are others who recognise themselves as somewhere on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) spectrum. With an increase in online inspirations, Youtubers from across the globe are becoming role models for LGBTQ+ audiences far and wide.

Over the last few years, ‘coming out’ videos have become a viral phenomenon. Stars including Joey Graceffa, Troye Sivan and Ingrid Nilsen created coming out videos for their audiences, allowing them to admit their true identities and become iconic LGBTQ+ role models. “I want to live my life unapologetically” said Ingrid, “I am proud of who I am.”

Regardless of whether this was their initial aim, these online stars are now set on a pedestal. They give support to the LGBTQ+ community on an almost daily basis. This is one of the many reasons Youtubers can be hailed as role models in the modern day. They are assisting on the potentially difficult journey some may have when admitting their true sexuality or identity.

Youtube stands in solidarity

In light of the heartbreaking massacre at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando during 2016, Youtube compiled a video of LGBTQ+ youtubers coming out videos. It showcased the idea of standing with one another regardless of sexuality and included people such as Dodie Clark and Gigi Gorgeous.

While this was a heartwarming gesture, it quickly became one of the most disliked videos on Youtube. Racking up over 271,000 dislikes since its upload, comments were disabled after they became a playground for homophobic hatred. However this does not mean the entire project was a mistake.

This reaction simply shows how important the LGBTQ+ community on Youtube are. Alongside these dislikes there were over 224,000 people agreeing with the video. Without the unwavering support system Youtubers are creating, many individuals would not have the role models they have grown to love. The Internet is often deemed as a safe space by members of the LGBTQ+ community and without the role models on Youtube, that may not have been possible.

Breaking into the mainstream

Mainstream activists have existed for many years and made incredible changes for the LGBTQ+ community. It is fantastic that online inspirations are able to become role models for the LGBTQ+ generation alongside those existing role models. With many LGTBQ+ role models breaking into the mainstream media through the release of autobiographies and documentaries, it will not be long before we see a lot more of their poignant messages outside of the Youtube bubble, standing in unison with the mainstream role models already fighting the cause.