The International LGBTQ+ Pride Day is celebrated every year on June 28 and consists of a series of events that the different groups carry out to fight for equality and the dignity of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer people, the LGBTQ+ community.
Sad but true, many people in the LGBTQ+ community aren’t getting the support they want at work, from their friends, and even from their families. Many feel unwelcome or even insecure in their own environment – and those who have the impression that they are not even appreciated and recognized by friends and relatives seek confirmation of their own identity elsewhere. For example on social media.
For most people today, the Internet is the ultimate source of information, entertainment, and politics. The internet is especially important to the LGBTQ+ community because not all of them can live the life they want offline. This is precisely why social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are so important to LGBTQ+ identities.
From trans makeup tutorials to coming-out stories , social media is now full of queer content creators. Countless influencers use these platforms for inspiring, entertaining and/or socially critical videos. In honor of The International LGBTQ+ Pride Day 2022, we have selected five LGBTQ+ influencers whose content and personal stories you should know.
Nikkie de Jager
It was in 2008 that the young Nikkie de Jager began to share her beauty tutorials on Youtube from the Netherlands, her native country. Her line of eyeliner became more and more sure, and she soon began hosting the biggest celebrities on her channel (Kim Kardashian, to name just one). She even launched the tag “The Power of Make Up” by only appyling make up to one side of her face, while conveying that make up is not a necessity, just a desire, and that it can help build confidence in itself.
In 2020, one of her videos attracted particular attention. Opening up her trans identity to more than 13 million subscribers on her YouTube account, she has now become one of the most followed trans women in the world.
Gigi Lazzarato
Gigi Lazzarato, known as Gigi Gorgeous, is a trans YouTube star from Canada. During her transition, Gigi was open about her cosmetic procedures, and they went viral. Since then, a documentary has even been made about Gigi, which was presented at the Sundance Film Festival.
Eva Gutowski
Eva Gutowski has over eleven million subscribers on her YouTube channel MyLifeAsEva. She identifies as bisexual and has been named one of the fastest growing YouTube stars by People magazine.
Bretman Rock
Bretman Rock is one of the internet’s biggest beauty influencers: With his sassy personality and sense of humor it’s no wonder he has over eight million subscribers on YouTube and over 18 million followers on Instagram. Rock is openly committed to LGBTQ+ rights and celebrates its individuality like few others – both online and offline.
Rain Dove
Gender is a drag. No one embodies this simple truth better than Rain Dove. As a model, Rain poses sometimes as a woman, sometimes as a man, regularly causing heads to burst and fundamentalists to rage. The most impressive thing about the channel, however, is the patient and understanding way in which Rain deals with haters: an angry “Go to hell!” quickly turns into “God bless you!”.
Whether you identify as a member of the community or an ally, we’re wishing you a very Happy Pride Month! May there be no discrimination but only equality in this world for everyone.