It is no secret that the Internet has captured the minds and souls of millennials. Social media has progressed rapidly, and we struggle to keep up with trends that come and go in mere weeks or days. These platforms such as YouTube have allowed ordinary people to become public figures, who entertain and influence the masses by posting short videos from home showing glimpses of their everyday lives.
Some may find this intrusive or wasteful, but something valuable has risen from this new realm of mass media: a worldwide support system for LGBTQ+ youth. The LGBTQ+ influencers on this platform have created a safe space for questioning or closeted teens to interact with Internet personalities who have allowed them to relate to their own struggles, and have shown them that it is possible to live a normal and comfortable life as a queer individual.
One example of this is Ashley Mardell, a YouTuber who chose to center her content around both teaching others and learning more about the LGBTQ+ community. Recently, Mardell created a series on her channel called the “ABC’s of LGBT,” a series dedicated to exploring various types of sexuality and gender and their definitions.
When asked about her favorite part of creating these types of videos, Mardell said, “I like learning. I get to learn from fellow YouTubers or viewers about the correct language, and it creates a two-way conversation. For example, I never understood how awesome and diverse the ace and aro community was until I began my series. It is such a supportive community.”
Mardell went on to describe how her curiosity and passion for learning has allowed her to broaden her mind and how she views the LGBTQ+ community. She agreed that having a community where creators don’t necessarily fit stereotypes provides great representation and helps younger people feel less alone in their thoughts and feelings.
Mardell stressed, “Sometimes people think we all have to pick a label, but that is definitely not the case. You don’t have to box yourself in with labels, but if you do, then I am here to provide you with that language.”
Even other YouTubers, such as Tyler Oakley and Hannah Hart, have shown similar support for LGBTQ+ youth with videos detailing their experiences of coming out and how their lives changed for the better, even if their experiences were not completely positive at first.
While the outside world can be unpredictable in its responses, having public figures who can bring people together and support or educate them is paramount in creating change for the future.
Shauna Longshore, 21, is a mass-communications major at the University of South Florida.