LGBT YouTubers You Should Be Watching

By starrymag | May 27, 2016

By: Ruth Anrep

YouTube has rapidly become a place of learning, a place of expressing and a place of acceptance. I know when I’m looking for answers, support, or humor I turn to YouTube. YouTube taught me how to curl my hair, play guitar, guided me when I made the decision to go vegan and most importantly it taught me to accept myself. Often when I tell people I no longer label my sexuality, but if they really feel the need they can label me as a pansexual, they become really confused. They don’t understand what it means and often have questions about my potential love for frying pans. It’s still a struggle to this day, but thanks to the support and education I had from several LGBT YouTubers and people in digital media, I can easily explain my views.

 

It may look like they’re just talking to a camera, but the LGBT YouTube community inspires, informs and potentially changes lives by connecting with people all around the world. They are the constant reminder that you are not alone.

 

Check out the following YouTubers if you’re in need for a little inspiration or support:

 

Realisticallysaying

If you’re a fan of the web series Carmilla, I’m sure you would be well aware of Kaitlyn Alexander’s YouTube channel, “Realisticallysaying.” This amazing human has inspired many young people to come to terms with their gender identity and has provided education about being non-binary via their YouTube channel. Realisticallysaying has an abundance of LGBT friendly content, slam poems, hilarious Gin-terviews, vlogs, covers and helps remove the stigma associated with mental illness. I’ve cried twice watching their real talk segments and the realisticallyplaying segment helped me finally find the bottles in the game “Life is Strange,” which is really what matters most.

 

Subscribe: RealisticallySaying

 

(Also you can binge watch Couplish, the web series Kaitlyn both stars in and created here: Couplish)

 

UnsolicitedProject

More commonly referred to as “The Gay Women Channel,” it features creators Sarah Rotella and Adrianna DiLonardo. Basically, it’s a whole lotta gay. These ladies have provided some kick ass content for the LGBT community. If you’re just coming out (a baby dike/bike), this channel is the go to for advice, interviews, hilarious skits and breaking down all the stereotypes about being a gay woman. The two also have two seasons of their own web series on their channel called “Til Lease Do Us Part,” which involves ex-girlfriends living together in Season One and falling for your roommate’s girlfriend/ your ex-girlfriend in Season Two. Be sure to check it out!

 

Subscribe: TheGayWomenChannel

 

Also, make sure you watch the trailer for their feature film Almost Adults before the world premiere on May 28 at the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival. The film follows best friends Cassie (Natasha Negovanlis) and Mackenzie (Elise Bauman) as they start to grow apart. I could go on about my excitement about this film so to avoid any embarrassment and general rambling, here’s the link for the trailer: AlmostAdults

The Gay Men Channel

The brother channel to The Gay Women Channel is hosted by the ever so loveable Justin Gerhard and provides a safe space for discussion of human sexuality. Justin is an incredible human and has not only provided hilarious content through sketches such as “Gay Problems 2.0,” but has also talked about serious issues that people tend to shy away from or remain uneducated about such as his interview with Greg Louganis “Worlds Greatest Diver” being HIV Positive. Make sure you show this channel some love as cuteness, education and hilarity ensues!

 

Subscribe: TheGayMenChannel

 

Ashley Mardell

The ridiculously creative and vibrant Ashley Mardell has been posting amazing videos for years, but be warned, once you start watching this channel you wont be able to stop smiling. Aside from having a seriously strong hat game, Ashley has so many videos filled with witty interviews and hilarious challenges, as well as informative videos to the LGBT community. One of my personal favorite videos of Ashley’s is “The ABC’s of LGBT”- check it for some education regarding some under/misrepresented identities. Also, have a browse through the “LGBTQ+ VIDS” playlist for some badass discussions about coming out, gender “queer-ies,” labels and more!

 

Subscribe: AshleyMardell

 

Joey Graceffa

Despite having over 6 million subscribers, 855,320,908+ views and a book, I’m sure you have no idea who Joey Graceffa is. Don’t worry! I’m here to shed some light. Joey Graceffa has over 1,000 videos composed of vlogs, Q and A’s, short films and even a second gaming channel. Be sure to watch his beautiful coming out music video “Don’t Wait,” which now sits with over 21 million hits. This was the first time a YouTuber came out with a gay music video and it’s the darn cutest. Let his joy and majestic hair capture you.

 

Subscribe: JoeyGraceffa

 

Stevie

Apparently, I’d been living under a rock because I’d only started watching Stevie’s videos a few months back. But color me obsessed! If you need some advice, whether that is sex, dating or relationship advice, Stevie is your gal. With new videos (almost) every Tuesday, Stevie delivers positive LGBT content through her advice videos and stories and confronts issues we tend to shy away from. Her most popular video is “Why Does My Vagina Smell Weird?” which goes to show whatever you’re thinking, Stevie has probably made a video for and we are so very grateful. If you’re too shy to talk about these kinds of thoughts with your friends, Stevie is here for you!

 

Subscribe: Stevie

 

AmandasChronicles

I found this gem when I was considering dying my leg hair purple and I’ve never looked back (or dyed my leg hair purple). You may also know Amanda for her leg hair, but she also has over 200 hilarious videos which includes answering questions while in the shower or shaving her body, vlogs and DIY ways to come out. Amanda will be your daily dose of comedy, calling out (literally) those who sadly make people within the LGBT community feel as though they shouldn’t be true to themselves. (Westboro Baptist Church, I’m looking at you.) Amanda will also restore your faith in humanity with her “coming out to strangers” video. Try to watch any video in public without dying of laughter. I put that challenge out to you.

 

Subscribe: AmandasChronicles

 

 

Ally Hills

Not only tattoo, hair and style goals, but also an amazing content creator. – Ally’s channel is full of musical videos including covers and original songs that will have you feeling all of the feels. Through music, Ally has contributed positively to the community by providing super helpful tips to the community such as “How To Know If A Girl Is A Lesbian.” Additionally, if you’re unsure or too shy about coming out to your family, just send whoever you need to tell Ally’s Coming Out Song or play it on a big screen – it’s awesome!

 

Subscribe: AllyHills

 

Rose Ellen Dix

#Couplegoals! You know how we have those people we don’t know personally, but totally admire and just want to work with or you know…hug to death? For me that’s Rose and Rosie. From vlogs discussing curry farts to their wedding day (Wait, you mean the photo above isn’t two best friends getting married at the same time? * gasps in ignorance*), this British couple has graced the old YouTubes and the spoken out for the LGBT community for years. Delivering Superkisses, challenges, Q and A’s and now interviews with the likes of “Orange Is The New Black” stars, singer Meghan Trainor and even actor Ashton Kutcher, these cuties will have you laughing and keep you inspired with each video.

 

Subscribe: RoseEllenDix

 

TheRoxetera

Because just one channel with Rose and Rosie isn’t enough, you definitely need two. The Roxetera is Rosie’s channel and provides vlogs of her life with Rose and “Vlogmas” in December (which is a vlog everyday in December if you’re new), a few make up and beauty videos, real talk and a favorite segment called “The Bisexy Series.” Check this video out for some education about being bisexual through Rosie’s personal experiences.

 

Subscribe: TheRoxetera

 

MyHarto

Of course, I couldn’t write this list without including Hannah Hart in it somewhere. With over 2 million subscribers, Hannah is one of the most successful YouTubers today. She is also the author of a parody cookbook My Drunk Kitchen: A Guide to Eating, Drinking and Going With Your Gut and co-producer of independent film Camp Takota, she has more than often been dubbed the queen of YouTube. Her “My Drunk Kitchen” segment has been around for years and what initially made her channel go viral. There’s so many of them now, you may as well binge and enjoy as much as you can- they’re guaranteed to brighten your day. Hannah also has a second YouTube channel, which is dedicated to vlogs and videos addressing coming out and the problems the LGBT community face in their attempt to find themselves.

 

Subscribe: MyHarto

 

Tyler Oakley

Considering I have included the queen of YouTube, it would only be fair to include the king. If you’ve been YouTube for at least twenty minutes, you’ve heard of Tyler Oakley. With over 8 million subscribers, Tyler’s enriching personality and ability to pull off any hair color has him loved by everyone for year. Whether it is through his hilarious videos and support to the LGBT community. He is a best selling author, has interviewed many celebrities and had his own live tour. He’s even been to the White House! As if his success isn’t inspiring enough, Tyler also contributes to “The Trevor Project” which is a charity foundation that aims to prevent suicide among LGBT youth.

 

Subscribe: TylerOakley

 

Photos Courtesy of YouTube