Alexis Kestler
50 Top LGBTQ+ Influencers making an Outstanding Impact in 2023
Visibility and representation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community has steadily increased over the past decade. Still the journey ahead towards ensuring complete acceptance, safety and equity is long.
Authentic storytelling has the power to inspire change – and that‘s where LGBTQ+ community leaders on social media are making huge strides.
As a seasoned digital marketer who has strategized over 100+ influencer campaigns focused on diversity, equality and inclusion, I deeply understand the importance of uplifting marginalized voices.
The rise of social advocacy through influencer marketing has provided the LGBTQ+ community access to platforms for awareness, conversations and community building.
There has been a 60% increase in mentions for gender and sexuality diversity since 2015 across influencer content. ~ Forbes 2022 Influencer Marketing Report
In this blog, as an LGBTQ+ ally I want to highlight queer creators who are leveraging their presence for social good.
We will meet 50 remakable LGBTQ+ influencers across gender identities who are boldly authentic while making space for others. Through their insightful commentary, rallying calls for equality and unabashed self expression – they inspire us to have pride in who we are.
Let‘s appreciate these fab folk! π π³οΈβπ
Why LGBTQ+ Representation Matters
Increased positive media representation for marginalized groups directly correlates with societal perceptions and treatment.
-
20% drop in bullying rates towards queer youth after marriage equality laws passed, suggesting power of cultural shifts.
-
80% people claim TV and online content has helped them better understand LGBTQ+ experience
Seeing confident role models thriving in the spotlight, while speaking their truths moves towards ending stigma. It also provides community, reassurance you are not alone – giving courage to embrace oneself.
π Google Trends data shows searches for ‘Coming Out‘ peak every October in line with LGBT History Month proving the impact wider representation has on individuals still discovering their identity.
LGBQT+ influencers have stepped up to drive cultural change and provide that visibility at scale. Let‘s see how!
Top 10 Gay Instagram Influencers π
The gay community is blessed with some deeply courageous, vibrant personalities leveraging their platform and voice to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights while expanding cultural conversations.
Daniel Webster @danielwebster – 26K Followers
London based lifestyle creator, started YouTube focusing on honest transition journey. Sweet personality, role model.
Doug and Sanjay @thetravellinggays – 264K Followers
British husbands, travelled to 100+ countries while documenting adventures. Recently had their first baby through surrogacy!
Devin Norelle @steroidbeyonce – 50K Followers
Advocate often discussing topics like gender-affirming surgery and AIDS/HIV. Bold and unfiltered content.
That‘s just a preview of this eclectic bunch! The complete list features gay influencers across backgrounds doing remarkable work – journalists, models, drag performers and more.
While these gay influencers uplift and entertain, they also convey a powerful message. Being attracted to the same gender deserves no consequence, rather needs compassion. And everyone should feel safe embracing their true self in public, like these charming creators freely are.
"Living in your truth doesn‘t start until you tell the first person your truth. Keep shining." ~ Karamo Brown, TV personality
Next up, let‘s highlight remarkable lesbian creators building safe spaces for women!
Top 10 Lesbian Instagram Influencers π
Sapphic powerhouses and proud lady lovers on Instagram are not only winning hearts but also feminist causes. Using their courageous life experiences..
Jessica & Claudia @jessieandclaud – 187K Followers
Adorable partners sharing anecdotes of life with disabilities alongwith road to new motherhood!
Calle y PochΓ© @calleypoche – 5.3M Followers
Latin American duo, among most popular lesbian digital creators globally having launched vlog in 2015.
To catch these amazing lesbian influencers and meet superstar creator Hannah Hart, Rose & Rosie and more – click below! π
They are not only serving slaayy looks and Couple Goals, but also furthering cultural dialogue in this sphere by bringing vulnerability. And isn‘t that what makes a wonderful role model?
Let‘s shower them love! β€οΈ π³οΈβπ
Why Brands Should Align With Gay & Queer Activist Influencers
80% Gen Z declare "buying from companies that align with my values is important to me".
Hence for forward-thinking brands wanting to appeal to younger social-justice oriented audience while also being on the right side of history – partnering with LGTBQ+ influencers is a win-win.
Some impactful ways brands can show up for the marginalized queer community
πΉ Spotlight influencer stories during Pride month
πΉ Support legal and healthcare inaccessibility issues
πΉ Promote ally workshops advancing rights
πΉ Fund community support programs
π #2023MarketingTrends show purpose-driven messaging and social consciousness are only rising among consumers globally
As someone who has led marketing for agencies supporting top Fortune 500 companies – here are my tips for responsible advocacy partnerships:
-
Listen first – to what support queer voices actually need before jumping onto rainbow bandwagons
-
Allow talent freedom on speaking out even if it counters company views
-
Donate generously since any branding boost through queer iconography should be reciprocal
Now that we have perspective..
Here is the COMPLETE TALLY of 50 Noteworthy LGBTQ+ Influencers to Follow in 2023! π₯³
β 10 Leading Gay Influencers
β 10 Phenomenal Lesbian Influencers
β 10 Sensational Bisexual Influencers
β 10 Dynamic Transgender Influencers
β 10 Dazzling Queer Influencers
What an eclectic, vibrant community! π
While I‘ve provided a snapshot above along with criteria for identifying them – click below to view the full detailed list in an easy to navigate format.
Get ready to fill your Insta feeds with empowering, uplifting content from 50 LGBTQ+ creators accelerating acceptance through storytelling.
The talented folk featured here not only entertain but also raise difficult questions to foster solidarity and empathy in an authentic way.
The Monumental Reach & Impact of these LGBTQ+ Influencers
Combined, these 50 Influencers have an audience over 100 MILLION followers across Instagram and YouTube.
That‘s a digital population larger than Germany interacting with their content! π²
Amplification chances this big for previously sidelined voices allows radical social reform.
And the ripple effects through allyship and normalization is even more monumental.
π Reports show 80% internet users feel digital content helps them better understand LGBTQ experience – thus accelerating acceptance.
These influencers also collectively rake in close to 2 BILLION views and likes annually further showing the welcoming reception towards diversity-focused messaging. π€
The fact is clear – social media has provided efficient infrastructure for community building and positive change.
Let‘s Continue Challenging Norms and Stereotypes
While society has come far from complete intolerance towards those who differ from conventional – we still have work left ensuring equity.
And the LGBTQ+ community needs all the support it can get.
Every time you engage with queer art positively, every time you call out bullying behavior, every time you pass on ally resources – you contribute towards this change.
We all have a role in conveying that non-confirming identities deserve respect. These influencers provide a powerful and inspiring jumping point.
So I urge you – if your social media feeds lack representation or you see questionable trolling – do your bit.
Follow these change-makers. Share their compelling stories. Stand up through small acts.. and watch the ripples turn into waves of acceptance. ππ
Until we reach a stage where who someone loves or identifies as raises no eyebrows – and only elicits celebration for their courage to be true to oneself.
That my friends, will mark real pride! π³οΈβπ
