Pride on YouTube: Shining a light on our LGBTQ+ creator community

Mr Rohit and Rohit

Take us back to the beginning: What initially inspired you to start creating content on YouTube, and how has your vision for your channel evolved since that very first video?

We joined YouTube on February 28, 2023. Both of us — Peter and I — always wanted to live authentically, but growing up, laws and social pressure kept us from expressing who we truly were. During the pandemic, something changed. It was the first time we seriously thought about sharing our story with the world. Our first video was a casual Holi vlog in Bengali with a few close friends. It felt like a first teenage crush — exciting, awkward, and addictive. We instantly fell in love with the process. In the beginning, we just wanted to be seen — even 10 views felt like 10 million.

Today, our vision is much bigger. We want to reach people who are still afraid to come out, and more importantly, inspire Indian parents to love and accept their children as they are. Some of the most emotional moments have come from LGBTQ+ viewers in countries where same-sex love is still criminalized. When they say our videos make them feel happy, safe, or even “normal” — we feel like we’ve created something bigger than a channel. We’ve created a space to breathe

In what ways do you believe your channel contributes to a more inclusive, understanding, and visible world for the LGBTQ+ community, both online and offline?

Through our vlogs, we try to spread what the world needs more of — love, joy, freedom, and acceptance. By simply living our lives out loud, we hope to normalize the fact that two men, two women, or any two consenting adults — regardless of gender, religion, or background — can fall in love and build a life together. I'm Muslim and Peter is Hindu, and that itself challenges a lot of societal boundaries in India.

We’ve received messages from people saying our videos gave them the courage to come out. Parents have written to us asking how they can better support their LGBTQ+ children. And comments like, “Aap meetha ho ya khatta, humein farq nahi padta — aap dono acche insaan ho, bas yahi kaafi hai” from allies stay with us forever.

Recently, we crossed 100K subscribers on YouTube and celebrated it with our families — families who once struggled to understand us but now stand beside us with pride. For us, visibility isn’t just online — it’s about being seen and accepted in real life too. And that’s where true change begins.

Looking ahead, what's a dream project or a long-term goal you have for your YouTube channel that you're particularly excited about, and why?

Our dream is simple: to travel across India together, explore new places, meet incredible people, make friends, and vlog every bit of it. We want to capture raw stories, laughter, struggles, and the beauty of everyday queer joy — not as activists or therapists, but just as two people in love living their truth.

Mx. Gialu

In what ways do you believe your channel contributes to a more inclusive, understanding, and visible world for the LGBTQ+ community, both online and offline?

I believe every channel, no matter how small or large, is important. The most crucial thing is that we act intersectionally and are always willing to keep learning. We all carry so many internalized -isms within us, and it's time to unlearn them and listen to each other.

As your personal understanding of your LGBTQ+ identity evolved, how did that directly influence the story you told on your channel and the community you built?

Queer creators have inspired me to be more true to myself. That also motivated me to share part of my story, which I continue to do to this day. Additionally, I process my feelings through my music. YouTube is a perfect platform for me to share this with my community and stay connected with them.

Looking ahead, what's a dream project or a long-term goal you have for your YouTube channel that you're particularly excited about, and why?

My latest music video for my song "Between Me and You" truly means an immense amount to me. Almost exclusively FLINTA individuals worked on this video, and for me, it represents T4T love — something I want to see much more of: more projects by FLINTA individuals about FLINTA individuals. I hope to create more music videos and artistic videos with the community, for the community, and to foster greater understanding in society. That completely fulfills me.

Samraddhi Awasthi

Take us back to the beginning: What initially inspired you to start creating content on YouTube, and how has your vision for your channel evolved since that very first video?

Honestly, I started YouTube when I was 13, not with a grand plan, but because I used to watch lifestyle creators from the US and Europe and thought, “Maybe I could do that too.” I was just a kid with a camera, trying out DIYs and sharing my voice in my own small way.

Over the years, my content evolved with my life. In school, I made study videos. At university, I talked about student life and personal growth. And now, it’s become more lifestyle, travel, and storytelling-focused. I never boxed myself into a niche, I simply followed what felt real to me, and that’s what helped me build an authentic community.

As your personal understanding of your LGBTQ+ identity evolved, how did that directly influence the story you told on your channel and the community you built?

Being queer shaped my storytelling more than I realised at first. It pushed me to be more honest and intentional, both with myself and my audience.

Coming out wasn’t just one moment, it changed the way I existed online. I stopped filtering parts of who I was and started speaking more truthfully. That honesty reshaped the content I made and the people who found my channel. It created a space where people felt seen, not just queer viewers, but anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in.

Beyond your own channel, what other LGBTQ+ creators or content on YouTube have inspired you, and why?

When I was younger, I didn’t see creators who looked like me — queer, brown, and Indian. So I mostly watched creators from the West. Their coming out stories, vlogs, and vulnerability gave me language and comfort.

I remember when Lilly Singh came out, that was a big moment. Seeing a South Asian creator speak openly about her identity reminded me that visibility matters. Those creators made me feel less alone when I didn’t even know what I was searching for.

"Honey Imm Home", Divesh Tolani & Atulan Purohit

Take us back to the beginning: What initially inspired you to start creating content on YouTube, and how has your vision for your channel evolved since that very first video?

We started our channel with the simple idea of creating a video diary for ourselves. It began as a way to document our travels and everyday moments so we could look back at them and also share bits of our life with our friends and family. But over time, we started getting messages from people saying how rare it was to see queer couples sharing their lives so openly in Indian media. That made us pause and reflect. Growing up, we didn’t see couples like us either, and somewhere along the way, the channel became more than just a personal diary. It became a small step toward representation. People often wonder what life in a gay relationship looks like, and through our content, we’ve just tried to show the everyday. Love, routine, chaos, intimacy. Because honestly, it’s not that different from what most couples experience. The only difference is that we’re two men in love, trying to create a life that’s honest and as visible as possible.

As your personal understanding of your LGBTQ+ identity evolved, how did that directly influence the story you told on your channel and the community you built?

Our queer identities are constantly evolving so much over time, and not always in a straight (pun intended) line. For both of us, queerness started as something private and internal, something we were often taught to look at as a negative aspect. And over time, through our lived experiences, people we come across, and having been given the privilege of a voice, we’ve constantly tried to tell our younger selves within, that it’s okay to feel all of those feelings. It’s tough given the effect our past has had on us, but each day, and each attempt is always pushing us to find our real selves. So, just taking it one day at a time.

When we started sharing our lives on YouTube, we weren’t setting out to be “the gay couple channel”. We just wanted to be ourselves – unfiltered, quirky, sometimes successful, and sometimes broken, just let life take us through its journey. The more we share, the more we realise the impact of the representation. And that has deeply shaped the kind of community we’ve built. Inclusive, curious, supportive, and loud in the best way.

Looking ahead, what's a dream project or a long-term goal you have for your YouTube channel that you're particularly excited about, and why?

One dream project we’re particularly excited about is launching a one-of-a-kind home decor brand. We want to create a space that doesn't just speak to interior professionals but also inspires everyday people to express their personalities through their homes. We’ve always believed that a home should feel “homey”. Through our content and eventually through this brand, we want to make design more accessible and a lot more fun.

JG Trigga

In what ways do you believe your channel contributes to a more inclusive, understanding, and visible world for the LGBTQ+ community, both online and offline?

Because I draw a lot of different celebrities, creators, etc., I wanted to bring a lot of representation to my audience so I've drawn some people in the LGBTQ+ community such as Nicholas Sturniolo, JoJo Siwa, Aimsey (Creators) and Gaga, Lil Peep, Frank Ocean (Musicians) just to name a few and just seeing how happy my viewers are because their favorite creator/celebrity has been represented and knowing that they're seen brings me joy.

As your personal understanding of your LGBTQ+ identity evolved, how did that directly influence the story you told on your channel and the community you built?"

Me being an openly gay guy with Treacher Collins, I simply love to share my art to people and bring joy to them, it influenced me to be myself and to do what I love. The coolest version you can be is your authentic self, you don't have to pretend to be anybody else.

Beyond your own channel, what other LGBTQ+ creators or content on YouTube have inspired you, and why?

I was inspired by other LGBTQ+ YouTubers such as Connor Franta, Joey Graceffa, and Daniel Howell and the reason why I was inspired by them is because they've shared their coming out stories to their audience, how it's beautiful to be your authentic self and there's no shame in being who you are at all. It truly inspired me to come out during my high school years when I was ready and I'm very happy with the person that I am today!

BaddieTwinz TV

Take us back to the beginning: What initially inspired you to start creating content on YouTube, and how has your vision for your channel evolved since that very first video?

Initially YouTube was just an outlet for us to showcase our personalities, but over time it became a platform where we could freely express ourselves and not be judged. Our channel has evolved so much and is still evolving. From the variety of content on our channel, to the production and consistency we’ve put in over the years, there's so much more that we want to do and with a platform like /YouTube there are no limits.

As your personal understanding of your LGBTQ+ identity evolved, how did that directly influence the story you told on your channel and the community you built?

Being gay and growing up in Jamaica was the most challenging thing we’ve experienced. YouTube not only gave us the platform to express our true selves but it also gave us the power to inspire and give hope to people who’ve been through similar struggles. Our journey has shown that being LGBTQ+ is not something to be ashamed of, it is to be embraced, and we are happy to have a community that supports us 1000 percent.

Looking ahead, what's a dream project or a long-term goal you have for your YouTube channel that you're particularly excited about, and why?

A dream project or long-term goal for our channel would definitely be hosting/attending the Met Gala. That’s definitely on the bucket list of goals we have for this channel. *fingers crossed*

Nick And Ant

Take us back to the beginning: What initially inspired you to start creating content on YouTube, and how has your vision for your channel evolved since that very first video?

I’ve always wanted to be an actor, and when I was 14, YouTube became a creative outlet for me to make my own little “movies.” Every time I would audition for roles, I’d always be told no! Instead, I picked up a camera, wrote, directed and filmed my own - That’s really how it all started.

Over time, what began as a dream to perform evolved into something much bigger… A platform where I could share my life, connect with people, and be fully myself. My vision shifted from scripted content to something way more personal and real.

As your personal understanding of your LGBTQ+ identity evolved, how did that directly influence the story you told on your channel and the community you built?

Coming out was a big turning point, not just personally but creatively. Early on, I did a lot of reacting videos and even slime content (classic YouTube era!). I (Nick) realised during this period, I was gay. After gaining millions of fans, I faced the tough decision: ‘Should I come out to my audience?’

I did. That led me to meet my husband. When I met Ant, things naturally shifted toward lifestyle and LGBTQ+ focused content.

What surprised us was how deeply people connected with our story - some told us our videos helped them escape tough situations or feel seen in countries where being gay isn’t safe or accepted. That really opened our eyes. We realized we weren’t just entertaining; we were becoming a safe space. That gave us the confidence to be even more open and intentional in our content, embracing our role in helping others feel less alone.

Looking ahead, what's a dream project or a long-term goal you have for your YouTube channel that you're particularly excited about, and why?

We have a few big dreams! One is to create a meaningful docu-series, like the viral drag queen documentary we released a few years back. Projects like that really stay with people, and we want to create content that makes an impact.

Tyler Schmitt

Take us back to the beginning: What initially inspired you to start creating content on YouTube, and how has your vision for your channel evolved since that very first video?

What initially inspired me to start creating content on YouTube were the pioneers in the beauty space that made the community into what it is today. As a kid growing up, I would come home from school everyday, go on YouTube & practically step into a whole new universe where others had the same passion I did & where I saw other creators who looked like me. This was extremely pivotal towards my makeup journey on YouTube & positively impacted me in so many ways.

My vision has drastically changed since my first video was the first time I had done a full face of makeup. During that time, I had no idea what I wanted to pursue, I just knew of the passion I had for makeup and yearned to share my story with others. Today, I have such a better understanding of what my audience wants to see and how I can keep taking my content to the next level.

Beyond your own channel, what other LGBTQ+ creators or content on YouTube have inspired you, and why?

Content that inspires me, especially pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community, are stories. Whether it’s personal stories or anything in between it’s touching when there’s a story/journey attached to something. As far as the LGBTQ+ space, I’m currently obsessed with “Fool Coverage” and “Beautiful & Bothered” podcasts! The two podcasts both feature unique LGBTQ+ voices and perspectives to things happening in the beauty space currently which are incredibly refreshing.

Looking ahead, what's a dream project or a long-term goal you have for your YouTube channel that you're particularly excited about, and why?

A dream project of mine would be to collaborate with one of my favorite makeup brands. Makeup has always had a special place in my heart and it would be a dream to have my vision come to life with a brand.

Faythegay

As your personal understanding of your LGBTQ+ identity evolved, how did that directly influence the story you told on your channel and the community you built?

I've personally gone on my own growth journey in regards to my gender and sexuality and I've taken my audience with me through my years online. The main takeaway from that is accepting yourself and not being too attached to labels. If a label changes, it isn't the end of the world. The labels are there to serve you if you want them, not the other way around. I always want to encourage people to feel comfortable in their own skin, and that just makes it easier for me to be comfortable in mine.

In what ways do you believe your channel contributes to a more inclusive, understanding, and visible world for the LGBTQ+ community, both online and offline?

I am a visibly physically disabled, autistic, genderqueer, lesbian service dog user sharing my journey as an actor, creator, and stand up comedian. My existence and sharing my story in itself brings education, acceptance, awareness, and representation. Even if I'm not specifically doing an educational video educating on queerness or disability, existing in the ways I do and sharing the ups and downs of my life shows people like me, people who hate my existence, or people who don't know I exist, that I'm here and I will continue to do what I do every day regardless of what they think. The overarching goal of my career is to bring more representation, most specifically disability representation, to stage and screen. I believe this includes intersectionality, because so many people like me exist with multiple marginalized identities. We are just as worthy of being seen.

I educate people in a sneaky way, through sharing my daily life or through my comedy, or in a more direct way. Through sharing what I have, I have affected millions of people. My hope is a percentage of those people scroll away from my videos with a more accepting view of queerness, of disability, with more knowledge of service dogs, knowing that disabled people are funny, hireable, and smart, that other queer disabled people feel seen, or maybe just scroll away smiling. That's a lovely thing.

Looking ahead, what's a dream project or a long-term goal you have for your YouTube channel that you're particularly excited about, and why?

A dream project or a long term goal could be a series interviewing people relating to comedy and disability, or potentially to share a longer stand up special! I think there is such a fantastic link between comedy and disability and I think that comedy is a great way to sneak in education. Plus, everyone needs more laughter and YouTube makes things accessible to most everyone.

Manas Modi

Take us back to the beginning: What initially inspired you to start creating content on YouTube, and how has your vision for your channel evolved since that very first video?

YouTube has always felt like a magical place where you can learn literally anything—from baking banana bread to fixing a leaky tap. In 2020, I bought my own home (yay, adulting!) and started decorating it. That’s when I discovered my love for home decor and organization. I was also trying out tons of DIY hacks that actually worked—and that lit the spark to start my channel. Initially, it was all about simple home hacks, organization tips, and a peek into my space. But now, it’s evolved into more of a lifestyle channel—I share travel vlogs, wellness routines, and little rituals that help keep my home and heart feeling fresh. It’s basically my cozy queer corner of the internet.

In what ways do you believe your channel contributes to a more inclusive, understanding, and visible world for the LGBTQ+ community, both online and offline?

Just showing up as my full, fabulous self on my channel is a statement—that queer folks belong everywhere. Not just surviving, but thriving, styling, organizing, and slaying! If even one young LGBTQ+ person watches my content and feels a little more seen, a little more inspired to be themselves—that’s a win. Also, shout-out to YouTube’s amazing comment moderation—it's kept the trolls mostly in check. And the rare shady comment that does sneak through? Oh don’t worry—I’ve got a collection of sassy clapbacks ready to go.