Whether or not you realise it, you are probably consuming LGBT media online today. Whether this is through the cultural phenomenon that is RuPaul’s Drag Race, or more subtly through arts and culture, the queer community is no longer the hidden niche it once was, and we want to celebrate that.
While we are still in a place where most could count on one hand how many LGBTQ or bipoc folks we see in advertising campaigns each week, we cannot deny a rise in recent years; whether this is via storylines in media that cast trans folk in roles to portray their own experience, or further discussions being brought to the forefront by This Morning.
We’ve put together a list of popular LGBT influencers on Instagram, so you can get your fill of all the fabulous content they have to offer. From drag queens to trans activists, these accounts are sure to keep you entertained and informed.
1. Neil Patrick Harris (@nph)
Well, let’s start with someone you know. Neil Patrick Harris has become a househole name from his iconic role as Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, but since coming out in 2006, he has become an outspoken LGBTQ+ ally and activist. NPH has since been married to David Burtka with whom he has twins, Harper and Gideon. His account is full of family photos, goofy selfies, and behind the scenes shots from his various projects alongside frequent posts about important issues affecting the community.
Neil Patrick Harris even opened the Oscars in 2010.
Neil Patrick Harris’s Opening Number: 2010 Oscars
2. Dan Savage (@fakedansavage)
Dan Savage is the creator of the It Gets Better Project, which aims to support LGBT youth who are facing bullying and harassment. He is also a sex columnist and author, and is never afraid to speak his mind on hot button issues. His account is full of snippets of wisdom, as well as pictures of him and his husband enjoying life.
3. Ellen DeGeneres (@theellenshow)
With 125 million followers on Instagram alone, Ellen DeGeneres is another wildly successful name, and in case you didn’t know, hosts one of the most popular daytime talk shows, since 2003. Ellen came out in 1997, and has been a fierce public advocate for LGBT rights ever since. Her account is full of funny videos, behind the scenes pictures, and snapshots of her with her wife, Portia de Rossi.
4. Laverne Cox (@lavernecox)
Laverne Cox is an actress and producer best known for her role on Orange Is the New Black, using her own experience as a transgender woman to potray the life of Sofia. As an activist, Laverne frequently posts about important issues affecting the trans community. Her account is a mix of red carpet shoots and high fashion, alonside inspiring messages about self-love and acceptance; something we would recommend to everyone.
Orange Is the New Black – Gloria Helps Sophia Scene (S4E12) | Rotten Tomatoes TV
5. Madison Werner (@madisonwerner)
Madison Werner is a transgender beauty guru based in LA, that posts heavily about inclusivity, accessibility and body acceptance in the everyday for trans folks, no matter what stage of transitioning they may be. Werner’s account is one of the most popular in the beauty world for trans women, and it’s easy to see why. She posts a mix of personal photos, makeup and beauty, as well as discussions with other friends and a fierce amount of other queer creators, alongside that much needed educational content.
6. Philip Scholfield (@schofe)
First appearing on UK Television in 1985, you likely recognise Philip Scholfield. Scholfield came out at the age of 58 with the support of his co-host on This Morning show Holly Willoughby, and stated that he had outstanding support from his wife and kids, who have chosen not to divorce in the current circumstances.
Phillip Schofield Opens up About Being Gay | This Morning
Philip often shares his travelling, alongside loving photos of his family and friends in the media industry; we love his story as a representation that not every journey is the same.
7. Imogen Fox (@the_feeding_of_the_fox)
Imogen is a non-binary content creator that uses the internet to host educational workshops and raise awareness of disability inclusion alongside the experiences of LGBT folks. Their posts range from personal lifestyle content, to sex education and self-proclaimed ‘radical body positivity’.
8. Jessica Kellgren-Fozard (@jessicaoutofthecloset)
Jessica is one of my personal favourites due to her unique vintige style and aesthetically pleasing instagram posts. With her YouTube videos dating back to over 6 years old, this queer woman has built her own brand around her, despite the challenges that come with disability.
In 2016, Jessica married her wife Claudia, and they have since shared their journeys with motherhood.
Why is it important I recognise LGBT/bipoc media?
It all comes down to representation. There are few things more important than being able to see yourself in the media you consume. For members of the LGBT community and people of colour who grew up with us today, this representation is often lacking or nonexistent.
This lack of representation can have a number of negative effects; It can make members of these groups feel invisible or unimportant, leaving them less likely to reach out for the opportunities they deserve. It can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness and it can foster negative stereotypes and misconceptions about these groups.
Recognising LGBT/bipoc media is one way to help address this problem. By supporting creators who are members of these groups, we can help ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are told. We can also help challenge the negative stereotypes and misconceptions that abound about these groups, which once included the steps of silencing queer and ethnic media.
By lifting up these types of arts, we create a level playing ground for creators once more than holds less bias, and gives more access to a variety of representation across the board, which we know can then follow into schools and policy.