The word “influencer” describes someone who has acquired influence over or trust among a specific group of people. Thus, queer influencers are people who are influential within and across the LGBTQ community.
With the rise of the internet, and social media in particular, the rise of queer influencers has been exponential.
This is powerful because it means that LGBTQ communities are finally being heard. Gay, lesbian, queer and trans individuals now have platforms where they can directly connect, sharing thoughts, ideas, and importantly, support.
However, with so many voices crying out to be heard, how can you know which queer influencers to follow?
25 Must-Follow Queer Influencers for 2020
Below are 25 queer influencers—from across the beautiful queer spectrum—to brighten up your feed. Every single one of them is unique, rare and invaluable.
That is, they contribute value through their channels. Some provide information, while others provide, humor, authenticity, entertainment or charm.
Enjoy the list below!
1 – Munrow Bergdorf
Munroe was the first transgender model in the UK. She is not afraid to speak her mind after being dropped from a L’Oreal modeling campaign then calling them out on it.
2 – Maya Noir
The Bi Gender model is an advocate with a punk aesthetic. Maya often offers help and advice on gender fluidity via her Instagram and has amassed a huge following while doing so.
3 – Jonathan Van Ness
Van Ness is a criminally funny, always witty, hairdresser, and television star. Presenter of the Netflix series Queer Eye, he also runs a podcast in which he talks about LGBTQ politics. If you enjoy his witty quotes, then dive in here.
4 – Nathan Aguilera
Nathan Aguilera has visited over 70 countries in his work as a travel writer and food blogger. He enjoys sharing food tips and places to eat with other travelers through his social media channels.
5 – Keiynan Lonsdale
Singer-songwriter, model, and actor, Keitnan Lonsdale does it all. An Australian best known for his role in The Flash, he is one of the hardest working LGBTQ influencers on social media.
6 – Adore Delano
Delano is an American drag queen who appeared on Ru Pauls Drag Race. She is famous for her amazing voice and was once a contestant on American Idol.
7 – Ruby Rose
Ruby Rose Langenheim is an Australian model and actress. Many people may know her for her role as Batwoman in the CW series. However, she is multitalented being a professional DJ and an amateur boxer as well.
8 – Daniela
One of the most authentic and truthful LGBTQ influencers out there, Daniela promotes herself as not just a highlight reel, but a real look into the life of an everyday lesbian woman. Her social media is a no-filter look at the ups and downs of being a member of the LGBTQ community.
9 – Chella Man
The deaf LGBTQ activist is most famous for translating pop songs into sign language on Youtube. Along with his disability and LGBTQ stance, he is also of Jewish and Chinese descent and is a constant advocate for outsiders everywhere.
10 – Daniel Howell
The English Youtube star who is not afraid to have fun and get silly. His videos gained him recognition from the BBC where he presented on their Radio one channel for a period of time.
11 – Terrell and Jarius
Black LGBTQ issues do not get cuter than this family. Fathers to two beautiful twins Ashton and Aria, these gentlemen are shining examples of how to normalize an LGBTQ family.
12 – Tyler Oakley
One of Youtube’s’ top creators, Oakleys videos have everything from dying facial hair to fan reactions. He is also an author and activist and has appeared in many television shows as an actor.
13 – Denise and Ebony
Another LGBTQ family that is breaking down family stereotypes. Denise and Ebony live with their three children in New York. Known as the Team2Moms, they have a sartorial TikTok page that is hilarious yet topical at the same time.
14 – The Sportsman Influencer Tom Daley
Tom Daley is a diver for the British Olympic diving team who has competed internationally since a very young age. He won the FINA title at the ripe age of 15 and went on to balance the lifestyle of a sportsman with an LQBTQ celebrity and activist.
15 – Amber Whittington
Amber’s Closet is Whittington’s YouTube channel and has over 600k followers. It has a mix of videos that use self-help, motivation, comedy, and LGBTQ matters that have helped build her a huge and loyal fan base.
16 – Alysse Dalessandro Santiago
This plus-sized model uses her website and social media to champion the LGBTQ community. She opened a pop-up store in 2009 while also working toward a degree and is also a travel blogger, writer, and professional speaker.
17 – Paulo Vaz
A Brazilian transgender man who is brutally honest about his transition and journey. His Youtube channel is a great source of knowledge and education for anyone going through the same experience.
18 – Devin Norelle
A writer for Vogue, Them, Allure, and Out, Devin is not afraid to give a written voice to the LGBTQ community. A part-time model, he has also walked catwalks at New York fashion week.
19 – Dr. Shante Cofield
Also known as the Movement Maestro, Dr. Shante owns her own company of the same name. A former physical therapist, she uses her online company and presence to educate others in the field of movement.
20 – The Arabic Queer Influencer Zakartwins
Championing homosexuality in the Arabic world, Michael and Zak are the Zakartwins. Iraqi immigrants born to an anti-gay catholic mother, their story has been adapted into a stage play named ‘Pray the Gay Away’.
21 – Kit Williamson
Kit crowdfunded the LGBTQ comedy Eastsiders then created and released it on his Youtube channel. It was later sold to Netflix and he still works on the show. When not making the TV series, Kit is a gay travel photographer on Instagram.
22 – Shane Dawson
It took Shane Dawson almost five years after the creation of his youtube channel to come out, which he did online in an emotional yet heartwarming video. Shane was one of the first generations of youtube celebrities and is an experienced influencer in the community.
23 – Eva Gutowski
Eva is known for her comedy Vlogs, helpful guides, and music videos which she posts on Youtube. She came out on twitter in 2016 and has since grown her channel MyLifeAsEva on Youtube. She even has her own series.
24 – Lauv
Ari Staprans Leff (Lauv) is a highly successful singer and songwriter. His debut album hit the shelves in 2015 and since then he has gone on to produce records for many others.
25 – Jessie Paege
A singer who is an advocate of mental health awareness, her Youtube videos, and Instagram are tinged with a down to earth attitude. She is also an accomplished actress who has appeared in TV series including Guilty Party and Guidance.
Queer Influencers To Follow Next
This list of queer influencers should help you along, but remember there are thousands of other voices are out there too. Find your own favorites, open up a dialogue with them, and support new voices from across our incredibly diverse community.
Of course, if we’re not yet connected on social media, let’s make it happen! My favorite platform is Instagram, but I’m also on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest!
What queer influencers do you love? Share them in the comments below, so we can check them out! Ready to learn more?
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