Something that a
lot of people don’t know about me is that I spend a lot of time on the Internet
(ooh big shocker, there) – more specifically, YouTube. While some might say
that this has developed into an unhealthy addiction and that I’m living my
seemingly boring life vicariously through different YouTubers, I find joy in it
and have found some truly inspiring people that I look up to.
Today, one of my
favorite fashion and beauty YouTubers, Ingrid Nilsen, came out as gay. I have
been watching her makeup and style videos for a few years now and I will admit
that this news came as a bit of a shock. It just goes to show that people can’t
put others into specific categories based on what kind of content they put out
there or how they act as a person.
To clear the
air, I fully support her, but it’s not about anyone else’s opinion. It’s about
her. It’s about Ingrid: a brave and strong young woman who is finally able to
open up to the world about who she truly is. If you watch the video, (you don’t
have to watch the whole thing. I know it’s long, but it’s totally worth it),
you will learn about her past painful memories. Hearing her stories and seeing
her weep is heartbreaking but I am only more happy, and proud of her. Even
though I don’t know her, I feel like she gives her viewers a glimpse into her
life through her videos, thus creating a friendship, as weird as that sounds.
While
homosexuality is a very touchy and controversial topic these days, I think it
is an important one to discuss. I feel as though I cannot fully put into words
how much I think Ingrid’s video is helping empowering so many people to be who
they really, truly are. Spread the love!
J
It's really amazing to see how much acceptance and expression of an openly gay lifestyle has become. I remember growing up and thinking I'd be very old before laws started to pass and people began to accept it! I think that social media and getting to hear and see raw stories like this has helped the process along. :D
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Garrett; I think social media has had a big impact on the LGBT community, and will continue to in the future. Knowing that there are others out there who have the courage to "expose themselves" by coming out must be a phenomenal morale boost, especially when it includes someone famous from YouTube. Thankfully these stories have become more and more frequent lately, as seen with Ellen Page last year.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with both of the prior comments. Social media has played a huge role in the acceptance of a once very taboo subject. It's because of 'stars' like this young woman and their relationship with others through social media that is slowly but surely making it more acceptable. When they come out all of those fans that love them realize that one of their favorite people lives that lifestyle and for some can be the reason that people change their mind on the subject because they are influential and brave.
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