Beyoncé and Lil Nas X are undeniably iconic, but for many young people, their favorite influencers hold even more sway (BeyHive, don’t come at me 🫣). Don’t get me wrong—celebrities like Beyoncé and Lil Nas X have shifted culture, music, and fashion in ways that are undeniable. But their lifestyles don’t always resonate with young people or capture the realities of our unique experiences. New Hopelab research supports this sentiment, noting that this is especially true for those of us who identify with marginalized communities, particularly those of us who are Queer.
In contrast, Queer content creators like FunkyFrogBait, Ranboo, and Dylan Mulvaney may have smaller, more intimate audiences compared to celebrities. Yet, they connect with us in ways traditional media can’t. Why? Simply put, they’re more relatable. These creators speak directly to us, reflecting our identities, experiences, and interests in ways that major celebrities often don’t or can’t.
A Digital Landscape Shift: Media Shift From Aspirational to Relatable
Young people regularly rely on social media — not just for entertainment or to doom scroll (thanks, algorithms), but for connection, community, and to find support. We turn to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch to learn, find news, and, most importantly, feel seen. A survey from Hopelab evaluating how young people access behavioral health information online showed that more than half of young people have used an app to support their mental health and young people from communities of color, queer folks, and those with depressive symptoms are especially reliant on online tools.
Over time, the oversaturation of online personalities has left many young people—notably those who don’t see themselves accurately represented in traditional media or celebrity culture — hungry for something real. As a result, aspirational celebrity culture no longer holds the same sway it once did. Instead, we gravitate toward influencers and creators who are authentic, relatable, and unpolished — people who share the complexities of their real lives, not just curated moments.
This shift is particularly true for LGBTQIA+ youth, young people of color, and others from marginalized backgrounds. When we don’t see reflections of our experiences in our immediate environment, we seek out that community online. And even if we have that support offline, we still look for these connections in the digital world. We want to feel seen and heard for who we are and what we’re passionate about in all facets of our lives.
Building Digital Communities: A Safe Space for Exploration
Growing up online has pros and cons, but one undeniable benefit is learning how to find and create community in the digital world.
For many of us, including myself, this online space has been critical in exploring our identities. Whether through TikTok or Instagram, I’ve found influencers who reflect parts of my identity and validate it in ways I couldn’t find elsewhere.
Take @___callmejo___ on Instagram, a Boricua trans and non-binary creator. Their content prompted me to reflect on my definitions of masculinity and gender in ways I hadn’t before. Jo shares deeply personal aspects of their life, something celebrities simply don’t do. These glimpses into Jo’s life helped me in my own exploration of identity—a parasocial relationship common among young people today.
Similarly, I craved a Latine community in college—people who shared my culture, music, and experiences as a first-generation college student. It wasn’t until I began engaging with Latine creators on TikTok that I finally felt that sense of community. For the first time, I found people who “got it,” who understood what it meant to navigate life between cultures. Much of that connection happened through online conversations in comment sections or videos.
Developing Identity through Community
As young people, our identities are constantly evolving as we learn more about ourselves and the world. Community plays a huge role in shaping that journey. Identity formation can feel confusing or isolating without people who look like us, sound like us, or share our experiences. This is why so many LGBTQIA+ young people turn to influencers and creators over traditional celebrities — not just because of how they identify but because of the nuances in their experiences that feel relatable.
These creators offer more than just entertainment. They bring their own lived experiences into their content, whether that’s through discussing Queer identity, mental health, or navigating life’s challenges. By showing up authentically, they help young people like myself feel a sense of belonging, guiding us as we navigate our identities.
