Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day — a time to honor LGBTQ+ community members who have decided to fully share their true selves with family members, co-workers, classmates, and the world. This day doesn’t only honor those who have stepped out of the closet, but serves as a reminder to people who may be in situations where they feel unsafe disclosing this part of their identity. This day was recognized in 1988 on the first anniversary of the second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in October 1987.
National Coming Out Day promotes the creation of safe havens for all to feel loved and free to live their truth. With the current climate of social media and the entertainment industry, it’s inspiring to see popular social media creators and people within the industry use their platforms as a space to tell their truth. In honor of National Coming Out Day, let’s look back on some of the most iconic YouTuber coming-out videos.
1. NikkieTutorials
Possibly one of the most iconic coming-out moments in the last two years, NikkieTutorials, or Nikkie de Jager, is at the top of the list. The Dutch makeup guru came out as a transgender woman in January 2020 in a video titled “I’m Coming Out” on her YouTube channel. Her video essentially broke the internet, amassing over 38 million views. The Youtuber believed it was time after her ‘Power of Makeup’ video went viral (a video that inspired women to showcase their bare faces.) The video began a new wave of self-love and makeup positivity. de Jager faced tons of backlash after this video began to trend as she was blackmailed into revealing her journey. Because of this, de Jager stated that she was going to reclaim her power by telling her story on her own terms. Hot girl sh*t.
2. Gigi Gorgeous
In 2021, beauty YouTuber Gigi Gorgeous came out as pansexual. This was after she had come out previously as transgender and gay in the years prior. In a video titled “Coming Out for the Last Time” Gigi stated that each coming out story was a part of her journey. After being married to a partner who has also transitioned, Gigi described pansexuality as falling in love with the soul of a person.
3. Eugene Lee Yang
There’s no better iconic way to come out than writing, choreographing, and directing your own music video. This is exactly what Eugene Lee Yang of YouTube’s Try Guys did in 2019 in a video titled “I’m Gay.” In the video the South-Korean American YouTubers tackled issues of identity, religion, acceptance, and social conflict over LGBTQ+ issues. Though the video has no words, the vivid colors and choreography tell a beautiful story. Lang has since been an active advocate for various human rights and LGBTQ+ charities like the Trevor Project.
4. Daniel Howell
The British YouTuber Danisnotonfire, or Daniel Howell, came out in a drama-comedy sketch in 2019 titled, “Basically I’m Gay.” He stated that he was romantically involved with his fellow creator Phil Lester — AmazingPhil — but preferred to keep their relationship private. He discussed his issues with internalized homophobia as a teenager which drove him to dark places before coming to terms with his sexuality. The creator also revealed that he came out to his family via email which, if you’re a follower of Howell, is extremely on-brand. Truly, iconic!
5. Joey Graceffa
The vlogger and video game streamer came out in 2015. He also released a music video titled ‘Don’t Wait’ where he came out as gay. He released another video where he further addressed his sexuality. In the video, Graceffa explained that he created the music video because he believed it wasn’t necessary to do a standard sit-down video about his sexuality.
6. Ingrid Nilsen
In a video titled “Something I Want You to Know,” YouTuber Ingrid Nilsen laid everything bare and came out. Nilsen was under the watchful eye of the internet after she came out as her channel shifted from beauty and style content to gender equality activism. She iconically stumped former President Obama when she asked why menstrual products were taxed, and took her fight for gender equality to an international stage as the Change Ambassador for the UN.
At some point in time, we will live in a world where closets will be collecting dust and people will not see the need to come out. Until then, safe havens are essential — and important personalities using their platforms as such will always be welcomed.