6 LGBTQ South Asian Influencers who you Should Follow Right Now
Representation matters, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. While many countries in South Asia still have laws criminalizing homosexuality, there are brave and inspiring individuals who are breaking barriers and paving the way for a more accepting society. From fashion to activism, these trailblazers are making waves and showing that being your authentic self is not only possible but necessary in today’s world.
In this blog, we celebrate six famous LGBT South Asian influencers who are not only living their truths but also using their platforms to raise awareness and empower others.
LGBTQ Influencers to Follow in 2023
1. Lilly Singh
Location: LA, USA
Social Media Handle: Instagram
About Lilly:
Lilly Singh is an incredibly talented LGBT Instagram influencer with over 13.3 million followers on Instagram. Growing up in Canada as the child of Indian immigrants, Lilly’s unique perspective has made a significant impact on social media. With almost 15 million subscribers, her YouTube channel ‘Superwoman’ features hilarious comedy sketches that have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.
In 2019, Lilly made history as the only LGBTQ+ woman of color to host a late-night show called ‘A Little Late with Lilly’. Her show has allowed her to share her story, including her experiences with sexuality, living with Indian parents, and life in the United States. Lilly is an unapologetic trailblazer who breaks barriers for LGBTQ+ women of color everywhere. Her creativity, humor, and authenticity make a positive impact on the world, and she is a true inspiration to many. Follow her for a dose of humor, authenticity, and a passion for positive change.
Why should you follow her?
Lilly Singh is a South Asian LGBTQ influencer who inspires others to embrace their true selves. With her humour and authenticity, she has become one of the most popular influencers on social media, with a dedicated following that continues to grow. Her positive outlook and inspiring message make her a true role model for anyone who wants to express themselves and break down barriers. If you’re looking for a good laugh and some inspiring words of wisdom, Lilly Singh is the influencer to follow.
2. Aditya Madiraju
Location: New Jersey, USA
Social Media Handle: Instagram
About Aditya:
Aditya Madiraju has emerged as a famous Asian gay influencer who moved to Chicago a decade ago to complete his Master’s Degree. He shortly moved to New York City for work, where he met his husband, Amit Shah. Growing up in a conservative society, Aditya faced societal restrictions on how men should behave, which left him feeling unfulfilled. However, he never let those societal norms dictate his choices and instead chose to pursue his passion for beauty and fashion.
Why should you follow him?
Aditya is an LGBTQ South Asian influencer who believes that beauty and fashion are gender-neutral. Empowered by his beliefs, Aditya hopes to represent the brown community in the beauty industry through his passion and art. So if you’re looking to follow an influencer who is on the path of disrupting the barriers of the beauty and fashion industry, then you must definitely check out Aditya’s Instagram! Aditya’s message is clear: his happiness and that of his loved ones always supersedes societal expectations. He promotes self-love and acceptance and has created a community where everyone is welcomed and celebrated.
3. Andy Lalwani
Location: LA, USA
Social Media Handle: Instagram
About Andy:
Andy Lalwani is a rising star in the world of Asian gay influencers. His Instagram profile is a visual feast of fashion, lifestyle, and travel content, all accompanied by his witty sense of humour. But it’s his YouTube web series, ‘What’s Trending’, that sets him apart from the rest. Through his videos on social news, pop culture, and viral challenges, Andy has created a safe space where he can explore his identity as a gay brown man. It’s a space that he once felt was missing in the online world, as he struggled to connect with other YouTube stars who didn’t share his experiences as a South Asian influencer. By carving out this unique niche, Andy has become a beacon of hope for those seeking representation in the LGBTQ+ community
Why should you follow him?
Andy Lalwani is a South Asian LGBTQ+ influencer whose unique blend of humour, energy, and filmmaking skills have made him a standout voice in the online community. His spunky personality and filmmaking skills make his lifestyle content stand out from the sea of influencers on Instagram. Through his social media content, Andy provides a safe space for younger generations to navigate everyday issues and problems – making him a must-follow for anyone seeking to broaden their perspective and be entertained at the same time.
4. Alok Menon
Location: Texas, USA
Social Media Handle: Instagram
About Alok:
Alok Menon, a gay instagram influencer, is a performance artist, writer, and fashionista, who hails from a conservative Texas town. His powerhouse talent has taken him around the world, spreading awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, trans politics, social justice, and gender. The two books that he has written in this regard, ‘Femme in Public’ and ‘Beyond the Gender Binary,’ have established him as a popular South Asian LGBTQ+ influencer who is de-gendering fashion one step at a time.
Why should you follow him?
If you’re interested in engaging in thought-provoking and insightful conversations about the trans population, or if you belong to the LGBTQ+ community and you’re looking for a safe space where you better understand your identity, then you must check out Alok’s Instagram profile.
5. Vivek Shraya
Location: Toronto, Canada
Social Media Handle: Instagram
About Vivek:
Vivek Shraya is a vibrant and creative force in the gay Asian influencer community. She is an award-winning artist who uses her social media platform to showcase her music, literature, and photography. As an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Calgary, Vivek is inspiring the next generation of young artists to use their talents to make a difference. Her best-selling book ‘I’m Afraid of Men’ has been lauded as a cultural phenomenon, and her album ‘Part-Time Woman’ was nominated for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. Vivek is a trailblazer, using her art to break barriers and inspire people everywhere to be their true selves
Why should you follow her?
Vivek is an inspiration for queer South Asians all across the world, and her many achievements speak for themselves. Her body of work pushes beyond the boundaries of music, literature, and art to create magic at its finest. If you’re looking for some creative inspiration from one of the budding South Asian LGBTQ+ influencers, check her out!
6. Harmeet Rehan
Location: Canada
Social Media Handle: Instagram
About Harmeet:
Meet Harmeet Rehan, a young and dynamic South Asian influencer who is breaking gender stereotypes with her bold and artistic content. Harmeet’s unique approach to storytelling using poetry, short stories, and photography has won hearts across the internet. Her work covers a range of social and political issues, such as body positivity, inclusivity, and representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Through her Silk-Punjabi heritage, Harmeet creates a platform that highlights the struggles and triumphs of being a trans, non-binary, and queer individual. Her groundbreaking children’s book, ‘The Boy and the Bindi’, challenges societal norms and celebrates the diverse beauty of different identities.
Why should you follow her?
Harmeet is one of the few South Asian LGBTQ+ influencers who educate their audience on the day-to-day challenges of what it means to be a non-gender-conforming individual. Follow Harmeet for a fresh perspective on intersectionality and queer culture.
FAQs
- Who are some influential LGBTQ South Asian activists and advocates?
Alok Menon and Vivek Shraya are two influential LGBTQ South Asian activists and advocates.
- What are some South Asian famous LGBTQ influencers to follow on social media?
Some South Asian LGBTQ influencers to follow on social media include Lilly Singh, Aditya Madiraju, Andy Lalwani, Alok Menon, and Vivek Shraya
- How do South Asian LGBTQ influencers use their platforms to advocate for LGBTQ rights and acceptance?
South Asian LGBTQ influencers use their platforms to advocate for LGBTQ rights and acceptance by promoting self-love, acceptance, and inclusion, creating a safe space for younger generations to navigate everyday issues and problems, spreading awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, trans politics, social justice, and gender, and showcasing their music, literature, and photography.
- What are some of the challenges faced by LGBTQ South Asians in their communities?
Some of the challenges faced by LGBTQ South Asians in their communities include societal restrictions on how men should behave, feeling unfulfilled, lack of representation in the LGBTQ+ community, and conservative beliefs.
Sign Up Today
Sign up to our newsletter and get the latest info.