Once a sacred home for cat videos and clips from pirated tv-shows, Youtube in 2019 has become expansive, rich and diverse in its content. For many, especially the youngest members of the LGBT+ community, coming out videos rooted our understanding of what it means to be queer, and the comments section of an LGBT-friendly sex educator could have provided the first safe space for us to express our gender and sexuality. Given how enormous the video-streaming platform has become, it is easy to miss out on the plethora of incredible Irish LGBT+ YouTubers creating inclusive and entertaining content – here are nine channels you cannot overlook!

Jackson Miloh (he/him)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo_dX0DATtY[/embedyt]

Aged 18, Jackson has a backlog of frequent (!) uploads going back three years. He makes original content about his experience being trans and bisexual, guaranteed to be educational and entertaining. Jackson hopes to get top surgery in Spring 2020, and has a GoFundMe campaign for anyone that can support the expensive procedure!

Melanie Murphy (she/her)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqQDkVc0BCo[/embedyt]

Melanie has become a familiar name in Ireland; she has published two books, been nominated for the 2019 Shorty Award for Best LGBTQ+ Account, and was even featured on a Leaving Cert paper! Her videos provide a comforting safe space to her viewers, be they discussions on disordered eating and sexuality, or beautifully-curated vlogs with her fiancé. 

Sarah Courtney (she/her)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bjG2PACy0c[/embedyt]

Sarah is taking a step back from uploading for the next while, but no need to despair, as her backlog (packed for a presence of fewer than two years on the platform) will provide plentiful sustenance for your need for bisexual representation. Sarah has a bubbly, straightforward personality and doesn’t hold back from discussing topics such as alcoholism and STIs, balanced by film reviews and general Irish craic!

James Mitchell (he/him)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0vt-ac51j0[/embedyt]

James Mitchell creates a wide range of content – from lifestyle vlogs to Q&As and discussions on mental health. All of James’ videos are bursting with refreshing energy, which is only extenuated by boyfriend Seán’s frequent guest appearances – fans of the channel are definitely not complaining!

Jamie O’Herlihy (she/her)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1DnNaQ6-rg[/embedyt]

Jamie makes a wide range of videos – from makeup tutorials to vlogs. She has also been documenting her transition. She transforms video titles reused by many YouTubers through her perspective as a trans woman. In particular, her recent video with Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher on top and bottom surgery is an extremely informative discussion that would aid many people interested in getting the procedures.

Keelin Moncrieff (she/her)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDou3vFQ6po[/embedyt]

Being queer isn’t the foremost element of every LGBT+ person’s identity; discussions on bisexuality don’t dominate Keelin’s videos, but this doesn’t erase her sexuality nor her incredible content. Propelled by her unabashed individuality, Keelin is one of few YouTubers that have taken an explicit stance against the fast fashion industry, uploading original videos on sustainability, sex and more! 

Irish Reader (he/him)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ejpLL1Q4xU[/embedyt]

If you’re a lover of YA books and sprightly personalities, taking a trip down Kevin’s channel would be a perfect night in for you. He reviews myriad books – from complex fantasies to trashy romances, many of them LGBT+ of course. When watching Kevin’s videos, you will find yourself laughing over a book he hates, or crying in contagion over Simon vs. the Homo Sapien’s Agenda.

Jessie B (she/her)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb1UQx0sk7Y&t=19s[/embedyt]

Following the footsteps (but definitely paving her own way) of sister Melanie Murphy, Jessie B’s uploads include chatty discussions on health and bisexuality, makeup tutorials and fashion hauls. Her experiences will surely hit home with many young people in Ireland, as she is unafraid to open up about difficult issues whilst simultaneously creating more low-key entertaining content!

Riyadh K (he/him)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvRrR6De9KE[/embedyt]

Last but definitely not least – Riyadh K! Host of BBC series Queer Britain and nascent author of a literal guide for gay guys, Riyadh’s videos – often collaborations with various YouTubers and influencers – have shaped the lives of many LGBT+ people in Ireland. His coming out story touched many across the nation, gay and straight, and his channel serves as a hub for queer education and entertainment.