YouTube's new Pride initiative will give you all the feels
LOS ANGELES -- YouTube is getting in the Pride spirit with a new video initiative called #ProudToBe.
The goal is to celebrate people throughout the LGBTQ community and around the globe.
The kick-off video (above) features prominent YouTubers including Gigi Gorgeous, Tyler Oakley, Kat Blaque, and Tre Melvin.
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The videos come in time for June's Pride month and after last week's mass shooting in Orlando at a gay nightclub. The tragedy shook the nation, but also Team Internet since YouTube has become known as a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community.
The YouTube community had also just lost one if its own -- YouTube musician Christina Grimmie was shot and killed during a separate incident in Orlando that same weekend.
"We stand together with everyone who has the courage to own and share their identity."
"Now, more than ever, it’s important that we help accept, love, and celebrate one another," YouTube wrote in a blog post Tuesday. "In the wake of the tragic events in Orlando, we stand together in support of the LGBTQ community. We stand together with everyone who has the courage to own and share their identity. We stand together to show the power of solidarity, the power of love, the power of pride. To those beautiful and brave voices who continue to make YouTube the vibrant, diverse and empathetic community it is, we are #ProudToBe with you."
A handful of influencers will be making their own videos using the hashtag.
"I support Pride and this campaign because the basis of it is simple, love yourself first and let that love permeate outwards," participating creator Qaadir Howard said in a statement. "Go to any Pride Parade and you’ll see. Pride is bigger than any one person, it’s a movement that moves people regardless of color, orientation, background, or creed and insists that we love ourselves and one another. Who on good authority could be against love?”
This is not the first time YouTube has paid tribute to Pride Month.
Last year's video "#ProudtoLove" coincided with the Supreme Court's ruling that recognized same-sex marriage nationwide.
It has amassed almost 7 million views to date.
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Saba was a Los Angeles-based reporter who covers all things digital entertainment, including YouTube, streaming services and digital influencers. Prior to that, she spent two years at the Los Angeles Times covering entertainment for the Calendar and Company Town sections. Saba grew up in Santa Monica and graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in journalism and B.A. in political science. When not reporting, she is usually binge watching shows online or looking for new coffee shops to frequent.
