
From the time I was 13 onward, I was what one might call โa chronically online individual.โ This persisted until I was 17-18, where I learned moderation (for the most part).ย ย
During this time in my life, I spent a lot of time on YouTube. Of course, these were the days of the โsaturation eraโ where YouTubers from โacross the pondโ were incredibly popular.
Out of this batch of YouTubers, my favourites (by far) were Dan and Phil.
Watching their videos gave me comfort and laughs during my entire time in high school while the community they created online gave me some incredible friends. Connecting with people from all over the globe enriched me in ways that I am incredibly grateful for every day, and the โDan and Phil Eraโ of my life remains one of my favourites.
In Summer 2018, I also was able to go to their show โInteractive Introvertsโ – meeting them in person. The experience was incredible (both of them being absolutely lovely) and seeing other members of their โfanbaseโ in person was very neat.
As the years went on and both Dan and Phil came out as gay, I had a moment of clarity surrounding what had brought their community together in the first place.
(Most) of us were closeted members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Dan and Phil community (in the early days as well) was a rare space online where hate had no space. They were never rude, or crass, or made offensive jokes.
As a closeted queer individual at the time, this community made me feel seen. I had always felt on the โoutside looking inโ – not knowing exactly why I felt so isolated.
As I came out as queer and learned that Dan and Phil had as well, I couldnโt help but feel grateful about how watching their videos had made me feel confident enough to accept myself.
Iโm aware that my experience is not unique – there were other communities online at the time of the โDan and Phil heydayโ that provided a safe space for closeted individuals. However, my experience in the Dan and Phil community had a massive impact on my life (and the lives of others online).
Being (and coming out) as queer is not a one way track โ ultimately, youโll be โcoming outโ for your entire life. While I was not necessarily worried about how my parents would react, I knew that coming out would have an impact on my life, forever.
Today, I am thrilled to see that Dan and Phil have come out themselves – emboldening the LGBTQ+ community even further and โliving their truthโ.
Thank you, Dan and Phil.
To everyone else – donโt be afraid to come out. There are always people who will listen, love you and make you feel welcome. Whether online or in person, there is a safe space for everyone.
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