YouTube announced today that it is launching the Pride initiative, #ProudToBe, that “celebrates people throughout the LGBTQA community and around the globe.”
The initiative, which showcases different YouTube users “declaring who they are and why they are proud to be themselves,” kicked off with a video that includes YouTube rock stars Gigi Gorgeous, Tyler Oakley, Kat Blaque, and Tre Melvin.
“Now is the time where we need to say no to the hate, to the violence,” the video said. “This won’t scare us back into the closet. We will be seen and we will be heard.”
Users on Twitter expressed excitement following the announcement:
I'm #ProudToBe part of a community that is so supportive of LGBT+ talent. Thank you @YouTube for all you do ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cZeNEGpHxQ
— Calum McSwiggan (@CalumMcSwiggan) June 21, 2016
I love you boys so much. I'm #ProudToBe your (gay) friend! <3 https://t.co/7VwUnOwl3L
— Jake (@jakebley) June 21, 2016
Loving the #ProudToBe videos in my @YouTube subscription feed.
— JayKay (@Keeler79) June 21, 2016
I'm #proudtobe a survivor, mentally & physically. pic.twitter.com/8qRv9tgULj
https://twitter.com/ShepsexualDream/status/745306711163047936
“After the horrific acts in Orlando, it’s important to love and accept people of all identities and to stand together in strength and solidarity now more than ever,” the company said. “We hope the video and the creators’ voices can be a source of pride and inspiration for communities around the world.”