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“Gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of women and men, such as norms, roles, and relationships of and between groups of women and men. It varies from society to society and can be changed.
However in recent years, there has been uprising of the many gender's different people consider themselves to be.

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In 2020, there has been a recorded 64 genders in total.
There are so many gender terms out there, many of which overlap. Some also have definitions that shift over time or across different sources of information.

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We need to get away from the idea that social media have a negative impact on the sexual behaviour of young people. "Social media can actually be an excellent way for young people to explore sexuality," says anthropologist and gender studies researcher Marijke Naezer. Naezer will receive her PhD from Radboud University on 4 October.
With the advent of social media, a whole new world has opened up in which young people can explore sexuality, e.g. through sexting, sexy selfies, online dating, and pornography. However, little is currently known about the exact way that young people utilise these media. In her thesis, Naezer builds a framework for understanding the sexy adventures of young people on social media. Naezer describes how young people shape and transform four dimensions of sexuality through social media: adventure, romantic intimacy, identity, and sexual knowledge building.

Too much fear

Naezer: "Fear and stereotypes have unfortunately dominated the debate up to this point and that is a real shame. Based on those fears and stereotypes, we tell young people: don't do it. However, social media can be very positive, even life-saving. For example, I have spoken to young people who did not feel "normal", because they did not see role models who were "like them" in real life or in sex education. Sometimes, they even dealt with suicidal thoughts. Through social media, they found people who could support them.' Naezer gives the example of "Jong&Out", an online community for young people with different sexual orientations and gender identities.

The perspective of young people

The research provides insight into the perspective of young people between 12 to 18 years of age. Naezer: "As of yet, there has been a lot of talk about young people, but relatively little with them, resulting in a narrow and biased view. Let's use the risks that young people consider important as an example. These may be very different from what you'd expect, such as the risk of being called a "slut" because you like taking sexy pictures, or the risk that people find out that you do not identify as straight."

According to Naezer, we need to abandon the stereotype that young people are naive, reckless, and unaware of consequences. Naezer: "Generally, young people think carefully about what they do and do not want, and they take all kinds of measures to keep things enjoyable for themselves and others. They also happen to be fairly conventional: most young people want to develop sexuality in a step-by-step manner and strive for a monogamous relationship. It is therefore high time to stop panicking and start taking a more in-depth approach to the topic."

Want to know more? Please contact:

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"Social media help young people to explore sexuality"

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We need to get away from the idea that social media have a negative impact on the sexual behaviour of young people. "Social media can actually be an excellent way for young people to explore sexuality," says anthropologist and gender studies researcher Marijke Naezer. Naezer will receive her PhD from Radboud University on 4 October.

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The largest event for LGBTQ+ all over the world is Gay Pride, which takes place all over the world. 

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The largest event for LGBTQ+ all over the world is Gay Pride, which takes place all over the world. 

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The following is a calendar of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) events.
To submit your event, parade, festival, or gathering click here

Gear up for Pride with unique and custom LGBT

apparel from our partner site LGBTshirts.com

Pride Flags: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, Genderqueer, Pansexual, Polyamory, Asexual, Intersex, Ally, Heterosexual,

Fetish Flags: Age Play, Androgyne, BDSM, Boi, Boot, Drag, Fat, Fisting, Foot, Freak, Gas Mask, Gay Goth, Intersex, Leather, Long Hair, Military, Muscle, Ownership, Puppy, Rubber, Slave, Switich and Twink

Gender Flags: Androgyne, Androgynous, Androphilia, Aromantic, Autosexual, Demisexual, Genderfluid, Gynephilia, Hermaphrodite, Lithromantic, Neutrois, Non-Binary, Polysexual, Skoliosexual,

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The following is a calendar of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) events.

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Why Social Media is not always negative... 

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Why Social Media is not always negative... 

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Many of the LGBTQ+ society have found social media platforms to be their salvation when it comes to identification. This is because people who believe they were once alone, or that no-one had ever experienced the same as them log onto social media platforms there is always the opportunity to speak to someone who may be on the other side of the world who is experiencing or has experienced the same emotions and feelings.

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Clichés and Stereotypes within Social Media. 

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Clichés and Stereotypes within Social Media. 

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Real gay or lesbian individuals, including openly gay celebrities or athletes. Authenticity goes a long way.

Same-sex pairings in everyday situations, such as at home, driving, shopping or eating.

Same-sex pairings with physical affection.

Utilize verbal, text, or graphic references to sexuality.

Unexpected twists. Counter time-worn clichés and add other sources of humour.

When advertising for the LGBTQ+ community it is important to keep the idea as open and as evolving as the LGBTQ+ society is.

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Due to the uprising of social acceptance and the introduction of many different genders and sexual orientations it is said that only 34% of 18-24 year-olds completely identify as heterosexual while 48% identify as something in-between.

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While 64% of adults think it's positive for the LGBTQ+ community to be visible in advertisements, a considerable 72% of the LGBTQ+ community think the way they are presented in advertising is tokenistic, according to research commissioned by the Gay Times and Karmarama.

The study was conducted by YouGov and covered a total sample size of 2,052 adults based in Great Britain, of which 740 were LGBTQ+ respondents.

Over recent years, increasing numbers of companies have risen to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community through glossy campaigns and themed Pride merch, yet it appears there is still a long way to go until all efforts are authentic.

As society becomes more attuned to the LGBTQ+ community, authentically representing the group in advertising is more important than ever, to normalise gender and sexual individuality.

Today, significantly fewer 18-24-year-olds identify as completely heterosexual (36%) than the generation before, while 48% identify as something in between.

There has been a 400% increase in trans representation since previous generations, with one in ten 18-24-year-olds identifying as transgender.

It appears that advertising still needs to catch up to this generational shift, as the study found 72% of the LGBTQ+ community think the way they are represented in advertising is tokenistic.

Considering a 2017 study conducted by UM London and the dating app Grindr found majority of British gay and bisexual men felt the LGBT+ community was 'invisible' in advertising, and change has been slower than is needed.

Discussing the findings, Gay Times' chief exec Tag Warner said: "These research findings may seem surprising to some, but they absolutely align and support the continued connection we have to our queer audience here in the UK and overseas.

"The binary world many of us have become accustomed to ('gay' and 'straight') is no longer relevant to most young people. This powerful research should be the catalyst to step-change thinking for advertising and marketing leaders when it comes to LGBTQ+. In tandem with Karmarama and YouGov, we're keen to further the understanding that LGBTQ+ related media is both vital, but often misdelivers."

Adding to this, Karmarama's chief exec Ben Bilboul commented: "A slew of businesses now slap a rainbow flag on their logo once a year in recognition of the powerful pink pound.

"But while it's encouraging to see brands make an effort to reach and represent the LGBTQ+ community around Pride, this needs to be a year-round endeavour and it needs to be done in a way that feels authentic. If you want to build a brand today, society expects brands to step up and positively represent the LGBTQ+ community."

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72% of LGBTQ+ community believe their representation in advertising tokenistic

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While 64% of adults think it’s positive for the LGBTQ+ community to be visible in advertisements, a considerable 72% of the LGBTQ+ community think the way they are presented in advertising is tokenistic, according to research commissioned by the Gay Times and Karmarama.

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Nikkie Tutorials Speaks out about how many people have come out since she posted her coming out YouTube video. 

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Nikkie Tutorials Speaks out about how many people have come out since she posted her coming out YouTube video. 

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She speaks abut how responses to the LGBTQ+ society have not changed.

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YouTuber and makeup guru Nikkie de Jager, known as NikkiTutorials, came out as transgender in a video that racked up 32 million views in one week.

Within hours of posting the video, de Jager received thousands of positive comments from fans and words of support from Gigi Hadid, Ariana Grande, Jeffree Star, and James Charles, among others.

"Jessica Jones" actress and activist Aneesh Sheth says that viral stories' like de Jager's offer a new kind of visibility and acceptance for trans people, marking a cultural shift.

De Jager's story, however, sheds light on persistent discrimination. Sheth and activist Eli Erlick say that 'outing' and weaponizing people's identities against them reveals an enduring intolerance of trans people.

Read more stories like this on Insider.

"Hello, guys. It's me, Nikkie."

Nikkie de Jager faced the camera - her eyeliner perfectly winged, as usual. She took a deep breath. The 25-year-old beauty YouTuber, known as NikkieTutorials, had something to share with her 12 million subscribers.

"I wanna start the year off by finally revealing a part of my life that has made me who I am," she said. "When I was younger, I was born in the wrong body. Which means that I am transgender." She held back tears.

In the emotional 17-minute video posted on January 13, de Jager shared her transition story for the first time.

De Jager, who had grown her explosive career on YouTube since she was a teenager, is arguably one of the most successful personalities on the platform, having crossed-over into mainstream fame, collaborating with the likes of Kim Kardashian West and Lady Gaga. But until last Monday, she had yet to publically share the story of her transition with her millions of fans.

The exact timing of the video, the vlogger said, had not been her choice; she was blackmailed by someone threatening to leak her story to the press. "I am here to share with you something that I always wanted to share with you one day, but under my own circumstances. It looks like that chance has been taken away from me, so today I am taking back my own power," she said.

De Jager explained that she knew her gender identity since early childhood. "By the age of 7 or 8, I fully wore girls' clothes only and it felt amazing," she said, noting that she began hormone therapy as a teen and fully transitioned at 19.

Ultimately, the makeup guru emphasized that she was the same woman her subscribers had always known. "I don't need labels. If we're gonna put a label on it, I'm transgender," she said, "But at the end of the day, I am me."

The YouTube video, titled "I'm Coming Out," was met largely with admiration and encouragement from fans and influencers alike.

De Jager's fellow YouTubers and makeup gurus James Charles, Jeffree Star, and Manny MUA voiced their praise on Twitter.

"YOU are such an inspiration and so f------ brave!" Star wrote. "Love you and I'm so proud to call you a friend."

"I'M SO PROUD OF YOU SISTER!!!" Charles said. Later, he posted a second message of support: "I'm so happy for nikkie I cant stop smiling today :')"

Celebrity support reached beyond the YouTube community; Gigi Hadid and Ariana Grande commented in heart emojis on de Jager's Instagram post publicizing the video. In one week, the video received over 32 million views,and NikkieTutorials' channel gained nearly 1 million new subscribers.

NikkieTutorials fans applauded her bravery - and continued to obsess over her beauty skills. "I hate that you were forced to come out, but I'm so proud of how you've handled it. You are a strong, beautiful woman," one commenter wrote.

"I can't explain how much this inspires me," another added.

"Honestly, I couldn't stop staring at her hair the whole time like how does she do it like that," a fan quipped.

De Jager, however, did not receive universal support. Too Faced cofounder Jerrod Blandino's sister, who goes by Dani California on Instagram, changed her Instagram bio to read, "Transgender huh? That's not the only thing she's been LYING about," before being fired.

Commenters on Instagram left hateful notes on her post about the video, referring to her sex assigned at birth.

On January 22, the YouTube star appeared on "The Ellen Degeneres Show" in her first interview since coming out.

De Jager marveled at the overwhelming support she received from her mother, fiancé Dylan, and thousands of fans - support that thwarted her blackmailer. "I feel like his entire goal with this was to destroy my life, but plot twist: that didn't happen," she said with a smile.

DeGeneres praised the YouTuber's video and shared her reasoning for having DeJager on the show. "I think it's really important for as many people possible to be represented on television," she said.

"You, like no other, know what it's like to come out," De Jager said, alluding to DeGeneres coming out as gay in 1997, which ended in her show's cancellation.

At the end of the segment, DeGeneres announced that "The Ellen Show" and Shutterfly made a $10,000 donation in de Jager's name to The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.

Before the interview taping aired, De Jager was nominated for YouTuber of the Year at the Shorty Awards.

The outpouring of support indicates a critical shift in attitudes towards the LGBTQ community.

"Jessica Jones" actress and activist Aneesh Sheth, who transitioned in 2008 after volunteering with The Trevor project, says that platforms like YouTube are boosting visibility for trans people. This exposure is key in changing cultural attitudes and inspiring the next generation to live authentically.

Public statements like de Jager's, she says, weren't available to previous generations of trans youth. "For me, growing up in the '80s, we obviously didn't have YouTube and my exposure was very limited as to what a trans woman is. I never got to experience the fullness of my own trans identity until later in my life," she told Insider. "Having this visibility now is incredibly empowering and it offers a glimmer of hope for anyone internalizing shame."

De Jager's video also reveals enduring threats facing trans people.

The fact that blackmailing spurred de Jager's disclosure cannot be overlooked, says activist and Trans Student Educational Resources cofounder Eli Erlick. "The fact that people can still be outed is very alarming," the PhD candidate told Insider. "Most trans people want to see a society where this can't happen."

Erlick added that she cautions against interpreting public response as universally positive. Indeed, since coming out, de Jager has been faced with accusations of 'lying' by omission - an accusation, Erlick notes, that can be dangerous. Sheth, too, worries about the cruelty that trans people continue to face. "We are using people's identities as weapons against them," she said.

Ultimately, de Jager's story is a reminder of progress - and all the progress left to be made. "It's a two-sided coin," Sheth explained. "I think we've made great strides. When people come out, they are often celebrated... But we are still dealing with bullying, still dealing with transphobia, all because there are people out there trying to breed hate against 'the other' or the unknown."

Read more:
Inside the life of NikkieTutorials, a beauty YouTuber who just came out as transgender in a new video Beauty YouTuber NikkieTutorials says she was blackmailed before coming out as a transgender woman Influencers are sharing their support for NikkieTutorials, a beauty YouTuber who just came out as transgender The sister of Too Faced Cosmetics' cofounder had a bitter comment for NikkieTutorials after she came out as a transgender woman NikkieTutorials just gave her first interview since coming out as transgender, telling Ellen DeGeneres that her fiancé gave her the strength to post the video

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YouTube star NikkieTutorials shocked millions of fans by coming out as trans. Responses show how attitudes towards LGBTQ people have and haven't changed.

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YouTuber and makeup guru Nikkie de Jager, known as NikkiTutorials, came out as transgender in a video that racked up 32 million views in one week. Within hours of posting the video, de Jager received thousands of positive comments from fans and words of support from Gigi Hadid, Ariana Grande, Jeffree Star, and James Charles, among others.

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January 2020, YouTube make-up artist NikkieTutorials told her story of how she was born a boy, however she had gone through the process. She uploaded her story on her YouTube channel after she said that she was being blackmailed by someone from her past that wanted to leak her story.She therefore wanted to share her story on her own terms and not have anyone else lie about what she actually went through. She said that she wanted to share this story so that she could inspire others who may be going through a similar issue as she once was.

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Nikkie de Jager, an influential YouTuber with millions of fans, has revealed she is a transgender in an emotional video.

On Monday, the 25-year-old, who is from the Netherlands, shared a video titled "I'm coming out".

In it, she explains her decision was forced by someone attempting to "blackmail" and publicly out her.

Known as NikkieTutorials, she is one of the most influential names in the platform's beauty community.

She has been sharing make-up tutorials and reviews for 11 years and has almost 13 million subscribers. Her success has seen her collaborate with celebrities including Lady Gaga, and last year she was named a global artistry adviser for Marc Jacobs beauty.

'I'm coming out'

De Jager opens the 17-minute video by saying she had always wanted to share her story on her own terms, but having had the opportunity "taken away" wished to reclaim her own "power".

"I can't believe I'm saying this today to all of you for the entire world to see. But damn, it feels good to finally do it. It is time to let go and be truly free," she says in the introduction.

"When I was younger, I was born in the wrong body, which means that I am transgender now."

In the video, de Jager reveals she was born male but had always identified as female growing up.

She said that by age six - with her parents' support - she began growing her hair out and by age seven or eight wore only female clothing.

She then started taking hormones and growth suppressors at age 14 and was "fully transitioned" by 19, she explains in the clip.

"Oh my god this is so liberating. You had no idea that for 11 years that I've had my channel, this has been with me, and I always wanted to share this with you," she tells her fans.

"But I cannot believe that after today, the world will know. But there's one thing that I really, really want to make so clear to all of you. I am me. I am still Nikki. Nothing changes about that."

At one point she addresses the people she says are threatening her and makes a middle-finger gesture, telling them: "This one's for you"

She also expresses her hope that her video may help and inspire others.

"If you feel like you're trapped and there's no way out, know that it gets better. Trust me, it gets better," she says towards the end of the clip.

The video has been met with an overwhelmingly supportive response from fans, other YouTubers and members of the LGBT community.

Jinkx Monsoon, an American drag queen and former winner of Ru Paul's Drag Race, was among those who congratulated the beauty guru for "reclaiming" her story.

"NO ONE has the right to out anybody else. Period. Coming out is a personal thing, and you do not get to decide that for someone else," she wrote on Twitter. "I'm so sorry, Nikkie, that you went through that, but I applaud how you handled it."

At one point in the video, referencing a common segment on her channel, de Jager announced that her "Dutch Word of the Day" was vrouw - meaning woman.

A number of Dutch politicians have praised the YouTube star. Ingrid van Engelshoven, the minister of education, culture and science, described her as "brave" and a "role model".

"You're truly free if you can be who you are. Role models are of great importance for emancipation," she wrote (in Dutch) in a tweet.

De Jager responded to the influx of support with a series of emotional Instagram stories on Tuesday morning.

"What happened last night is something I never, ever would dare to dream about," she said, in tears. "The incredible amount of love and support and warmth means so much to me."

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Influential YouTuber reveals she is transgender

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Nikkie de Jager, an influential YouTuber with millions of fans, has revealed she is a transgender in an emotional video. On Monday, the 25-year-old, who is from the Netherlands, shared a video titled "I'm coming out". In it, she explains her decision was forced by someone attempting to "blackmail" and publicly out her.

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Adventure; Which allows young people to explore the world in which they live in and not be defined straight away to what they have been told they are.
Romantic Intimacy; Allowing people to explore others and form relationships within their lives, allowing themselves to be happy and to let another person also explore them.
Identity; To fully understand themselves, whether this is to research into their own thoughts and feelings or just to understand why they might not be having feelings at all.
Sexual Knowledge Building; Understanding fully what they physically want, and what type of sexual relationship they should persist into. Or maybe to understand why they are having certain feelings about current relationships they may be involved in.