ences who still don’t have effective
captions on their videos. In addi-
tion to this, content warnings can
also help make a more inclusive
viewing experience for audiences,
be it for mental health topics or
flashing lights that could trigger a
seizure for those with photosensi-
tive epilepsy.
In LGBTQ+ spaces, there is a
long way to go in regards to mak-
ing the community more inclusive
of disabled people. “More than
one-third of adults who identify as
LGBTQ+ also identify as having a
disability... Clearly it’s something
that we as a community need to
be more conscious of.” In Jessica’s
experience, LGBTQ+ events often
involve nighttime activities and
alcohol, but she can “barely stay
awake past 10 PM!” Live events
could also benefit from sign lan-
guage interpreters, live subtitling
boards, ramps and quiet spaces
that allow people to step away
from everything if they’re feel-
ing overwhelmed or just need a
moment alone. Jessica loves both
her online community and the
LGBTQ+ community and strives
to see both of them do better for
disabled people.
JESSICA KELLGREN-FOZARDÒ
YOUTUBE’S GAY DISABLED SWEETHEARTCOMMUNITY THOUGH YOUTUBE
While she has her criticisms of YouTube—reminder
again to “Caption. Your. Videos.”—the overall impact
the platform has had on her life is extraordinary.
Through YouTube, without barriers put up by main-
stream entertainment, Jessica Kellgren-Fozard is
able to create thought-provoking and highly enter-
taining videos for millions to see.
She’s grateful for her career, but also for the ways
in which her positive community helped her own
loneliness. “Living with a dysfunctional body can be
very isolating,” Jessica explains, “so I’m very lucky
to have such a positive and uplifting community of
internet friends”. On YouTube, fans often reflect
your content, so Jessica prioritizes positivity by ap-
proaching every topic and video “with kindness, and
by welcoming people in, making it clear that it’s okay
if you disagree [with her]”. Her welcoming nature
does not extend to hate speech, and Jessica strongly
moderates her platform in order to protect her di-
verse audience.
It’s evident that her positive content isn’t a PR
move or “branding”. It’s simply a disabled lesbian
with an enviable petticoat collection creating a
place online where she and her audience feel ac-
cepted, supported and empowered. And if you’re
still looking for your place online, a group of
people who understand and reflect you, then be
patient. “The internet is such a huge space, your
people will find you.”Fiona M is ... literally who knows how to fill these in? I chat about
things I like, places I’ve been and topics I’m interested in.