8 Indian LGBTQIA+ Social Media Influencers You Must Follow Immediately!

Social media is a medium to express yourself and your art, so it’s no wonder that several Indian individuals belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community have joined the ranks and shot to prominence online, through which they’re trying to break the rigid societal norms, prejudice and gender stereotypes that prevail through various mediums of art, craft, poetry or just expressing themselves unapologetically. They use the platform to talk about various important issues like gender advocacy, acceptance and other socio-political issues and create a platform for discourse. So, we’ve brought you a list of some Indian queer influencers who you need to follow ASAP to show some love and support! 

1. Sushant Divgikr/ Rani KoHEnur

Sushant Divgikr AKA Rani KoHEnur is an actor, singer, model, performer and VJ who has appeared in numerous shows online and is also popular as an LGBTQIA+ activist and a drag performer. In 2014, they won the Mr Gay India and have since presented several television shows, represented India in Mr Gay World and also participated in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2018. An advocate of LGBTQIA+ rights, they love entertaining their followers on social media, so go follow ASAP!

Preferred Pronouns | He/She/They
Followers | 1.1M
Follow On Instagram Here | https://www.instagram.com/sushantdivgikr/ 

2. Durga Gawde

Durga Gawde recognises themselves as a non-binary gender-fluid personality and is a popular artist, activist and educator and drag queen. They have advocated and popularised gender-fluid fashion online and hold a degree in fine arts (sculpture) from Rhode Island School of Design, USA. They talk about social issues, atrocities towards the LGBTQIA+ community are primary on their account and also post videos and photos expressing themselves freely and also talking about love, acceptance and humanity! 

Preferred Pronouns | Them/They
Followers | 14.5K
Follow On Instagram Here | https://www.instagram.com/durgagawdestudio/ 

3. Priyanka Paul

Priyanka Paul goes by the name Artwhoring on Instagram and identifies herself as an illustrator, artist and creator who belongs to the LGBTQIA+ and Bahujan community and talks extensively about several social issues on caste, gender, mental health, body positivity and acceptance that need addressing in the media today. She creates some truly funky art on her Insta so, go and check ‘em out now!

Preferred Pronouns | She/Her
Followers | 74.8K
Follow On Instagram Here | https://www.instagram.com/artwhoring/ 

4. Alok V Menon 

Alov V Menon is a popular fashion influencer, author of the popular book, Beyond The Gender Binary, performer, activist, speaker and identifies themselves as Transfeminine. They are pioneers of ungendered fashion worldwide and often talk and spread awareness on violence against gender non-conforming people of colour. Mixing a unique blend of humour, fashion, design, race, gender and sexuality - they use it to propagate their views and activism, which deserves our respect! Go and check out their amazing feed!

Preferred Pronouns | They/Them 
Followers | 680K
Follow On Instagram Here | https://www.instagram.com/alokvmenon/ 

5. Alex Mathew

Alex Mathew is a drag queen, actor, influencer, TEDx Speaker, presenter and goes by the name ‘Maya the drag queen’ when in drag, creating the character ‘Mayamma’ who has an interesting and relatable back story. Known for speaking up extensively on gender-based violence and atrocities and prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community, she/he also works to make drag a more relatable and recognised art form to the public! 

Preferred Pronouns | She/Her (In Drag), He/Him (Out Of Drag)
Followers | 19.5K
Follow On Instagram Here | https://www.instagram.com/mayathedragqueen/ 

6. Dr. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju

Dr Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju is one of the most popular LGBTQIA+ personalities on social media. She is a doctor, actor, creator and influencer and has her own YouTube Channel as well. She has featured in a lot of Netflix India videos on YouTube and has also become the first Transwoman surgeon in Karnataka. If that has completely blown your mind, she also aims to raise awareness, educate people and start a discourse on gender, sexuality, feminism and other social issues by giving content from her own personal experiences! 

Preferred Pronouns | She/Her
Followers | 209K
Follow On Instagram Here | https://www.instagram.com/trintrin/ 

7. Maitrayanee Mahanta

Maitrayanee Mahanta is a social media influencer who is also a model, content writer, artist who is pursuing her masters and preparing for UPSC exams simultaneously. She hails from Assam and They and their partner, Neeta have become one of the most beloved couples online, with a separate fan following. They’ve also been featured in the music video for Raahi by Ritviz and have collaborations with other influencers like Dolly Singh. 

Preferred Pronouns | She/They
Followers | 23.6K
Follow On Instagram Here | https://www.instagram.com/mmaitrayanee/ 

8. Rishi Raj 

Rishi Raj goes by the name @the.chick.maharani on Instagram and is an influencer who talks about beauty, makeup, body positivity and Tarot reading. They belong to the Bahujan community and identify as a part of the intersectional LGBTQIAP+ community. They use their social reach to talk about important issues such as caste, gender, sexuality and educate their followers. Follow them for ingenious fashion looks and to support them and the community! 

Preferred Pronouns | He/They
Followers | 17.2K
Follow On Instagram Here |  https://www.instagram.com/the.chick.maharani/ 

Have they ignited your intrigue? So go and follow them and show support!