It feels like our society is more open today than ever. But clichés and prejudices still exist. The short-haired lesbian in a lumberjack shirt or the fear of coming out – Patricia and Michael approach such topics in their blog posts and videos investigatively and, above all, with a lot of humor and irony.
About hating and loving
The vlog by YouTuber and blogger Michael Buchinger is approaching the 70,000 subscription mark, and the many users who follow the Viennese's activities are particularly looking forward to the monthly hate list, in which the student complains about the inadequacies of his fellow human beings and society Leaves out phenomena such as intolerance and misplaced national pride. »When I kiss a man in public, it's not to make any kind of statement, just as I'm not making a statement when I devour a panini in public. I just feel like it," said Michael dryly in his January hate list. He uses vivid language and humor to talk about his everyday life and also packs political topics into entertaining videos. “My goal is to entertain my readers and viewers as much as possible and perhaps persuade them not to take the pitfalls of everyday life so seriously,” says the 22-year-old.
In 'real' life, Michael studies English and American Studies at the University of Vienna. The fact that he is homosexual doesn't play a big role here. Just like in his family, even if he says today that the coming out may have come too early. He was 15 years old at the time and his family, although very tolerant, suggested "that it could just be a phase." However, the "phase" remained and today the Viennese is one of the most sought-after bloggers and vlogging in Austria and German-speaking countries.
Lesbian chic
Gay footballers, men kissing men in public or an "I'm gay and that's a good thing" ex-mayor: While male homosexuality is always a topic of public discussion, the lives of lesbian women seem to proceed in quiet waters. And this despite the fact that they are also affected by biases such as discrimination in the workplace or a lack of legal equality.
In order to strengthen the voice of homosexual women and all people who advocate for equal rights, the German-Swiss online magazine Lesbian Chic was launched. The target group description initially reads a bit like the typical Brigitte reader. The special thing about the blog lies between the lines. 'Lesbians are taboo in society, but are ratings makers in the porn business?' – Lesbian Chic blogger Patricia Bauer asked this question during a survey in the pedestrian zone. It reflects the lack of presence of lesbian life in public, while in the erotic business, which is heavily dominated by men, it is considered quite chic for women to spread massage oil on each other's bodies.
The law student from Greifswald wants a “society in which acceptance and mutual appreciation are more than just empty words.” The 21-year-old sees her lesbianism as a kind of obligation. “The most effective weapon against prejudice and resentment is confrontation, which makes it my duty to show myself,” says Patricia. When coming out becomes the norm, you get nothing more than a bored shrug of the shoulders.
Patricia hopes for the same in her future working life. "For my professional future as a lawyer, I would like to be judged based on my skills and qualifications and not on who and how I love." She knows what she's talking about. While her circle of friends reacted positively to her coming out, the reactions in her family were rather negative. The family came out only a year and a half ago. There was radio silence for almost half a year, and only gradually did the relationship return to normal.
