🌈 Trans resources to build community, not corporations

Mainstream marketing strategies don't work for LGBTQ+ content.

This is because large corporations filter and suppress LGBTQ+ content.

So, what do I do, as a small creator who is doubling down on publishing LGBTQ+ content independently (on Ghost instead of Substack)?

Hi, I'm Rey. I write articles such as how to introduce a trans person, and how we all have hormones:

I'd love to share these resources more widely within our community, but I don't want to waste my money by running Facebook ads. (Facebook ads are not effective for LGBTQ+ content due to trolling and laugh reacts.)

LinkedIn recently removed protection for gender identity and expression from their community guidelines.

I'm also no longer benefiting from Substack's recommendation engine to bring me new subscribers. (Although, Substack is no longer benefiting from my freely shared content and audience, so, that's a win.)

Substack has a long history of funding anti-LGBTQ+ writers and allowing hate speech. Just this week, Substack sent a push notification to users' phones featuring a swastika.

While I continue to share links to my content on these corporate sites, I cannot rely on them to connect me with new folks enthusiastic about receiving my emails.

I'm exploring collaborations and advertising on LGBTQ+ specific newsletters, which I feel better about supporting than a large corporation that doesn't have our best interests at heart.

I am proud to continue publishing independent, inclusive LGBTQ+ content. But frankly, I'm taking a mostly-unpaid risk by posting about being trans online.

I need your help.

Please forward this to one friend or family member who might benefit from inclusive trans resources and relatable true LGBTQ+ stories.

And if you are that friend? Welcome! Please subscribe to receive my future posts!

Together, we can grow our own community, without relying on corporations.

Thank you so much! --Rey 🧡

A few announcements and what's coming up next here on Amplify Respect:

I'm incredibly excited and honored to announce that I've been selected to be a member of the Project C ONA25 Creator Cohort! I am grateful to be able to attend the ONA25 journalism conference in New Orleans this September, as well as receiving membership, coaching, and opportunities for connection. Thank you so much to Project C, Online News Association, and The Lenfest Institute. This opportunity directly supports my independent creator journalism for LGBTQ+ folks and allies.

Check out the Project C ONA25 Creator Cohort!

My mini book review of River Selby's Hotshot was featured in Remote Queer's newsletter! Remote Queer shares remote work and travel resources for LGBTQ+ expats and digital nomads.

Check out Remote Queer and my mini book review!

We have a couple of really exciting articles coming up in the next few weeks right here on Amplify Respect. I asked my friend Lily about gender in the Japanese language, and Lily's responses are amazing. I can't wait to share this with you. I also visited the historical site of a Japanese-American concentration camp and learned a lot which feels so relevant to what's happening now. And finally, we're going to dig into trans-inclusive healthcare. Please subscribe if you haven't already, to receive these great articles in your inbox over the next few weeks!