Emily JubbFor those of you who aren’t aware, (or live under a rock maybe?), Eugene Lee Yang has been blowing up our Youtube and Social feeds since 2013 when he joined content creating site Buzzfeed. Known for his work in The Try Guys, Yang has been a consistent pioneer for the abolition of bullying and helping his audience with confidence, body issues and low self-esteem, a personal struggle he has been very honest and open with himself. Throughout his university studies, he specialised in filmmaking and content creation. Eugene used this opportunity to discuss wide-ranging social topics such as, mental healthcare, gay marriage, and school shootings.
In 2019, on June 15th, Eugene came out as gay in a video he uploaded to Youtube titled “I’m Gay” which he wrote, directed and choreographed with the song “A Moment Apart” by Odesza. This project also served as a fundraiser for The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that aims to prevent suicide amongst the LGBT youth.
“I created this music video as my personal way of coming out as a proud gay man who has many unheard, specific stories to tell,” Yang wrote on Twitter. “I withheld because of fear and shame shaped by my background but I promise to give my full truth in the rest of my life’s work.”
Through the form of contemporary dance, the video takes the audience through the various stages of self-discovery within Yang’s sexuality. There are references to growing up within a Korean family, any important relationships within his life, and the ups and downs that came alongside these. The video also celebrates other celebrities and big names from within the LGBT community such as Drag Queen Kim Chi and fellow internet sensation Curly Velasquez. As he tweeted along with the video,
“Coming out is a lifelong process – your safety always comes first – but know that there’s a vibrant community waiting to welcome you with open arms,”
Through the work of the video, Yang managed to raise more than $65,000 for the Trevor Project within a matter of days. Yang’s confidence and honestly is an inspiration to all, not only the LGBT community, but also those who lack confidence and are struggling with self-expression and identity.
You can find the link to his video here:
https://youtu.be/qpipLfMiaYU
Links to Eugene’s socials:
https://www.instagram.com/eugeneleeyang/
https://twitter.com/eugeneleeyang/ https://www.facebook.com/eugeneleeyang/