By Keesa Ocampo
Influencer. An honor, a hashtag, and often, a term that comes with, well... infamy. Often, what the word brings to mind is an image of what we’ve likely read about online: a young person who is in it for themselves, whose most valued accomplishment is their number of followers on social media. But exponentially in the last year, many of these young influencers have used their own platforms and big networks as a means to do good. Taylor Steinbeck, artist and queer feminist behind the Instagram account @SheGotThePink has used her acumen and art to fuel impassioned messaging, reminding everyone that, “You have something worth saying that the world needs to hear.” As her popular moniker suggests, her statements are powerfully made in shades of pink.
Introversion: “Being introverted used to be something I didn’t like about myself, something I wish I could change. But now, I can see what a beautiful thing it is to have a rich inner life and I hope other introverts can feel proud of who they are too.” - Taylor Steinbeck
The 26-year old Bay Area social media pro creates art inspired by what means most to her: feminism, queer issues, and mental health awareness. The road to shaping her world views was, as any coming of age story is, paved with obstacles. “For most of my life up until a couple of years ago, I had debilitating social anxiety and self-esteem issues. This led me to censor myself since I was incredibly afraid of the judgment of others and didn't think I had anything worth saying,” she reveals. The antidote was something many cultures still fear and stigmatize. “Therapy changed my life forever by teaching me how to challenge the negative thoughts that pop up in my head. Since then, managing my anxiety has become much easier and it’s allowed me the freedom to explore who I am.”
She attributes the bold expression of her views online to her mother’s parenting style. “She has always been really outspoken about feminism and taught us to see our value outside of our appearances or romance. My mom is pretty badass,” Steinbeck shares.
It's Okay to Change Your Mind About Your Identity: “I drew this illustration to share with others who may be struggling to figure out what to call themselves, to say that there is no pressure. I've jumped from "not straight" to "questioning," to "bi," and right now that's what feels good for me, but who knows if that will change in the future. It’s okay to change your mind about your identity. It’s okay not to know what to call yourself. It’s okay to change your labels or not use any at all.” - Taylor Steinbeck
Steinbeck’s art on @SheGotThePink may be viewed by some as provocative, graphic, and - interestingly - very relatable. “I think it’s important to speak out because we all have a story to tell. When we are brave enough to share the story that may make us feel alone, not only do we learn that there are others who feel the same, but we make them feel seen.” One issue she is unafraid to speak about is her identity and her personal experience as a bi woman in a relationship with a bi man. One message her art has amplified for those who need to hear is: you are queer enough; Your identity is valid.
Unlike generations before them, Gen Zs and Millennials have redefined activism by bringing it to the platform they dominate: online. Challenging the infamy and misrepresentation of ‘slacktivism,’ these generations have harnessed the power of thousands, even millions of followers and digital networks to turnout impressively in some of the biggest social movements of the past year. Moreover, some of the notable efforts of in-person dissent have been led by teenagers and the youth. Think NYC’s Freedom March led by Chelsea Miller and Nialah Edari, who told the Rolling Stone that, “I chose that it was worth it to put my life in danger because this movement was far greater than me.” From Oakland Unified School District’s Jessica Ramos, to the high school students of AAPI Youth Action of Pasadena, we’ve seen that these generations have successfully used social media to show allyship and leadership for the Black Lives Matter and #StopAsianHate movements.
No longer issues of siloed communities, but movements that echo the world over, the roles of social media and activist influencers have contributed to growing their audiences, followers, and reach. To @SheGotThePink, this kind of social responsibility is central to the work. “When I’m managing the social accounts for brands, I try to include the stories of those who aren’t often heard,” Steinbeck says. “When it comes to my own page, I do my best to approach every post by questioning if there’s any way the work could be misinterpreted and how to make it as compassionate and validating as possible.” And while Millennial engagement in online activism does not always translate to offline activism, it is undeniable that it has successfully created opportunities for them to build awareness, mobilize, and address a need for social identification.
According to a new report referenced on Forbes, Millennials’ daily use of Facebook is 77%, compared to 68% usage by 35-to-54 year olds and 52% of the 55-plus age group. Quite notable is Millennials' daily purchasing behavior on Instagram with daily usage by the 18-34 year olds at 72%. What this means is that more than how much they’re on the platforms, how they’re shaping it and the business of it, it’s what we’re learning from them that’s most fascinating. Steinbeck’s clear and uncensored feminism has had its share of trolls and anti-feminists - an experience that many women have experienced online. Her troll management strategy is quite simple: utilize comments only to followers. Almost always, this approach solves the issue. Feminism online is not just for the outspoken. It’s for the brave.
Menstrual Products: “When I was growing up, I felt shame for using menstrual pads instead of tampons. I drew this to remind people who menstruate that their comfort is way more important than what others think. Periods are already uncomfortable enough without the added discomfort of being judged for how you deal with them. Use whatever period product(s) feels right for you.” - Taylor Steinbeck
Being vocal about one’s views online inevitably opens one up to criticism but Steinbeck encourages people to, “Feel the fear and do it anyway,” because, “...feminism means standing in solidarity and amplifying the voices of women... and dismantling oppressive systems that aim to control women’s bodies, minds, and lives.”