Who to Follow: Vol. I

Social media has taken its toll on too many of us. The fact is, we follow too many people who only make us doubt ourselves. In an effort to combat this, we have to push the positive on social media; re-learn why we downloaded it in the first place. It took me a long time to understand the positive possibilities on Instagram and to stop reaching for the negative (that’s right, stop going back to your ex’s profile).

I’m starting this little “Who to Follow” column for Pink Things featuring people who inspire me regularly. These are individuals and collectives who strive against toxic social media presences and instead cultivate a sense of community through their writing and their Instagram posts. I hope you’ll give them a follow.

Lora Mathis (@jaded_online)

I started following Lora a few years ago, and following their recovery journey has been nothing but inspiring and truly, honestly beautiful. Posting a mix of written work, illustrations, comics, and music, Lora is as brutally honest as they get, and that’s what makes them such an inspiring artist.

Clementine Morrigan (@clementinemorrigan)

Clementine Morrigan is a self-described “writer, poet, rebel scholar, teacher, and working witch.” I first discovered them through their newest collection of essays, “You Can’t Own the Fucking Stars” (2018). Challenging societal expectations of what is considered acceptable, Clementine is an inspiration for anyone attempting to make art about trauma, sexuality, love, and desire.

Tessa Forrest (@subliming.jpg)

Tessa Forrest, under the alias subliming.jpg, has started a strong Instagram movement through her graphic written quotes. You’ve probably seen them all over the place, shared on friends’ stories or reposted on their feed. Full of strength and inspiration, her color blocked quotes are worth following for that little daily pick-me-up.

Yasmine Cheyenne (@yasminecheyenne)

Yasmine Cheyenne, a strong mental health and wellness advocate, is constantly posting beautifully worded affirmations and mini guides to navigating mental health and taking care of oneself. Through her palette of nudes and pinks, the posts make you want to scroll endlessly, write them down in your journal, speak them out loud, or send them to all your group chats.

Isabella Mente (@isabella_mente)

Isabella Mente, author of the poetry collection “7300 days”, is one of those powerful female authors who never stop bringing up women. Isabella, in the process of writing her second book, actively shares every step of her creative process while also posting about authors she loves, books to read, art to see, and doesn’t fail to pass along her personality of sunshine.

Durga Chew Bose (@durgapolashi)

Durga Chew Bose, one of our generation’s well-spoken authors (in my honest opinion), is someone who I personally look up to for my own writing. While Durga doesn’t post as much of her own writing as the others on this list, she is someone to follow if you want constant book suggestions and links to articles. (As well as the beautiful pictures of her apartment and outfits).

Fariha Roisin (@fariha_roisin)

Fariha Roisin, a writer, podcaster, and senior editor, with “a focus on her Muslim identity, race, pop culture, and film (as well as queerness and how that intersects with being a femme of color navigating a white world).” She’s someone you want to see on your feed, posting about her articles, books she’s currently reading, and all the beautiful portraits taken of her.

Leste Magazine (@lestemagazine)

Leste Magazine, is a journal of “new erotica” and artist collective, committed to “uplifting and celebrating a variety of different sexual lives, bodies, and perspectives.” Leste is a platform constantly hosting a large number of inspiring artists and creatives. With their weekly takeovers, you’ll want to follow them simply for the beauty of the diverse thoughts, art, and activism showcased.