When something goes viral… It’s a blessing, and a curse. But more often than not, a blessing. Just ask Dannielle Owens-Reid, creator of Biebians.com, a.k.a. the online phenomenon, Lesbians Who Look Like Justin Bieber. She also offers advice via EveryoneIsGay.com, a site started with her buddy Kristin Russo, AND was recently a runner-up for MTV’s first TJ, where the winner would earn a six-figure salary and the opportunity to tweet about MTV for a living.
Cherry Grrl (CG): Dannielle, thanks for talking with us. Can you tell us about where the ideas for your projects spring forth? What came first, the Justin Bieber parody or EveryoneIsGay.com with Kristin?
Dannielle Owens-Reid (DO-R): First, came Lesbians Who Look Like Justin Bieber [LWLLJB] in March, and that sort of, blew up, quickly. People started becoming interested in me as a real person and asking questions on Formspring (the famous Q&A site). This lead to people asking for advice. I finally said, “Hey Kristin, do you wanna do this thing?” and boom. EveryoneIsGay.com.
CG: What reactions or emotions are you trying to evoke from people who visit your sites?
DO-R: With LWLLJB, I mainly want people to LOL. With EveryoneIsGay, I think there’s something more. I truly think we have the ability to help people, teenagers especially, in a way that no one else is helping them. I like that. I like that we can communicate with them and make life make sense for a little while.
CG: How did you get involved in social networking and when did you really see the appeal?
DO-R: I’ve always been into it. I like connecting with people. I started on tumblr a little over 2 years ago. I loved photo-blogging and following my friends’ blogs, and that’s really when I became slightly obsessed.
CG: Are you a technology nerd? Do you own any crazy gadgets, or do you tend to stray from technology?
DO-R: I’m obsessed with my iPhone 4 and I have an iMac, which I’m obsessed with also. If I had any money at all, I would have a lot more technology. I’m not really into having a lot of STUFF, but clothes and technology I can definitely get behind.
CG: How important is Twitter? What do you like about it as a social media tool?
DO-R: I think it’s important, right now. People love to have a closer connection to the world of celebrity. They see it from afar so often, that I think they enjoy being able to actually TELL Justin Bieber he’s a total hottie. For me, personally, its nice because I have a lot of busy friends who go on tour/work all day, or what have you, and it’s awesome to just see what they’re up to throughout the day. Or see a picture they’ve posted of a ridiculous truck. I love it.
CG: Do you think it’s important for the LGBTQ community to find each other on sites like Twitter and Facebook?
DO-R: I think everyone wants to be connected. I don’t think the LGBTQ community is any different from any other group of people. Everyone wants to connect in whatever way possible and watch the world together. Social media makes that possible. (continued on next page)
