Many Brazilian LGBT teens struggle as LGBT-phobic violence and discrimination is still common, which casts them to a marginal position in society. In the last few years LGBT adolescents have found...Show moreMany Brazilian LGBT teens struggle as LGBT-phobic violence and discrimination is still common, which casts them to a marginal position in society. In the last few years LGBT adolescents have found in YouTube a platform on which they can establish a virtual community and provide help such as sharing advice on how to overcome LGBT-phobia. The first chapter will provide an overview on the current stance of academia on the topic of how YouTube enables participatory culture and community building, with a special focus on the LGBT community. The second chapter will provide more background information on the problem of LGBT-phobia in Brazil. The third chapter analyzes four videos uploaded by Brazilian LGBT-themed channels and pays special attention on how the community is portrayed, and what kind of messages the YouTubers share. As bonds have been established among the virtual community, the YouTubers can spread encouraging messages that seek to empower the viewers to strive for more equality and acceptance in society.Show less