Autostraddle

Autostraddle is an online magazine and community that focuses on lesbian, bisexual, and queer women's issues, as well as feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice. Founded by Riese Bernard and Alex Vega in 2009, Autostraddle has become a prominent online platform for queer women to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives, featuring writers such as Carolyn Yates, Heather Hogan, and Mey Rude. With a strong focus on intersectional feminism and inclusivity, Autostraddle has built a diverse community of readers and contributors, including Sarah Paulson, Tig Notaro, and Jen Richards. The site has also been praised for its coverage of LGBTQ+ news and entertainment, including reviews of The L Word, Orange Is the New Black, and Transparent.

● History

Autostraddle was launched in 2009 by Riese Bernard and Alex Vega, with the goal of creating a online space for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women to connect, share their stories, and find community. The site quickly gained popularity, with contributors such as Laneia Jones, Brittani Nichols, and Chloe Stevens joining the team. In 2010, Autostraddle launched its first A-Camp, a summer camp for queer women that featured workshops, panels, and activities led by Jen Wang, Morgan Page, and Kate McKinnon. The site has since expanded to include a range of features, including personal essays, reviews, and interviews with LGBTQ+ celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Wanda Sykes, and Tig Notaro. Autostraddle has also partnered with organizations such as GLAAD, The Trevor Project, and Lambda Legal to promote LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.

● Content and Features

Autostraddle features a wide range of content, including personal essays, reviews, and interviews with LGBTQ+ celebrities such as Sarah Paulson, Jen Richards, and Asia Kate Dillon. The site also includes features such as NSFW Sunday, a weekly column that explores sexuality and relationships, and Boobs on Your Tube, a recap of LGBTQ+ representation on television shows such as The L Word, Orange Is the New Black, and Transparent. Autostraddle also publishes listicles and roundups of LGBTQ+ news and entertainment, including coverage of Pride parades and LGBTQ+ film festivals such as Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival. The site has also featured interviews with LGBTQ+ activists such as Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Janet Mock, as well as LGBTQ+ artists such as Kehinde Wiley, Mickalene Thomas, and Gran Fury.

● Community and Impact

Autostraddle has built a strong and diverse community of readers and contributors, including lesbian, bisexual, and queer women from around the world. The site's comment section is known for being a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their thoughts and experiences, with moderators such as Riese Bernard and Laneia Jones working to maintain a positive and respectful environment. Autostraddle has also had a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community, providing a platform for queer women to share their stories and connect with others. The site has been praised by LGBTQ+ organizations such as GLAAD, The Trevor Project, and Lambda Legal for its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. Autostraddle has also been recognized for its coverage of LGBTQ+ issues in media and entertainment, including reviews of The Fosters, Glee, and Sense8.

● Awards and Recognition

Autostraddle has received numerous awards and nominations for its content and community, including a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Blog and a Webby Award for Best Lifestyle Website. The site has also been recognized by LGBTQ+ organizations such as The Trevor Project and Lambda Legal for its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. In 2019, Autostraddle was named one of the best websites for women by Forbes, and in 2020, it was recognized as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ websites by Out Magazine. Autostraddle has also been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BuzzFeed, with writers such as Sarah Kendzior and Glenn Greenwald praising the site's commitment to independent journalism and LGBTQ+ representation.

● Criticism and Controversy

Despite its positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community, Autostraddle has faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some critics have accused the site of being elitist and exclusive, with a focus on white, middle-class lesbian and queer women. Others have criticized the site's moderation policies, which some have argued are too strict or censorial. In 2019, Autostraddle faced backlash on social media after publishing an article that some readers felt was transphobic and exclusionary. The site's editors and writers, including Riese Bernard and Mey Rude, responded to the criticism by apologizing and committing to do better in the future, with a focus on inclusivity and intersectional feminism. Autostraddle has also faced criticism from conservative and anti-LGBTQ+ groups, who have accused the site of promoting immorality and deviance. Despite these challenges, Autostraddle remains a popular and influential online platform for LGBTQ+ women and allies.

Category:LGBTQ+ websites