Why GaysOverCovid is Resonating with So Many
Popular Instagram account GaysOverCovid made its national television debut this past Tuesday, January 5 on Good Morning America. The popular, daytime talk show aired a “COVID Vigilantes” segment which discussed the recent trend of using social media to call out those who are traveling, gathering together in large groups, and generally ignoring the safety precautions recommended to curb the infection rate of COVID-19.
The segment did not name GaysOverCovid specifically, but depicted the account on screen, saying that it has amassed over 100,000 followers in just a couple of days. As of this writing, the account sits at 124,000 followers.
Titanic part 2: PV edition pic.twitter.com/eQ4HJNoesV
— All about the Benjamins (@fitnessgayz) January 1, 2021
Though GaysOverCovid only recently blew up, the account has been active and posting content since July 15, 2020. The recent attention it has gotten may stem from the uptick in travel and large gatherings that occurred during the holiday season. Many opted to isolate themselves, while others traveled and attended large, mask-less parties.
A New Year’s Eve gathering in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco was particularly ridiculed when a large party boat capsized. Thankfully no-one was hurt, but the incident drew attention to the gathering, which took place in Jalisco during a time where the ICU beds there were at 100 percent capacity, and local officials capped gatherings to eight people.
Since then, the slang term “PV Gays” has entered online discourse. Standing for Puerto Vallarta gays, the term has come to refer to gay men with privilege who prioritize their fun and vacations over others’ safety.
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The unique catharsis GaysOverCovid provides people comes from the research and specificity of their content. One post might call out a large, professionally organized party in L.A. On another, it might call out an individual by name, posting photos of them on vacation despite them being an ICU nurse.
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What’s interesting to me about the sudden popularity of GaysOverCovid is whom it limits itself to calling out. The posts feature gay men almost exclusively, specifically gay, white men. Why is highlighting the transgressions of this specific sub-sect of gays satisfying to so many?
The queer community’s history of activism and sensitivity to others makes us want to see our own do better during this incredibly dangerous time. Many gay men depicted in these posts have some sort of privilege, privilege that they are abusing to go on benders in Mexico. These are the types of people we need to call out, and GaysOverCovid has tapped into that anger and provides a space to air out those feelings of disappointment.
Photo Courtesy of Gaymexicomap.com
