Empowering Online Communities

Community plays a big part in our lives. Grl Gang Birmingham (GGB) is one group that has intrinsically recognised that importance. Creating a safe space for women and other marginalised individuals in the city. What started as a small meetup between three friends, quickly became an online community of over 4,500. The group founders Alana, Flossie and Ruby Aylin provided support and collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic and today, GGB is continuing to showcase the power of community in a digital age. Flossie, the co-founder of GGB, states, that their Instagram is a place “to champion Brummie women, speak on issues we wanted to raise awareness of and share positivity through a difficult time for everybody.”

From addressing the Black Lives Matter movement to offering support amidst rising domestic violence during lockdown, GGB utilised its platform to spark dialogue and action. “Throughout lockdown and beyond we have been posting about these issues, signposting resources and encouraging our audience to listen to the voices of those who are most affected by these events,” Flossie explains. This also included organising events like #ProtestAtHome, an online protest that involved sharing images of your placard for BLM during the Birmingham protests.

Despite the limitations of an online platform and facing the challenges of busy personal lives, the co-founders remained dedicated to their passion project. During lockdown, the group created and shared daily content. This was made easier by the restrictions on their social lives caused by the pandemic. GGB found solace in their supportive community and recognised the importance of amplifying diverse voices, despite the occasional conflict. Flossie acknowledges, “Instagram is a funny thing. Often it does feel a little like an echo chamber. Ultimately, we are aiming to create a community, so to have nurtured a like-minded, friendly audience base is beautiful.”

While the absence of a physical hub may seem unconventional, it has allowed GGB to maintain its wide-reaching impact and adaptability. Though plans may include real-life meetups, for now, GGB finds fulfilment in the digital sphere it has created over the years. Flossie notes, “There is still potential to create real-life meetups in the future...but for now, we’re just enjoying the online space we have created.”

Among the highlights of GGB’s journey was the opportunity to be involved with the launch of Pride House, an organisation that promotes LGBTQIA+ participation in sports. Ahead of the Commonwealth Games this organisation amplified the voices of marginalised athletes and led the charge for local social justice movements. Reflecting on their involvement Flossie noted, “It was an absolute honour to be part of something like this and meet a tonne of inspirational people.” Instagram has been a hub for ‘girl bossing’ or ‘girlboss feminism’ with girls in their early 20s promoting their brand all under the guise of ‘#selfmade’, with curated posts and Pinterest-perfect outfits. Unfortunately, this has led to an online space where this lifestyle is marketed as achievable when a lot of these influencers come from a place of privilege that very few can afford.

A lot of communities have also been accused of promoting such a lifestyle while talking about inclusion but ignoring bigger issues. According to GGB, such approaches “dehumanise women into some sort of capitalist robot that equates self-worth with productivity” People’s lives are bigger than their career successes and, according to GGB, women should be celebrated for their achievements in every aspect of their lives including personal relationships, hobbies, and passions. Flossie continues “There is certainly a balance to be struck between celebrating achievements and women that are driven by their careers and work but also recognising that this is not what makes a feminist.” By prioritizing self-care, and mental health and approaching issues authentically; women can reach their full potential beyond the curated stream of posts centred around what a ‘successful’ woman should be.

Grl Gang have also been a strong advocate for promoting gender equality and empowerment through art. As part of their continuing initiatives, they have collaborated with various artists to showcase their work and support creativity. When asked about their involvement in promoting the work of artists, Flossie shared her perspective on its importance. “Celebrating creatives is one of our favourite parts of running Grl Gang Birmingham,” says Flossie. “As a graphic designer myself, sharing the creative work of others is hugely important to me, and that goes beyond art and design too. Creating things is hard work, and anyone that puts their time, effort, and love into something like that deserves to be shouted about.” The sheer variety of artists Grl Gang has collaborated is impressive. Hannah from Aila Magazine did a takeover on their Instagram stories, sharing how she puts together her magazine. Artist Boobytrap collaborated with them to create three pieces to celebrate her art style. These collaborations are central to Grl Gang’s ideology. “Supporting other women and people of marginalized genders in their creativity is so important to us,” says Flossie. “We love collaborating with artists in ways that allow them to grow and share their work. This can be particularly rewarding when the work promotes a strong message - honestly, there are too many of these wonderful artists to name.”

Grl Gang Birmingham is a community that strives to promote authenticity and address relevant issues affecting society. By tackling issues not only locally but also internationally, they have shown their commitment to being a voice for positive change. Their involvement in promoting the work of artists and celebrating individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community has been integral to their work. Collaborating with artists has allowed them to provide a platform for women and marginalised genders to showcase their work and gain recognition. Grl Gang Birmingham has not only created its community but nurtured it. A community where positive change and the promotion of gender equality have empowered individuals to express themselves through art and advocacy. A community where creativity meets discourse to create a space that’s unique and completely their own.

Follow on Instagram @grlgangbrum for more.

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