Bored Panda got in touch with Emanuel Fappas, the man behind the “Openly Gay Animals” meme page, and he was kind enough to share some more details with us. Firstly, we wanted to hear some more about the page and why he named it that way. 

“The genesis of Openly Gay Animals stemmed from an extension of myself and my passions for animals, comedy, acting, the gay/queer community, and spreading joy/laughter. The concept of openly gay animals emerged as a celebration of love triumphing over adversity, much like human relationships. It's about defying societal norms to live authentically and for all of us to live happily together.”

“As for the name "Openly Gay Animals," it encapsulates the spirit of the page perfectly. It symbolizes courage, authenticity, and the freedom to love without constraints. I wanted a name that would be bold, memorable, and reflective of the page's ethos,” he shared with Bored Panda. After all, animals tend to not be as self-conscious as us humans and are bold, brave, and, literally, out there. 

The page itself is sizable, surpassing many other animal meme pages, so we were curious to hear why he thought it did so well. “Regarding my substantial following of 1.8 million, I believe people are drawn to Openly Gay Animals for its unique blend of humor, heart, and inclusivity. People resonate with kindness and good old-fashioned good-willed humor.”

“In a world often fraught with negativity, my page offers a respite—a space where people can laugh, feel uplifted, and find solace, even if just for a moment….from all walks of life! I try to convey that message in the personal videos I make in my stories and now on the channel feature. It's a testament to the power of joy and that universal desire for acceptance and love, that we all have.”

“I do express my gratitude to my incredible community of followers as it’s their support and engagement that have been instrumental in shaping Openly Gay Animals into what it is today. I'm continually inspired by their enthusiasm and the connections we all have together. I always say that I feel like I have the best followers on all of Instagram!” he shared. 

“Also, as an actor and someone with a deep love for animals, I find this project to hold a special place in my heart. It allows me to combine my passions while positively impacting the world.” The Internet is littered with animal memes, perhaps for good reason. Indeed, the first memes out there were a collection of household pets, dogs, hamsters, and, of course, cats.