Why Are You Gay? – The Meme That Went Viral

Navigating the labyrinth of viral humor: From YouTube clips to cultural phenomenons.

Nathan Chen
4 min readJul 14, 2023
Image meme from Kay Benyarko YouTube

Hello there, welcome! So, you’re probably thinking, what in the world is this title about? Well, let me assure you, it’s not about making fun or being disrespectful, but rather about unpacking the background, influence, and implications of a meme that has seeped into our digital consciousness – the “Why are you gay?” meme. Buckle up, my dear internet explorer, because we’re about to plunge into the depths of the meme-verse.

Origins, Unveiled

To grasp the real scope of a meme, it’s vital to know where it all started. In our case, we’re turning our attention to the land of breathtaking savannas and vibrant cultures, yes, you guessed right, Africa. The “Why are you gay?” meme was birthed from a Ugandan talk show, in an interview between the host and an LGBTQ+ rights advocate. The host, in what was meant to be a serious conversation, asked the now infamous question, “Why are you gay?” And just like that, a meme was born.

The original interview went viral because of its, dare I say, absurdly humorous interpretation of sexuality. Many viewers found the host’s naive question laughable, as it implied being gay was a choice. But there’s a harsh reality…

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Nathan Chen

I'm Nathan Chen, a queer Asian writer advocating for LGBTQ+ issues, Asian representation, work life & mental health. Let's explore life's complexities together!