YouTube has been in existence since 2005 when three former PayPal workers wanted an easy way to find and share videos. Since the first YouTube video, which was 18 seconds long and low quality, YouTube has grown into the empire it is today. I don't know many people who have not seen at least one cat video, music video, Do It Yourself video, cooking demonstration, or movie trailer via this site. It's symbol the red play button is recognized immediately and is a symbol that leads into the homes and neighborhoods of thousands upon thousands of people from all over the world.
I recently was reintroduced to YouTube in a way I vaguely knew existed. My 15 year old sister always talks about the “Youtubers” she watches on the site. At first I was a little confused. I didn't know what classified someone as a “YouTuber,” but my sister was happy to educate me! She told me about the people on YouTube that have their own channels and post videos on various subject matter. They put their lives on YouTube for many purposes; some for fun, some to educate people about certain things, some are trying to demonstrate something, and others are trying to bring about change.
I recently discovered a YouTube channel that does just that. With the tagline "changing the world by being normal," Will Shepherd and R.J. Aguiar are a couple who do daily vlogs on their YouTube channel shep689. They give you a glimpse into their everyday lives because they are trying to show the world (or just the people who take the time to watch) just how normal they are even though they happen to be two guys in a committed relationship. Will and RJ have over 175,000 subscribers, of which I am one, and since beginning to daily vlog in January of 2012, their videos collectively have over 34 million views. Below is the intro for their channel.
I recently was reintroduced to YouTube in a way I vaguely knew existed. My 15 year old sister always talks about the “Youtubers” she watches on the site. At first I was a little confused. I didn't know what classified someone as a “YouTuber,” but my sister was happy to educate me! She told me about the people on YouTube that have their own channels and post videos on various subject matter. They put their lives on YouTube for many purposes; some for fun, some to educate people about certain things, some are trying to demonstrate something, and others are trying to bring about change.
I recently discovered a YouTube channel that does just that. With the tagline "changing the world by being normal," Will Shepherd and R.J. Aguiar are a couple who do daily vlogs on their YouTube channel shep689. They give you a glimpse into their everyday lives because they are trying to show the world (or just the people who take the time to watch) just how normal they are even though they happen to be two guys in a committed relationship. Will and RJ have over 175,000 subscribers, of which I am one, and since beginning to daily vlog in January of 2012, their videos collectively have over 34 million views. Below is the intro for their channel.
Will and RJ are a couple that many of their followers
(myself included) look up to in many ways and all for different reasons. I would imagine that each one of their 175,000+ subscribers has their own reasons why they watch Will and RJ’s daily vlogs, but here are mine along with some quotes I found that match.
(myself included) look up to in many ways and all for different reasons. I would imagine that each one of their 175,000+ subscribers has their own reasons why they watch Will and RJ’s daily vlogs, but here are mine along with some quotes I found that match.
They are Real and Relatable
Will and RJ are 100% themselves. What you see on camera is most likely what you would get in person. I, unfortunately, missed the opportunity to meet them when they stayed in New Orleans, but I am sure I would have met the same Will and RJ that I watch everyday on YouTube. They are not pretending to be something they’re not or trying to create characters. They are just two guys who love each other and choose to share their lives with everyone. They are very open and honest about struggles they face or have faced in the past both separate or together, and they are always willing to share those experiences, good or bad. I appreciate that because it shows their audience just how genuine and relatable they are. Everyone has ups and downs and it is nice to know sometimes that you are not alone. Will and RJ are regularly reminding us of that.
They are Inspirational and Make a Difference
Will and RJ have one of the best relationships I have ever seen and it comes across on screen. Some of their subscribers even say that they want the kind of relationship that Will and RJ have, myself included. Yes, they bicker (which usually ends with Will making the statement “I’m not a controlling bitch”) and no, they're relationship is not perfect, but you can tell from one vlog how much the two of them care about one another. Will and RJ’s relationship inspires us all not to give up hope that one day we will find the kind of love and happiness the two of them share. (Click this link to read a beautiful article RJ wrote about how he and Will’s relationships started.)
They also make a difference in people’s lives. Will and RJ’s coming out stories and everyday lives have helped numerous individuals. Will’s story of severe bullying and members of his family that struggled with acceptance, has resonated with lots of subscribers who have or may be going through the same things. RJ’s struggle with identifying as a bisexual and having the public not understand what that means helps other who are going through the same situation feel a little less alone. Just knowing that someone is going through the same things you are makes a difference.
In my case, as a straight female, they make a difference in my life in a different way. They show me that is okay to be exactly who I am, it’s okay to act like a kid sometimes, and it’s okay to stand up for things you believe in. A year ago, I would not have been public with this blog because of the response I was afraid of getting. Showing my support for Will and RJ’s relationship is a touchy subject, especially if you live in the south and are Catholic. However, watching Will and RJ’s vlogs has taught that people are not always going to agree with you and that’s okay. All you have to do is be you and the people who matter will accept it.
They also make a difference in people’s lives. Will and RJ’s coming out stories and everyday lives have helped numerous individuals. Will’s story of severe bullying and members of his family that struggled with acceptance, has resonated with lots of subscribers who have or may be going through the same things. RJ’s struggle with identifying as a bisexual and having the public not understand what that means helps other who are going through the same situation feel a little less alone. Just knowing that someone is going through the same things you are makes a difference.
In my case, as a straight female, they make a difference in my life in a different way. They show me that is okay to be exactly who I am, it’s okay to act like a kid sometimes, and it’s okay to stand up for things you believe in. A year ago, I would not have been public with this blog because of the response I was afraid of getting. Showing my support for Will and RJ’s relationship is a touchy subject, especially if you live in the south and are Catholic. However, watching Will and RJ’s vlogs has taught that people are not always going to agree with you and that’s okay. All you have to do is be you and the people who matter will accept it.
They are Not Perfect and Do Not Claim to Be
Will and RJ have problems like the rest of us and you see them within their vlogs. Whether it is major issues like Will’s brain aneurysm, both mens’ struggles with sexual assault and bullying, or minor issues like getting rear-ending in LA traffic, a broken air conditioner, these two always manage to make the best of a bad situation. Will and RJ use their imperfections and struggles to educate and give advice to others who may be going through the same things. There are many occasions in which one of the two is angry or upset about something and the other will always try to make the other feel better or see the other side of things. This is a testament to the bond these two have with each other and their subscribers. When you watch their vlogs you get the good, the bad and the ugly, and that is the way it should be. No one is perfect and everyone has struggles and makes mistakes. Will and RJ are no different.
They're Funny and Entertaining
I have to admit that this is one of my favorite reasons for watching Will and RJ’s vlogs. Thanks to them and their cast of friends and family, I know that if I need to smile all I have to do is watch their channel. Whether they are laughing at something their dog Dobby does, hanging out with friends and having a good time, or Will is scaring RJ for the fun of it, Shep689 never lacks in the entertainment department. Even when they are having an off day, it is still entertaining to see how they deal with it. Also, who could not resist laughing as Will dances around while listening to music after his run or is singing at the top of his lungs in the car? RJ is also entertaining as well. His personal channel, The Not Adam, is filled with, in his words, “a collection of rants, comedy sketches, current events analysis, LGBT advocacy, short films, vlogs, and other assorted randomness.” All of the videos on his channel are executed with complete honesty with a little humor thrown in. (Check out his latest "How to Comment")
They Care About Their Subscribers
This is just one of the many letters Will and RJ receive from subscribers all over the world. It may be hard to read but the person in the letter talks about how people always ask “Why do you care so much about these people (meaning Will and RJ)? They don’t know you or care about you?” The person who wrote the letter goes on to say that they reason he cares so much about Will and RJ is because THEY care so much. This is true! They may not know us personally, but they are interested in what we think and how we feel. They are always asking for subscribers opinions about various topics and sometimes about their videos. They make the vlogs for their subscribers and want to know what we want to see. They value our opinions and care about us, so why shouldn't we return the favor?
THEY ARE NORMAL!
When it comes down to it, this is what Will and RJ set out to do when they started their vlogs. They wanted to show the world that just because they are two guys in a committed relationship that they can be just as normal as the rest of us. And they are! They want what we all want in life; happiness, love and success. They definitely have the love and happiness part down and are rapidly approaching success. They have ups and downs, good days and bad days. They have failures and successes, highs and lows. We all do. WE ARE ALL HUMAN. Will and RJ are no exception.
Thanks for Reading!!!
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Sorry it is so long. I guess I had more to say about them than I thought. If you want to, check out the links below. I have included YouTube and all social media. I have also included links to Will and RJ’s personal channels and website where you can learn more about them.
P. S. You may have noticed that I have not called them a gay couple once on this entire post. That's because labels are for clothes and not people. They are just a couple. Love and people should NOT have labels!
P. S. You may have noticed that I have not called them a gay couple once on this entire post. That's because labels are for clothes and not people. They are just a couple. Love and people should NOT have labels!
Links!!
Will & RJ:
For Shep689's YouTube channel click here.
For Will and RJ's website click here.
For Will and RJ's Twitter click here.
Will:
For Will's personal YouTube channel click here.
For Will's Instagram click here.
For Will's Twitter click here.
RJ:
For RJ's personal YouTube channel click here.
For RJ's Instagram click here.
For RJ's Twitter click here.
For Shep689's YouTube channel click here.
For Will and RJ's website click here.
For Will and RJ's Twitter click here.
Will:
For Will's personal YouTube channel click here.
For Will's Instagram click here.
For Will's Twitter click here.
RJ:
For RJ's personal YouTube channel click here.
For RJ's Instagram click here.
For RJ's Twitter click here.