By Dinah Yousef
For many LGBTQ authors in countries where it’s illegal to be queer, advice like “put yourself out there,” “post a photo,” “make video content,” and “be visible” isn’t just unhelpful, it’s dangerous.
As a queer author in a country where it’s illegal and dangerous to disclose your sexuality, visibility isn’t empowering. You risk being found by family, employers, or even authorities. One photo or your real name could get you arrested or worse. This locks you out of every “how to build your platform” guide because those guides mostly assume safety and full freedom.
So here’s what to do. This is for LGBTQ writers who need to stay safe first.
Use a Pen Name and Stick With It
For queer writers, a pen name isn’t just branding, it’s protection. Pick a name that has nothing to do with your real identity. Use it everywhere, from your email signature and social media bio to bylines and newsletter footer. Never mix your real name with your writing name. Remain consistent as it builds trust. When an editor or reader repeatedly sees your name, they start to recognize it, which is good for your brand. You don’t need your real identity. Just one name that stays with you across platforms.
Skip Photos and Videos
One photo of your face could out you. So don’t take that risk. Focus on text-based platforms: newsletters (Substack), blogs (Medium, WordPress), Twitter, and even Instagram. Just don’t use any picture that makes you identifiable. Instead, use an illustration or a symbol as your profile picture. What you write is more important than what you look like. Your readers don’t need to see your face to learn from you.
Find Platforms that Protect You
Not all platforms are safe for queer anonymous writers. Substack and Medium allow pen names and don’t require real identity verification. Discord and Telegram have private groups where you can grow a community without exposure. Avoid platforms that ask for ID verification or link your phone number to your public profile. Do your research before committing to any platform. Ask other queer writers what they use.
Start a Newsletter
With an email list, no one will see your subscribers except you. No algorithm will flag you. No one will know who you are unless you tell them. You’re in full control, you choose the message, the frequency, and the audience. Start with Substack. Write something useful each week. Share it quietly. Over time, that list becomes your real platform, and no one needs to know your name to open your email.
Don’t Explain
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for keeping yourself safe. You don’t owe anyone your coming out story to be a published author. If an editor asks for a photo or video call, simply say, “I write under a pen name and don’t share images.” If a reader asks you to reveal your identity, tell them you value privacy. You don’t need a face to build a career. You don’t need to explain your safety concerns. “I write under a pen name” is just fine.
Focus On The Work
If your work is exceptional, what you look like won’t matter. Readers care if your work moves them, helps them, or teaches them something new. A great article from an anonymous queer writer will get shared more than a mediocre article from a visible one. Let your words do the work.
Start Small
You don’t need thousands of followers to call yourself a writer. Start with a newsletter of ten people, other queer writers who get it. Write one post a week for three months. Share your work in one safe space. Consistency beats visibility every time.
In Conclusion
This article was written for LGBTQ writers living in places where being out isn’t safe. You deserve to build a writing career without risking your safety. You can build a platform without being visible. You just need the courage to start.
Bio: Dinah Yousef is a queer African writer just starting her publishing journey. She is working on a queer novel and writes to help other writers who are also finding their way.
