Jun 23
Thirst Trap Royalty: How Benito Skinner’s Viral Social Media Posts Are Reclaiming LGBTQ+ Visibility
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Benito Skinner, also known as @BennyDrama7 on Instagram, is quickly becoming a household name for LGBTQ+ audiences, thanks to his signature blend of comedic sketches, viral thirst traps, and his starring role in the hit show “Overcompensating”]. Skinner’s approach to content—marked by unapologetic self-love and witty parody—has not only propelled his own career but also helped set a new bar for queer visibility in digital media.
His Instagram feed is a curated celebration of queer joy, featuring everything from shirtless “thirst trap” selfies to glamorous parodies of pop culture icons, all delivered with a wink that resonates deeply with LGBTQ+ viewers (Instagram: @BennyDrama7). In June 2025, Skinner’s series of Pride Month posts, featuring rainbow-themed swimwear and inclusive captions, drew thousands of comments from fans and fellow creators, highlighting the sense of community his platform fosters.
Skinner’s ability to attract and retain LGBTQ+ audiences is not accidental. According to a recent Nielsen report, LGBTQ+ viewers are 47% more likely to buy products endorsed by influencers they trust, and 52% more likely to engage with brands that advertise through diverse creators. Skinner’s authenticity and humor have made him a leader in this space, with his show “Overcompensating” drawing over 123 million minutes viewed in its first week alone.
Industry analysts note that the rise of creators like Skinner marks a turning point: “By supporting LGBTQ+ creators who have established authentic connections with their audiences, media entities can effectively attract these engaged viewers to their content,” the Nielsen report states. Skinner’s ongoing collaborations with brands during Pride Month and beyond demonstrate that influencer-driven content is not just a trend but a key strategy for meaningful representation.
During Pride 2025, Skinner took his advocacy to new heights. In partnership with LGBTQ+ organizations and allies, he shared a series of posts encouraging visibility, self-acceptance, and joy. One particularly viral Instagram Reel, filmed at a rooftop Pride party, features Skinner in rainbow swim trunks, dancing with friends of all genders and body types, accompanied by the caption: “Pride is showing up as your hottest, happiest self—every day is for us!” (Instagram: @BennyDrama7, June 2025).
These posts have become rallying points, inspiring thousands to share their own stories and images under hashtags like #PrideWithBenito and #QueerAndUnfiltered. This digital celebration aligns with the broader themes of GLAAD’s “One Story. One Future.” campaign, which emphasizes the power of individual queer narratives to foster change and solidarity.
Skinner’s rising profile also puts him at the heart of ongoing conversations about LGBTQ+ safety and inclusion online. The 2025 Social Media Safety Index from GLAAD highlights the urgent need for platforms to do more to protect queer users, as safety has “plummeted across social media platforms”. Against this backdrop, Skinner’s feed stands out as a rare, affirming space—one where LGBTQ+ people can see themselves celebrated and empowered.
His commitment to keeping his community engaged, safe, and visible is echoed by his participation in campaigns promoting digital wellness and allyship. “Each member of the LGBTQ community has their own story, but the fight for justice, rights, and visibility is one that binds us all together,” GLAAD emphasized as part of their Pride 2025 initiatives.
As LGBTQ+ audiences continue seeking authentic, joyful, and inclusive representation, Skinner’s blend of thirst trap glamour and comedic candor is setting the tone for digital culture. With every post, he invites a global audience to join in the celebration—showing that visibility, pride, and a little bit of fun can be powerful tools for change.
