Written by Eric aka hokaybricks on Instagram

When what brings us together is the simple joy of a toy, it’s hard to imagine that anyone could feel excluded or unsafe, but the LEGO community is a reflection of our global community. Even in 2021, there is still work to be done. Many members of GayFOLs can attest to looming hostility in online spaces, and there have even been incidents of vandalism and harassment at actual AFOL conventions.

Whenever and wherever we put ourselves out into the world, there’s always a chance that someone will have something negative to say; those chances are amplified when the content of our creative work has queer themes. Brick-built rainbows during Pride Month: “Why do you have to bring politics into LEGO?” – but human rights aren’t about politics. Holiday hauls that dare make mention of the same-sex partner who gifted the perfect set: “We don’t need to see that, keep it to yourself.” – but no one else is asked to hide who they love. We know very well the harm that discrimination, hostility, and erasure can do. The need for a safe gathering space for our community is vital.

Founded in 2015, the GayFOLs group on Facebook, — as of this writing in January 2021, 1044 members, from 41 countries (1,443 members of as November 2021) — provides members the opportunity to post just about anything that’s LGBTQIA and/or LEGO-related without a second thought. Our leadership team knows that community can be found all over the internet, so we’re in the process of expanding our reach onto other platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Discord. Additionally, by standing in solidarity with the Brick Alliance, we hope to combine forces and intentions with the greater AFOL community in an effort to create and maintain a more diverse, inclusive, and safe community for us all. By reaching out beyond the borders of our own group, we will be a beacon of support for LGBTQIA+ fans of LEGO all over the world.

Below you will find pictures of builds from members in our group and if you are interested you can join GayFOLs Facebook group.

This article appears in issue 68 of Brick Journal magazine.