We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael & Sam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael & Sam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Our story began in June 2021, when fate brought us together on Hinge during separate vacations in Palm Springs. Remarkably, despite living just two miles apart in Los Angeles, our profiles had never crossed paths. After our first date hiking at Runyon Canyon, we became inseparable. Eight months later, we took the leap and moved in together, with our dog Mickey, to West Hollywood.

The spark came when we discussed creating a TikTok channel to document our everyday life—a glimpse into our relationship and the exciting new chapter we were embarking upon. But it wasn’t just about personal expression; it was about representation. We wanted to showcase our proud gay relationship, knowing firsthand the impact positive visibility can have.

As seasoned social media professionals—Michael leading a team at Microsoft and Sam managing social at Peacock—we found ourselves at the intersection of creativity and strategy. As a result, our content resonated with viewers and our following grew, we saw the potential beyond personal fulfillment. Brand’s started reaching out to us, and our creative endeavor transformed into a side-hustle.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We’re Michael and Sam, a couple based in the heart of Los Angeles. As seasoned social media professionals—one with a tech background and the other in entertainment—we realized our combined expertise could fuel something extraordinary. That “something” turned out to be @StayAtHomeGays. Our content primarily focuses on our everyday life and relationship. But it’s more than just documenting our journey; it’s about representation. Growing up, we both wished we had more LGBTQ+ role models who looked like us. Now, we’re proud to use our platform to spread positivity.

Whether it’s sharing our morning coffee routines, cooking together, or celebrating milestones, we aim to uplift our viewers. We believe that by portraying love, joy, and authenticity, we can make a difference. Our hope is that someone out there sees our content and feels a little less alone, a little more accepted.

So, follow along as we navigate life, love, and laughter—one video at a time.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When we embarked on creating our social media channels to document our life and relationship, we knew that strong branding would be essential. Amid the noisy Creator space, we wanted something distinctive that would resonate. As self-proclaimed homebodies who cherish cozy moments together, we landed on @StayAtHomeGays.

The uniqueness of our name allowed us to carve out a niche within the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on home and lifestyle content. It became our north star—a recognizable social feed that attracted both followers and brands alike.

Now, for those venturing into the world of social media, our best advice is simple: be authentically you. Authenticity resonates with audiences. Peel back the layers, offer glimpses behind the scenes, and let people connect with the real you. Avoid the trap of over-polished perfection; instead, embrace the genuine, unfiltered moments. Success lies in being true to yourself.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As content creators, the most rewarding aspect lies in the connections we have with our followers. When they share heartfelt comments about how our content brightens their day or inspires them, it fills us immense joy. As gay men, we understand the significance of feeling seen and represented online. Knowing that we make a positive impact on someone’s life means the world to us.

Amidst the sea of negativity online and in the world, there’s a universal craving: the need to laugh or simply feel seen. Sometimes, a moment of humor can be the beacon that brightens your day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/stayathomegays
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayathomegays/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stayathomegays
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stayathomegays