From Fandom to Friendship: How an Online Event Brought Me to My Best Friends
My best friends and I are all fangirls. We make the most of every occasion to celebrate our favourite artists and share our common passion. It is Harry Styles’ birthday? We ask for candles at the restaurant to celebrate properly. There is a new Taylor’s Version? We have our own release party. Having friends to fangirl with is a game changer. And one question we always get asked is how exactly we met.
Back in 2022, That Fangirl Life hosted their first event for the release of Harry Styles’ 3rd album Harry’s House, bringing fans from across the world together to take part in a virtual slumber party. The event was a giant quiz, a way for fans to talk about the album that had been released only a couple of days prior and about the artist in general, from his One Direction days to his solo career.
At first, I was just one of many people connected to the zoom call, all nervous about speaking up. But as the night went on, it became easier to speak, our love for Harry Styles giving us plenty to talk about. As the event wound down, I remember thinking how strange it was that these people, some of whom I had never even met in person, understood me more than many people that knew me in real life. We immediately set up a group chat to keep in touch.
Over the course of a few events, I noticed some familiar faces popping up. There was a group of us who couldn’t get enough of every new update, who joined every activity, and who interacted with each other as if we had known each other forever. We shared more than just our love for Harry’s House — we connected over shared life experiences, inside jokes, and an understanding of what it is like to be fully immersed in a fandom. What started as casual messages about anything Harry did, quickly morphed into a daily conversation, full of laughter, support, and constant updates on everything from various celebrities to our personal lives.
It did not take long for these online connections to deepen into genuine friendships. We began planning to go to concerts together, sharing personal milestones, and supporting each other through tough times. The fandom had given us more than just music; it gave us a community, a support system, and friends who shared our values, humour, and creativity.
One of the most beautiful things about being part of a fandom is the way it fosters a sense of belonging. We could be ourselves without judgement, express our opinions freely, and engage in debates or discussions without fear of exclusion. Whether we were reacting to the latest Harry Styles performance or planning our next fan event, every conversation felt like a celebration of the things that brought us together — music, art, and an unwavering friendship.
It is safe to say that what started as a shared love for Harry Styles’ music has blossomed into something much more significant. These girls are no longer just my fellow fangirls; they are my best friends. They are the ones I turn to when life gets tough, the ones I know will always be there to celebrate the highs with me, and the ones I can trust to create even more unforgettable memories with.
Looking back, I never could have imagined that a virtual slumber party would lead to the friendships I have today. But it goes to show that sometimes, the best relationships are the ones that start in the most unexpected places — in this case, my own bedroom. If you are ever wondering if you can really connect with people online, trust me when I say that sometimes the most meaningful friendships are just one fan event away.
Fandoms are not just about admiring an artist or following a trend. They are about finding a community that embraces you for who you are, celebrates the things that make you excited, and offers a safe space to grow. And for me, that is exactly what happened — from one virtual event, I found friends who make every day feel like a celebration. Fandoms allow you to travel beyond borders and overcome language barriers, the sky becomes the limit.
Moral of the story? Do not be afraid to send that DM, talk to other fans in the queue for a concert or sign up for that event. It might just change your life!
Want to meet fellow fangirls? Sign up for our free online Ultimate 2024 Fangirl Quiz on December 16th!
