5 Out and Proud LGBTQ+ TikTokers to Follow Right Now
By Christine Siamanta Kinori
Like many social media apps, navigating TikTok can be complicated. There’s disinformation and bullying, but the platform has also created crucial space for LGBTQ+ teens to see themselves on their screen.
The Washington Post named TikTok the soul of the LGBTQ+ Internet. For queer youth, the app has become more than just dance videos to mindlessly scroll through- it’s also become a place to ask questions, find answers, and connect with other queer friends. While TikTok has connected people like never before, it is also important to use it responsibly.
Here are 5 TikTok out an proud LGBTQ+ content creators that high school students should follow right now.
Unless you are new on queer TikTok, you have probably heard of Josh Helfgot, who creates videos about news and other stuff surrounding the queer community. Whether is defending trans kids healthcare rights or Harry Styles helping a fan come out, Josh is your go-to stop for all the latest LGBTQ+ news. He is like the gay CNN but way better. This is why he has been able to amass over 5 million followers. It doesn’t matter what is going on- you know that Josh will always update you on what is happening to the community and call on people to take notice of the various discriminations that LGBTQ+ people go through. He is not only an advocate but his content brings many issues to light and in these current times, we need more of this content. It is only by knowing what is going on that we can be able to raise our voices and come together to defend our human rights.
Phillip Johnson Clay (@thatonegaypastor)
Religion and sexual identity have always caused both internal and external conflict. Most religions have a negative view of queer relationships. In most cases, they advocate for condemnation of the LGBTQ+ community. This is why Phillip Johnson Clay is a breath of fresh air. Most of his content speaks extensively about his experience coming out to his devoted Christian parents and navigating the day-to-day life of being a queer Christian. His content ranges from funny and relatable to educative and comforting. He has a vast understanding of the Bible and is willing to cheer his viewers up even when it feels like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. If you are struggling with religion and sexual identity, you might want to check out his uplifting content.
Dylan Mulvaney (@dylanmulvaney)
Dylan is a talented actress and comedian, but she is mostly known for her TikTok content. She recently got more famous on TikTok after her transition. She was thoughtful enough to share the journey with millions of her followers and took us through the process over the years of transition. Her content is not only educational but she also mixes it up with fashion and her other projects. She has opened up herself and is an inspiring transgender activist. She also educates her followers on how healthcare for the transgender community has been neglected and points out many issues affecting the community. Currently, she is taking on naysayers who are attacking her over a collaboration with popular beer brand Bud Light to celebrate her one year of girlhood. At the end of the day, Dylan handles herself with the grace of a lady and proves she is a queen.
Philaye is a queer filmmaker but his other passion is educating queer teens Black LGBTQ+ history. He recently took on DeSantis and shot a video calling out the Florida Governor for his policies in education. Philip finds the Governor’s move to pass the Don’t Say Gay law will also affect the erasure of Black queer people. This led him to decide to use his platform to teach the history of Black queer icons and share his experience as a Black gay man in current America. He has a relatable content range making fun of the situations most Black gay people find themselves in. He is also not afraid to speak about his vitiligo.
Jessica (@jessicaoutofthecloset)
Jessica has an amazing collection of educational content on queer issues. She has opened up about her experience and how to answer some tough questions that people ask LGBTQ+ individuals. She has also been vocal about spreading awareness about disability and chronic illness. One fun thing about her videos is her vintage outfits. I found myself enjoying her videos on queer history and getting excited to watch the next part.
Well, there you have it. If you are yet to follow these TikTok creators, you might want to check them out and not miss out on all these educative videos. Let us know who your favourite LGBTQ+ TikToker is in the comments below!
About the Author:
Christine Siamanta Kinori grew up in a little village in Kenya known as Loitoktok near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. All she wanted to do when she grew up was to explore the world. Her curiosity led her to join Nairobi University to pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She later got a job with an amazing travel magazine Nomad Africa which gave her the opportunity to explore Africa. She also writes for numerous travel websites about Africa and tries to create a new narrative in the media about our aesthetic continent.
Christine claims to have somewhat unhealthy addiction to TV and reading, as it is a fun way to keep herself occupied during the long journeys for her travel writing. She is also a believer of letting people be their beautiful selves. To her, love is love and it is the greatest gift we have as humans.
