As we gather together to celebrate Pride Month, it’s important to highlight those who have put in the work to create change through authenticity. TikTok is introducing the 2023 LGBTQ+ Visionary Voices list and Pride campaign, You Belong Here.
To welcome Pride Month, the platform is celebrating the history-making impact of the queer community recognizing 15 LGBTQIA+ creators and small business owners who are using TikTok to educate, entertain, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
This year’s Pride Month honorees are recognized across three categories — Creators, Small Owned Businesses, and Industry Disruptors. Read more about our Pride Visionary Voices below:
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Creators
@Hal.baddie (She/Her)
Devin Halbal is a social media maven known for her memorable phrases and for spreading positivity through her lifestyle content, her travel journey, and daily mantra videos on TikTok. She hopes to inspire other transgender women to have adventures and live their lives to the fullest.
@Jaegurley (They/Them)
Jae Gurley is a Black fem nonbinary creator who uses their gift of performing and storytelling to share their journey of self-discovery through lifestyle videos on TikTok that center on the importance of embracing individuality to encourage people to live their “most confident Bougie B life.”
@Mercurystardust (She/Her)
Mercury Stardust is a professional home maintenance technician, performer, and award-winning activist. Recognized as Trans Handy Ma’am, her unique brand and expertise in the home repair space earned her fame on the internet. With over 2.3 million followers on TikTok, Mercury uses her platform to share DIY tips on home maintenance. She also recently participated in a “TikTok-a-Thon” fundraiser to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility and raised over $1 million for trans health care.
@Octopusslover8 (He/Him)
Comedian and content creator Jake Shane became known for his PSAs and reimaginings of significant historical events through the eyes of Gen Z. He uses his platform to share light-hearted videos while opening up raw conversations about mental health and sharing his own experience and journey with treatment for severe OCD and anxiety, which he has struggled with since the age of seven.
@Thezletnis (She/Her)
Am and Noey are queer sisters who have captivated diverse audiences through their content focused on self-expression, inclusive fashion, and LGBTQ+ advocacy on TikTok. Their mission is to foster a community where everyone is encouraged to embrace their true selves and celebrate the beauty and power of authenticity.
Industry Disruptors
@Saucysantana (He/Him)
Saucy Santana is a vibrant artist with an infectious and bold personality. Santana’s first-ever song, “Walk Em Like A Dog,” was a viral hit with tens of millions of streams. With chart-topping tracks like “Material Girl,” his strong presence in the LGBTQIA+ community, and co-signs from notable artists like Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Cardi B, Saucy has gained a worldwide following.
@Imbabytate (She/Her)
Fueled by self-love and manifested dreams, Tate Farris is an ever-evolving artist who is known for her music that spans summery pop, amorous R&B, and hard-hitting hip-hop and for creating viral moments on TikTok with sounds like the confidence-boosting “I Am,” the playful “Hey, Mickey!,” and her feature on Ashnikko’s massive single “Stupid.”
@Oldgays (he/him)
Mick, Robert, Jessay, and Bill are the four voices behind The Old Gays, known for performing the latest dance trends on TikTok. Through their humorous and heartwarming TikTok videos and fun surprises, they have won over young and old fans alike. The ensemble advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community and continues to spread their messages and stories through their platform.
@Jonkung (He/They)
Jonathan Kung teaches people not only how to cook but also how to express their cultures and personalities in their food. Jon combines their passion for food and authenticity in their videos on TikTok and encourages people to embrace their heritage, passion, and pride.
@Drdre4000 (He/Him)
Andre Isaacs, an associate professor of chemistry, uses his platform to push the envelope on the capacity of the STEM community and challenges normative STEM culture through dances, skits, and educational content to demonstrate what an inclusive space could look like for the next generation of scientists, primarily those with marginalized identities.
Read ‘Never Forget: Pride Began As Riots Against The Police’
Small Owned Businesses
@Ctoan.co (She/Her)
Jodyann Morgan is a queer Black candle business owner of CTOAN Co., who uses her platform to celebrate all bodies, candles, and food. She creates and designs candles from a completely gender-neutral perspective in an effort to celebrate the human form.
@N00nice (She/They)
Eunice Straight Head is an Indigenous artist who is Mnicouju Lakota, from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation. They use photography as a foundation to branch out into various creative forms, such as fashion, cosplay, beading, sewing, and more to bring Indigenous representation to the media.
@Goodlight.world (He/They)
David Yi, a journalist and proud Korean American, is the co-founder of the gender-inclusive beauty brand Good Light Cosmetics. They have been recognized as a GLAAD-nominee and have authored PRETTY BOYS. They aim to use Good Light as a brand and platform to center non-binary folks who have long been excluded in the beauty industry and beyond.
@Jackandbec (She/Her)
Jack and Bec are sisters, illustrators, designers, and makers who create art to uplift their underrepresented communities. Their art focuses on themes around body positivity, deaf pride, LGBTQIA+ pride, mental health awareness, and social justice.
@Verygaypaint (He/They)
Nicholas Scheppard and Jenson Titus are comedians-turned-painters and the duo behind Very Gay Paint, a muralist company centered around their own queerness and colorful designs. From comedic skits to vibrant mural artwork, they entertain and inspire their community while emphasizing their own queerness and colorful designs.
Read ‘TikTok Ban Update: Black Creators Will Suffer The Most’
About Kenyatta: Clark Atlanta University and Medill School alumna Kenyatta Victoria is the Girls United writer covering everything from news, pop culture, lifestyle, and investigative stories. When not reporting, she’s diving deep into her curated playlists or binging her favorite comfort shows.