In June TikTok kicked off its #ForYourPride celebration, including in-app Pride programming and the debut of its 2023 TikTok LGBTQ+ Pride Visionary Voices List, recognizing visionary LGBTQ+ creatives, small business owners and industry disruptors who are making an impact and shifting culture. Honorees were featured from industries across music, entertainment, education, art and culture. Throughout the month, TikTok’s in-app programming featured LGBTQ+ small business owners, creators, and LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations, along with #PrideMusic playlists, events (including a Visionary Voices Pride Brunch and a first-time TikTok Pride Creator Ball that was hosted in Los Angeles), and LIVE programming that spotlighted influential and innovative queer creators and musicians.
The goal of the programming was not only to celebrate creators during Pride month but to also foster a culture of inclusivity and safety all year round. “Our 2023 “You Belong Here” Pride Month programming represents our year-round commitment to uplift and amplify our LGBTQIA+ community on and off of TikTok. We are honored to empower our community with a safe and inspiring space to express themselves freely and embrace their identities fully,” said Nicole Scruggs, Creator Community Manager, TikTok. “We’re thrilled to celebrate Pride Month by honoring the history-making impact of our diverse queer community with this year’s LGBTQ+ TikTok Visionary Voices List, recognizing 15 visionary creators and small business owners who are using TikTok to educate, entertain, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community,” added Shavone Charles, Head of Diversity & Inclusion Communications.
This year TikTok expanded their IRL programming kicking off with their Visionary Voices Pride Brunch, bringing together the LGBTQ+ creator community and its allies in honor of visionary creatives and culture change makers in entertainment to celebrate Pride Month, hosted by Brett Peters, Global Lead, TikTok for Good and President, TikTok PRIDE ERG and Shavone Charles, Head of Diversity & Inclusion Communications. The event featured with TikTok LGBTQ+ Visionary Voices honorees, including the beloved group @oldgays, TikTok’s favorite impression comedian @octopusslover8 and a panel with @jaegurley and @goodlight.world’s David Yi moderated by moderated by TikTok’s Chazz Inniss.
“It felt unreal to have TikTok see me and highlight the community I’ve crafted on TikTok, especially the Black fem queer community. As far as I know, no other platform has consciously gone out of its way to bring recognition to such a niche aspect of the queer community. It was like, TikTok gets it, TikTok gets me, and they want to protect and celebrate Black queer people like me on their platform,” shared Gurley. “The intergenerational interplay and interaction we experience both on and off the platform are beneficial, not only in fostering our own sense of pride but also in deepening our understanding of ourselves and the impact we have on our communities and country.” The Old Gays shared on the importance of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community on TikTok.
TikTok additionally hosted their first-ever Pride Creator Ball hosted by Dominique Jackson with performances by House of Basquiat. “TikTok’s recognition of Visionary Voices during Pride month and year-round is essential for celebrating achievements, inspiring others, promoting representation, fostering support and solidarity, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. While Pride Month is a time of heightened visibility, recognizing LGBTQ+ advocates year-round ensures that their efforts are valued consistently. It reinforces the idea that LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity are important issues that need sustained attention and action,” shared Am and Noey of the @zletnis on the importance of TikTok’s support of the LGBTQ+ community. “The Visionary Voices campaign shows that TikTok appreciates diversity and inclusion, and cherishes creators who are bold enough to express their authentic selves. We believe this innovative Visionary Voices campaign will inspire other creators to keep sharing their stories as we all work together to make a positive impact on the world.”
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