It’s no secret that good LGBTQ+ representation in the media is severely lacking. Of course, representation has been growing more over recent years but it can certainly always be better.
With the rise of TikTok in past years and the apps influence growing exponentially during the pandemic, we are seeing a shift in positive queer representation in social media.
The way that TikTok’s algorithm works means it’s possible to curate a feed to see only things you’re interested in, meaning you don’t have to search tirelessly for queer content in the same way you might have to on television. For many, this can be the acceptance, validation, and positive influence they need to feel confident in their own identity. This influence likely would have been even more impactful over the pandemic as people turned to social media in even larger quantities than usual.
As with a lot of social media, there are many flaws to TikTok and the app isn’t short of problematic creators, and this still applies to the platform’s LGBTQ+ creators. However, on the whole, TikTok it has bred some fantastic creators doing fabulous work spreading awareness, education, and general queer excellence.
Rainbow History Class
Rainbow History Class provide incredible videos on queer education that is never taught in schools but is extremely important to the community. Led by Rudy, the account often features other creators covering topics ranging from different countries journeys to legalising gay marriage, defining less represented queer terms, and the history of LGBTQ+ slurs and slang.
Benjy_lookbook
Benjy_lookbook shares extremely informative videos on inclusion in a welcoming and safe space. He has a following of over 197K on TikTok (at time of writing) and uses his platform to educate people on issues concerning racism, sexism, and homophobia.
Sapphoslibrary
Sapphoslibrary (aka Theresa) shares not only sapphic but a wide variety of LGBTQ+ book recommendations across a number of genres on her TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Theresa explains how the power of representation can have a massive impact on discovering your sexuality – ‘growing up, I didn’t even know it was possible to be a lesbian. It was reading sapphic books that let me know it was alright to like girls and that gave me the confidence to call myself a lesbian, so reading and recommending these books means the world to me. I hope to help other LGBTQ+ people find a story that gives them some comfort or a safe place to accept themselves.’
Jessicaoutofthecloset
Jessicaoutofthecloset is a disabled queer creator from the UK who has a ‘Queer History 101’ series on her social media and has recently documented her and her wife’s journey to having their first child. She also educates her followers on ways to make positive change regarding conversion therapy and other LGBTQ+ issues.
Joshelfgott
Joshhelfgott posts to his platform of almost five million followers a wide range of queer content but he’s best known for his ‘gay news’ series, where he posts short clips of LGBTQ+ things happening that the media may not give much attention to. As a creator from the US, he also posts important information regarding LGBTQ+ laws and news in each state.
