In recognition of International Transgender Day of Visibility, today, we’re highlighting inspiring TikTok creators and change-makers who have used their platform to raise awareness, promote inclusivity and diversity, and share their personal journey. First up, Jamie Pandit: a transgender content creator based in Toronto, who creates content surrounding her fashion and beauty and speaks on her experience of transitioning. Jamie uses her voice to share her story, give back to the LGBTQ2S+ community, raise awareness for causes dear to her heart and the struggles she faces daily as a transgender woman of colour. —Vita Daily

How did you achieve (and continue to grow) your TikTok audience?

I was hiding my trans identity and living in stealth for 17 years. When I came out in 2020, I started posting content on TikTok just being myself – sharing what I like, who I am, and my life with my partner. I didn’t have a “plan” (and still don’t) but at that time I was exploring who I really was and trying to find myself in different spaces. It felt freeing being visible and creating that representation that I didn’t see but desperately needed. I believe one of my videos dancing with my partner went viral along with our wedding videos. The reality is trans women often have a difficult time finding romantic love, have their partner love them openly and let alone get married – I think it was surprising and celebratory for a lot of people watching us. 

What do you like about TikTok as a platform, especially in terms of how you can use it to influence and inspire those that follow you, and to create social change?

TikTok has such a wide range of audience, bringing so many people together from various countries, backgrounds and experiences. Growing up, I didn’t see someone like me who was not only trans but also South-Asian. I didn’t think trans folks could be successful, find love, get married and have a “regular” life. If there was ever any type of representation on media and television, trans folks were often discussed and portrayed in a negative light. It’s no wonder people often have these preconceived notions, and misconceptions of what being “trans” means. There is so much misinformation out there. Being on this platform, I can start meaningful conversations and debunk false information. Trans people know themselves better than anyone else ever will. By sharing bits of my life on TikTok that has the ability to reach millions, my hope is not only to normalize trans people but humanize our existence that we deserve to be respected, live with dignity and experience joy as well. Sharing my lived experiences hopefully inspires cisgender folks to not only think differently, educate themselves, but to take action by standing up when they hear or see transphobia online or in person. 

What topics do you cover/share most? Where do your passions lie?

I am not sure if I have a “niche” perse because I show my day-to-day life – living as “Jamie” and being myself. My interests lie in fashion, skincare, and beauty along with talking about my mental health – educating and bringing awareness to the trans community. 

Have you ever had to deal with haters/naysayers on social media? If so, what’s your approach?

Being a content creator is difficult as we open ourselves up to criticism and hate – and being a brown and trans content creator has often been difficult. Sometimes it feels like I get hate messages by the minute, and it can take a toll on my mental health. I am trying to be more open and vulnerable this year instead of having this need to always be “strong.” I listen to myself and what I need at the moment to deal with it. Sometimes, it can look like not saying anything at all and protecting my energy. Sometimes it’s replying to those comments with a trending sound and text on screen that educates them on that topic. Other times, it’s being brave and confident (with a sense of humour and sass) and addressing the comments directly from a place of education. Hopefully sharing my thoughts will open minds and hearts. 

What have some of the highlights of being so prominent on TikTok been for you?

The highlight for me is the community that I have built. Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of friends and I struggled with feeling like I belonged. I truly feel like I have friends now that care about me online and have my back. I also finally feel “seen” and “heard.” Having to hide my identity for so many years was difficult and it feels euphoric to be able to share my joys and experiences with others who want to see me thrive. Also being a lover of beauty and fashion, I feel privileged and grateful to have been able to work with so many lovely brands that not only want to create representation in their platforms for trans folks but have actually amplified my voice. Being on TikTok has helped me not just grow as a person but also professionally because showing up on other’s FYP pages meant the possibility of being invited in those spaces.

March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility; what is the significance to you, and how are you using your voice to create change, establish community and help people in the trans/non-binary community (and others) feel seen and understood?

Transgender Day of Visibility is a day to celebrate transgender people, our accomplishments, our joy, while continuing to raise awareness of the discrimination and barriers faced by transgender people worldwide. To remember the continuous work that still needs to be done. For me personally, it’s also recognizing the bravery, hard work, and confidence it took to show up for myself fully and creating that visibility I needed to see. I recognize the privilege I hold now to be able to use my voice to create change and having the support of community members meanwhile there are many folks in the community that do not feel “seen”, are afraid to be visible and have not felt empowered to use their voice. The world is a dangerous place for people like me. Trans people’s rights are being constantly attacked and taken away around the world. It’s really difficult to find joy in simply existing. Today, I will continue to show up, be visible, and continue connecting with my community. Whether it be in private messages or in the comments section to let them know they too are loved and are not alone. Together, we are strong. 

With so many people following you on TikTok, who are some of your favourite accounts to follow?

Oh my gosh there are so many accounts I love from beauty to trans advocates. Here are just a few: @rarebeauty, @dylanmulvaney, @nikkietutorials, @mikaylanogueira, @rosemontoya, @alixearle, @the.birds.papaya and @aliciamccarvell!