TikTok’s diverse LGBTQIA+ community has always been a beacon of creativity, advocacy, and joy – creating safe spaces for people to express themselves authentically. Every day, LGBTQIA+ creators educate, inspire and fearlessly advocate for their communities on TikTok. The 2024 TikTok LGBTQIA+ Pride Visionary Voices List recognizes 15 extraordinary LGBTQIA+ creators, industry disruptors and small business owners who champion the LGBTQIA+ community. Among the recognized Visionary Voices: @unlearn16 of Ajax, Ontario. Joanna Johnson is an educator with a solid sense of sarcasm and an even stronger sense of justice. With a quick ‘hun’ or ‘my dude’ they are able to disarm bigotry and prejudice through education and awareness. We chatted with Joanna to learn more. —Vita Daily
Can you share your journey of becoming a content creator on TikTok and what inspired you to start creating content that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community?
My journey into the world of TikTok consisted of three things occurring at the moment in time to create the perfect storm. Divorce, COVID lockdown, and Charlie, my best friend’s kid, persuading me to download the app. Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community really came as a reflection of who I am and how I chose to address the ‘less than enjoyable’ members of the social media world. As a teacher I just assumed it to be my job to educate the bigotry out of the people. So, I did it with humour, a wink and a perfect fade.
How has your experience as an LGBTQIA+ creator on TikTok helped you connect with and build a supportive community?
The community I have been able to connect with and build has been a genuine surprise to me. I had no idea that people in Texas, Iceland and Australia would find a home with my content. What made it a real community was the nightly lives I do on a regular basis. Initially, it was a place everyone could connect in a world that had shut down. Now, it has become a touchstone for many, myself included, offering a sense of family we never knew we needed.
What impact do you hope your content has on your audience, especially those within the LGBTQIA+ community?
I truly hope that people watch the way I handle ignorance in this world- to separate hate from ignorance is perhaps the most important skill set we should develop. You can’t talk to hate but I assure you, ignorance can be educated.
Can you talk about any challenges you’ve faced as an LGBTQIA+ content creator and how you’ve overcome them?
Prejudice and stereotypes may be hard battles to fight, but I usually approach them with a smile on my face rather than a raised voice. If I can get just ONE person to actually listen to what I have to say, chances are I can change their entire perspective. The only way to overcome aggression and assumptions is through discussion and debate. It’s through calm, honest conversation that we make progress.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your content and your advocacy within the LGBTQIA+ community?
My goals are always intrinsically linked to my advocacy work. It is clear that the more we can connect, discuss, and learn about one another, the more hate and bigotry dissipate. I will continue to work towards this level of education and empowerment both on and off this app.
Finally, who are some of your favourite content creators to follow on TikTok?
- Ana Pac (@ana_pac) – singer, song writer, dancer – and my wife to be
- Tizzy (@tizzyent) – changing the world through holding people accountable
- Mama Tot (@mamatot99) – her pure love makes this world a better place every day
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