THE 15 SECOND SUGAR RUSH

With over 1.5 billion downloads, TikTok has become the defining app of the coronavirus era. James Andrews spoke to the creators of some of the best queer TikTok content.

With over 1.5 billion downloads, TikTok has become the defining app of the coronavirus era. We meet the creators of some of the best queer TikTok content.

TikTok is the digital equivalent of walking into a sweetshop. The app offers videos of sexy dancing, hilarious pranks, lip syncing dudes, comedy skits – all created by a bewildering array of cute-as twinks and hunks, piped into your phone in one endless, addictive loop.

That said, there are numerous international lawsuits pending against TikTok’s Chineseowned parent company, ByteDance over alleged data mining and breaches of privacy laws. ByteDance acquired the US company Musical.ly in 2017, reportedly at a cost of $1 billion, and rebranded it TikTok. That sale is currently under review by the US’s Committee On Foreign Investment. Chinese company law compels businesses to hand over user data to the state, so there are significant security concerns. You have been warned.

However, under coronavirus lockdown conditions, TikTok’s popularity has exploded with over 1.5 billion downloads and 800 million users. By comparison, Twitter only has 330 million. And, contrary to popular belief, those 800 million aren’t just locked-down Gen Z-ers like Troye Sivan. Britney Spears, Jane Fonda and Mariah Carey all have accounts.

Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok’s content is mostly positive. There’s less anger and bullying and more joy. TikTokers have found creative and entertaining ways to deliver inspiring and informative messages on LGBT issues, Black Lives Matter, coronavirus, environmental and animal welfare issues.

Knowing where to start and who to follow can be a struggle, so DNA has hand-picked a diverse range of LGBTIQ TikTokers who you can quickly follow for a sugar rush of bizarre, cheesy, addictive, positive queer vibes…

JEFF VAN DE ZANDT

Account: @jzandt

Jeff is a Dutch-Filipino Melbourne-based creative. Many of his videos touch on hilarious anecdotes regarding this identity. Indeed, humour is central to Jeff’s content.

“If I don’t find it funny or can’t find a way to make it funny, I probably won’t do it. But I love a wig, costume or editing gag. It’s also about finding something that is fun to create and lip sync to,” he tells DNA.

Jeff’s humour has proven to be an incredibly popular remedy for lockdown boredom.

“The message I’ve received the most during this time is how my videos have helped people get through isolation,” he says. “I think staying positive is always important but, especially at the moment, filling the space with fun and light content is important to give people some respite from what is a really heavy, difficult time. I’m glad my videos can do that for some people.”

Two of Jeff’s most famous videos include him lip-syncing to Australian PM Scott Morrison’s “Andrew, I’m Sorry” speech, and Senator Michaelia Cash’s “Curry For The Country”.

When asked how he feels about the future, Jeff says he’s, “always pretty positive. I think that comes from being resilient and open to change. The future is going to be different – we don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like, and we can’t do anything about that. But what we can do is be prepared for something new. Be prepared to innovate, adapt and adjust to whatever life throws at us. Well... that’s my strategy anyway.”

CHRIS MARCHI

Account: @christrimarchi1

Chris describes himself as “a proud member of the over 30 TikTok club”, a previous minority which has seen its membership explode under lockdown boredom. In fact, coronavirus was a key reason Chris found himself on the app.

“It was purely a distraction during the covid, where I could watch and make funny videos to distract from the madness of what was going on,” he says. “I got to live out my little gay kid growing-up fantasies by being Karen Walker or Blanche Deveruex instead of just being lockedin at home. violence. I’ve always tried to treat everyone with kindness and respect and can’t understand how that isn’t the norm for everyone.”

Having TikTok as both an escape and an educator has proven invaluable to him. When asked about current attitudes towards LGBTIQ people, Chris says there’s “still a way to go and not just for us but for all the minorities.

“I feel so lucky that I live in a time where I don’t fear being openly gay and can feel safe and supported being camp and flamboyant on a public forum like TikTok, lip syncing to mainly strong and sassy female characters and voices. But I understand that this is not the case for many and that is why we still have a long way to go until everyone is safe to freely be who they truly are and not feel fear or shame.”

Chris believes we all have a role to play, however big or small.

“As individuals we can make the world a better place by being kind to one another, being respectful of one another, caring and supportive of each other, standing up for what we believe in without having to put others down for their beliefs. One of my favourite quotes is from Jim Henson [creator of The Muppets]: ‘My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here’.”

If I can’t find a way to make it funny,I probably won’t do it.

We can make the world a better place by being kind, respectful, caring and supportive…

“I’m truly mind-blown by everything that’s going on in the world today with politics and

NICHOLAS COLE

Account: @nichrichie

Nicholas is a hilarious, non-binary, Indigenous Australian TikToker based in Melbourne. Though they’re journey hasn’t been easy.

“As a kid, I didn’t receive a healthy and diverse education, and social media wasn’t a thing. Then, leaving high school, I had a lot of depression and overall anxiety about the world and myself; everything was overwhelming externally, and that was affecting me internally.”

But, as they got older, social media helped to change this, enabling them to realise their sexual orientation as gay, and gender identity as non-binary. This has been a massive influence on their TikToks.

“Social media can be used as a tool for education and empowerment,” says Nicholas. “I was inspired to make TikToks that not only educated people but also videos that helped me stand up against any insults or bullying I received, because pride is key.”

This doesn’t mean Nicholas’ account is a loop of dry and dull lectures. “I understand the importance of letting people have a reprieve and I know all too well that teens go through bullying for their sexuality and gender in school. I use my TikToks to create a positive environment where people can either engage with content that relates to them, or even engage with a creator who relates to them.”

Nicholas recognises the importance of creating this safe space for non-binary people because much of the world, sadly, remains unsafe for this minority.

“I think we are accepted quite widely but also I feel like that acceptance is more like tolerance. In my experience I’ve heard, ‘It’s okay to be who you are, just don’t do it around me or in public,’ as if it is acceptance of identity but denial of expression. I still believe there are a lot of unsafe environments and communities, and that saddens me.”

Indeed, Nicholas has found that they can often be dispirited by present realities for non-white, non-binary people.

“I’m not gonna lie, some days I feel overwhelmed with the direction the world feels like it’s going in, and it’s hard to get up in the morning. But I remember the journey that I went through to get where I am. I was a 15-year-old who thought I could never be happy, but now I’m 23 and living, breathing and filled with joy and the knowledge I can be who I want to be and who I am. And that helps me look to the future and realise, sure, there’s gonna be obstacles, but it only gets better from here!”

JOSH VAN SANT

Account: @joshvansant It’s hard to formulate a description of Josh that does him justice. He’s some sort of hybrid of Jason Mamoa with the hilarity of Joel Creasy, a favourite aunt giving great advice, and with the mellifluous voice of a Greek god.

Josh’s TikTok is largely inspired by both his YouTube channel, under the same name, and his blog, themoderngay.com, where he often gives invaluable advice “from an older gay to younger gays”.

To do so, he always starts with the question, “What would I want to tell my younger self. If I could go back in time and sit down with my closeted and confused self, what would I tell him? What would I say to help him get through what he’s going through – to make his journey of selfdiscovery a little bit easier?”

Josh hopes that his content “uplifts, entertains or informs anyone who is watching. It’s not about putting out content for my own sake but rather to hopefully add value to those watching.”

I’m filled with joy and the knowledge I can be who I am.

I’m hopeful that great positive change is on the horizon.

2020 hasn’t been easy for anyone, but Josh believes, “it’s necessary. In my opinion, this period is a time for discomfort, leading to revolution. Things weren’t working and what we’re going through now is a forced questioning of everything we’ve been taught to believe. I’m hopeful that great positive change is on the horizon.”

When asked how we can ensure this positive change does come about, Josh says we need to “be nicer to each other. Practice empathy. Fight hate with love. Learn and question. Listen.”

BRANDON VAN DRIESEN

Account: @brandonvan

Brandon is a Washington DC-based American Sign Language interpreter. He uses his skills to create 30-second snippets of favourite songs, accompanied by perfectly choreographed American Sign Language interpretations of the lyrics.

His TikToks are directly inspired, he says, by the enchantment one gets from “music, sign language, and the loving responses. I love that a song can consume you. Plus, that giddy little tickle of getting to be something else for a moment is the gayest feeling.”

Bringing his viewers joy is a central aim of his profile. “To me, positivity has always been the magical choice that frees you up to enjoy being alive, even the hard parts, when you’re not where you wanted to be. That’s infectious.”

For this reason, he always makes an active effort to put out positive energy in the hope of spreading that positivity to others. “Positive thoughts turn to feelings, which we act on. This brings about positive change.”

This isn’t to say he always sees the glass as half full; current US events have posed a challenge to his sunny outlook.

“I get upset. I go on a rant to a friend, family, innocent bystander. But I get it out. I lay it down, figuratively, and try to think clearly on what I believe. Then I’m ready to have a real conversation.”

Brandon also believes these conversations are essential if we are to build a more positive future for our community.

“Listen, to yourself and others, and be compassionate. Empathy is so powerful. Know your platform – whether it’s a supportive friend, ‘woke’ co-worker, future world leader. You have a sphere of influence. Really love yourself and let that love and care spill out around you. And don’t be overly confident; you’re wrong about something, I promise.”

How positive does Brandon feel about the future: “Very!”

Positive thoughts turn to feelings, which we act on. This brings about positive change.

LANCE BARBER

Account: @laancerooniee

Lance’s TikTok is the perfect example of the diversity that the platform offers; his recent videos feature everything from dances to lip syncs, skits and Q&As – largely inspired by his life experiences.

“I try to upload relatable content that I know other people have been through at least once in their life,” he says. “TikTok, I feel, is a safe space where viewers and creators can get away from all the drama and just kinda relax and have fun.”

Having a positive vibe is a hugely important part of that, “especially because of what’s been going on lately,” he says.

For this reason, Lance tends to keep his videos fun and light-hearted, and he never gets “deep into all of the politics and violence”.

“For the future, I honestly don’t know what to expect. I’m hoping with all the protests and riots we get some change but then again, that’s not the only issue we have on our hands. So, hopefully, as time goes on more change will happen, but you can only pray.”

TRENT AND LUKE

Account: @trentandluke

Trent Owers and Luke Shayler are Gold Coast-based, vegan, dog dads who are also ambassadors for the Queensland Animal Welfare League. They’re both hugely passionate about a wide range of causes including Black Lives Matter and Animal Rights, and often make light-hearted but educational videos championing these causes. To put it more simply, they are #couplegoals.

The inspiration for their TikTok derives from their hugely popular YouTube channel of the same name, which they started back in 2013.

“Since we began, the theme has always been positivity and showing that an LGBTIQ couple can just live their day-to-day lives, have fun and give other gay kids out there hope and comfort that this could be them one day.”

They recognise how far the LGBTIQ movement has come, especially compared to when they were kids. “Being part of this community has a whole different meaning than it did in the early ’80s-’90s. Kids are actually growing up openly gay and getting the full experience as a young person trying to find themselves. Don’t get us wrong, there’s always room for progress and there will always be some individuals who still disagree but, as a whole, we are on the right track.”

With both a YouTube channel and TikTok account racking up millions of views, how excited are they feeling about the future?

I’m hoping with all the protests and riots we get some change.

If you don’t strive for better, how will you know what could have been?

“It’s honestly hard to say right now, and I don’t think I have an answer, but if you don’t at least try and strive for better then how will you know what could have been?”

CHRIS OLSEN

Account: @olsennchris

Chris Olsen is that musical theatre guy you dreamed of as a kid: the disarmingly cute smile paired with a killer voice. Oh, and a body you didn’t realise was even possible. He frequently posts cute clips with his equally handsome boyfriend, Ian Paget, from the place they share in New York.

I try not to make my positivity outshine anyone’s anger or frustration with the world.

Like many others, Chris came to TikTok through the lockdown. “I started my account after stay-at-home orders had been put into place as a new, fun thing to fill some of my time. But as I continued consuming and watching videos, it became more of a creative outlet and fun activity to do with my boyfriend while we had little else to do. As I gained followers, I realised I had the power to have a positive impact on someone’s day through a short 15 second video, and that became the largest motivator.”

It’s impossible not to crack a grin at his videos, but Chris is careful to balance this entertainment with education.

“I try not to make my positivity outshine anyone’s anger or frustration with the world. Those feelings are also valid and need to have the same type of space made for them. Sometimes people don’t need an escape, they need someone to validate their anger and help them be heard. So, in addition to continuing to make positive, fun content, I’ve also begun duetting creators whose voices aren’t mine, and responding to negative comments about social justice movements to help educate.”

[Duetting is a TikTok function that allows users to video react and rspond to other people’s posted content.]

Chris believes that through this, “We can continue to make space for each other, love each other, love ourselves, and get our voices heard by the people in power”.

CONOR KILBRIDGE

Account @conorkardashian

Conor is a hilarious Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok extraordinaire based in very rural Ireland. But instead of giving us those moody, Irish Normal People vibes, Conor’s TikTok is a hilarious jump into his chaotic mind. And he’s well aware of his chaotic energy.

“I’ve always had a very active imagination and it usually spirals out when I have nothing else to do. Especially in quarantine I will do anything to keep myself entertained.”

Recent bouts of boredom saw him dye his dark brown hair to a neon green. Conor readily admits that a key motivation is a fundamental love of attention. “I’ve always wanted to be famous and when one of my TikToks blow up, I feel like a minicelebrity! I love it!”

That said, he’s experienced some of the negative consequences of

“celebrity status”.

“TikTok can often feel like a very hatefilled app. Although people are beginning to pay more attention to cyber bullying and normalising conversations about mental health, these negative people and negative comments are unfortunately inevitable. It’s impossible to please everyone and one has to keep a good vibe to combat the fact that not everyone will like you.”

When asked about the future, Conor is wonderfully cheerful.

I look forward to living in a world where everybody is equal.

“I feel very positive about the future and I think the world is becoming a much more diverse and accepting place. I look forward to living in a world where everybody is equal regardless of their race, their sexuality, their gender or any factor that would cause people to treat them differently.”

For now, Conor recommends everyone “just go with the flow and try to have fun”.