The newly launched channel will “educate and inspire the next generation of advocates and the wider TikTok community”
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS
TikTok has become the heart and soul of LGBTQI content over the past year, so it’s perfect timing for the massive platform to announce a partnership with Stonewall, the UK’s leading LGBTQI charity, this LGBT History Month. Stonewall will use the platform to produce content that will educate and inspire the next generation of advocates and the wider TikTok community as well as shining a light on our history and experiences.
“LGBTQ+ creators have embraced TikTok as a platform for self-expression, education, community-building and joy, showing the world their unique identity and cultural impact,” said Rich Waterworth, General Manager of TikTok in the UK & Europe.
One of TikTok’s core principles is to celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive community, and this will be a great way of building allyship on the app this year.
@stonewalluk Happy ##LGBTQHistoryMonth everyone! Meet @gocharliem , on why we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK ##LearnOnTikTok ##LGBTQ ##lgbtq🏳️🌈
♬ original sound – Stonewall
This partnership will see TikTok work with Stonewall on a programme of activity throughout 2021, tackling topics ranging from inclusive education to sport. They will also joining Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme to benefit from their expert counsel and advice, ensuring that the workplace feels as welcoming and inclusive as possible for LGBTQI employees at TikTok.
Stonewall will be hosting a series of LIVEs on their channel, featuring voices from the LGBTQI community which will give a platform to a range of identities and experiences, helping to better educate the community and celebrate all LGTBQI people. The topics will range from growing up queer, to celebrating the intersectionality of BAME LGBTQI people, and highlighting iconic queer activists.
In addition to the TikTok LIVEs, TikTok themselves will also be creating a “who to follow list” featuring LGBTQI creators, and launching some LGBTQI hashtag challenges to get people sharing and creating their own content surrounding LGBT History Month.
@stonewalluk Ben Hunte explains everything you need to know about the Stonewall uprising 🏳️🌈 ##LGBTQHistoryMonth ##LearnOnTikTok
♬ original sound – Stonewall
#MyIcon – who is your historic LGBTQI icon?
#LGBTQHistory – what’s a moment in LGBTQI history you didn’t learn in school?
#IAmThe – how do you identify within LGBTQI communities and what does it mean to be LGBTQI?
Nancy Kelley, Chief Executive of Stonewall said: “We are so happy to be joining forces with TikTok through this partnership. We can’t wait to connect with the TikTok community and spread love, respect and understanding about LGBTQ+ people. With anti-LGBTQ hate groups mobilising against our communities, it’s so powerful and important to be working with TikTok to energise their communities in the fight for LGBTQ+ freedom, equity and potential.”
You can follow Stonewall’s new TikTok account and everything that the charity is getting up to on the platform right here.
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