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Category: Entertainment
Stay updated with the latest in LGBTQ+ entertainment through Gayety. Explore top celebrity news, in-depth interviews, and comprehensive coverage of your favorite TV shows and music artists.
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18 Trans and Non-binary YouTubers You Need To Watch
If you’re looking for your next favorite transgender YouTuber, you’re in luck. We’ve watched hours of content and picked out a few favorites. Read on as we take a look at some of the most famous trans and non-binary YouTubers, in no particular order.
Related | Fortnite Adds First Transgender Character: Dreamer
Shutterstock 1. Kat Blaque
You can’t talk about trans YouTubers without leading with Kat Blaque. Kat started her channel back in 2005—when YouTube literally began. She was among the first wave of YouTubers and has outlasted many of your favorites. This is especially true for transgender YouTubers. An illustrator, animator, and public speaker, Kat makes videos about race, gender, politics, and pop culture.
Ultimately, in her own words, Kat’s content is about “how we can relate to each other more and fight against the things that divide us, while not losing sight of our own boundaries.”
2. NikkieTutorials
NikkieTutorials is a goddess in the realm of beauty Youtubers – and over 14 million people agree. While her content isn’t particularly trans-focused, she advocates for inclusivity, self-love, and living your most authentic life, no matter what that looks like.
Her videos range from talking about her everyday life to walking viewers through cool and creative makeup tutorials (hence the name!) However, she doesn’t just stop there. From time to time, Nikkie will sit with other YouTubers and celebrities and serve up makeup tutorials and interview realness.
3. PhilosophyTube
PhilosophyTube’s about section reads: “giving a Philosophy degree away for free” – and that’s exactly what Abigail Thorn does. Her long-standing channel acts as a meeting place for the academe and entertainment to collide, with many videos delving deep into complex topics like love, war, power, and queerness.
But what sets PhilosophyTube apart from the armchair philosophers of YouTube is her undeniable intelligence and mastery of her craft. Every video is well-planned and researched while remaining relevant to modern life. Even her coming out video was part performance, part discussion on what it means to live as a transgender person.
4. Arrows
Arrows is a model, vlogger, television personality, and film producer. He rose to popularity on YouTube with his channel Tomboyish, in which he explored topics relating to gender and sexuality. They have since migrated to their new channel ARROWS where he makes videos exploring his art and identity.
Fitz received a nomination for Best Social Media in the LGBTQ+ YouTube Channel category at the 9th annual Shorty Awards. It’s not hard to see why. His take on social media and influencer culture is refreshing, and it allows his art to live and grow organically on his channel. It’s a pleasure to watch. Arrows is releasing a new series with fellow Black queer YouTuber Jade Fox, (who we can’t recommend enough) called Supertime.
5. Jammidodger
If you had to pick out one of the most popular trans Youtubers for your sweet old grandma, then Jammidodger would probably be your best bet. His videos are charming and entertaining without being too clean or kid-friendly. Instead, he leans heavily on reacting to LGBTQ-focused memes, TikToks, and other related content in an easily digestible way.
In short, if you’re looking for a likable trans YouTuber with a good sense of humor and an endearing personality, then Jammidodger is your man.
6. MilesChronicles
Watching a MilesChronicles video is like rediscovering the wonders of your old favorite low-budget Nickelodeon teen show… except everyone is hopelessly gay. That’s not a knock against chaotic curly-haired Miles McKenna, though. On the contrary, it’s a shining recommendation for gay and trans teens across the world.
Where other LGBTQ-focused YouTubers might pepper in research and dissect difficult topics with an academic eye, MilesChronicles relies on his personal experiences of coming out. As a pop-punk trans icon, his videos are chaotic, musical, and fast-paced – perfect for the young queer teen.
7. Ty Turner
Ty Turner is one of the best trans YouTubers because of his warm personality and great sense of humor. Sitting down with a Ty Turner video feels like catching up with an old friend with whom you used to love having classes in high school. He walks his viewers through a variety of content styles, from laughing at memes to literally attempting the army fitness test.
That said, his content does have a trans-focused spin to it. From videos about transitioning to FtM-oriented workout regimens, Ty Turner is a trans guy’s number #1 resource for being their best self.
8. ContraPoints
Natalie’s video creations are part-arthouse film and part-philosophical treatise. She dives into broad topics like addiction, cringe culture, and voting with an incisive wit and a dry sense of humor. Natalie doesn’t post often, but when she does, it’s a real event within the online LGBTQ community. Her insights are always unique, poignant, and incredibly well-thought-out.
It goes without saying that people looking for a quick laugh should look elsewhere. But, if you’re looking for content that really makes you think, then it’s time to step into Natalie Wynn’s world.
9. Ash Hardell
While we’re on the topic of video making as an art, let’s talk about Ash. The editing, animation, dialogue, and music choices in Ash’s videos are perfect in every way. It’s hard to watch Ash’s videos without appreciating the painstaking work Ash puts into every second.
Like most trans people on the internet, Ash has been subject to quite a bit of really scary harassment. Thankfully Ash still makes videos from time to time, and each one is a blessing. These videos are at once new, fresh, and well-produced as well as pieces that remind us of a simpler time. A time when YouTubers set their cameras up in their bedrooms and told us how they feel.
10. Miles Jai
Speaking of YouTube back in the day, who can forget Miles Jai? Her “Like Mah Status,” video was a cultural reset and we are not taking any questions about it at this time. While she continues to stay true to her roots in online sketch comedy, most of her videos today focus on makeup and beauty. Their Weave We view series is an instant classic and a shining example of their charisma and quick-witted sense of humor.
Drop in for a live show sometime, you won’t regret it!
11. Jackie Rabbit
Jackie Rabbit is an older trans creator who shares her experiences of transitioning as an older person. She talks at length about ignoring the rules others set out and forging your own path to authenticity – a message that often resonates with her audience.
Watching Jackie can feel like sitting down with your trans mom who just wants the best for you. She’ll talk lengthily about dealing with “bad behavior” and “not letting fear control your decisions” and will always be in your corner.
12. Chella Man
Chella is at the intersection of countless things. He is an artist, actor, writer, model, public speaker, and online creator. He is also deaf, genderqueer, trans-masculine, Chinese, and Jewish. Chella’s work and identity contain multitudes, and his videos reflect that. If you’re looking for queer content that comes from an artistic point of view, we recommend Chella.
13. NOAHFINCCE
NOAHFINCCE embodies the chaos and creativity of the alternative trans boy on Tumblr that most of us were probably crushing on at 14. His YouTube channel has all the regular bells and whistles of the modern content creator: vlogs about his relationship, reacting to transphobes and reviewing memes on video. However, one thing sets Noah apart from the rest of the entries on our list: his music.
NOAHFINCCE masterfully captures the pop-punk sound of the early aughts and combines it with the TikTok-isms of the 2020s. The result is a perfect storm of relatable lyrics and cheeky jabs at pop culture.
14. Khadija Mbowe
There are a few video essayists on this list, but none are quite as sincere in their work as everyone’s “cool, fun, millennial aunty” Khadija Mbowe. They are a non-binary singer, entertainer, educator, actor, writer, voiceover artist, and kick-ass creative. Their videos are equal parts genuine and well-researched. It’s clear that Khadija wears their heart on their sleeve and genuinely asks themselves what impact their work will have on the people watching.
Come for their thoughtful essays on race, sexuality, and pop culture, and stay for their loveable personality and impeccable vocals.
15. Victoria Rose
Being trans isn’t a “choice” or a “lifestyle,” and Victoria Rose understands that. So, where many YouTubers would shy back into being stubbornly politically correct, Victoria approaches things head-on with a mission to be as honest as possible about her experiences as a transgender woman.
Her philosophy is that the world can be unkind to trans folks, and arming them with the knowledge to feel safe can make a difference. She discusses controversial topics like “passing” as an MtF trans person while treating the subject with tact and respect.
16. Jackson Bird
Let’s roll back the clock to a time when Harry Potter was just a magical story to escape to. This is where Jackson got his start on YouTube, with the Harry Potter Alliance nonprofit. A lot has changed since then, and Jackson’s fans have gotten to watch him grow the whole way. Jackson is an author, creator, public speaker, and LGBTQ advocate. He also made a name for himself waffling random things online to see what happens.
Yes, you heard that correctly. Now Jackson spends his time writing, acting, and advocating for LGBTQ+ folks. It’s hard not to love Jackson, but your welcome to find out for yourself.
17. Ts Madison
Is Ts Madison a “YouTuber” per se? Debate that all you like, but she does have a YouTube channel. Checkmate haters. More to the point, if you aren’t tuning into her YouTube live shows, you are missing out. Ts Madison Hinton is an American reality television personality, actress, and LGBTQ+ advocate.
Madison rose to fame on Vine in 2013. At this time she was starring in adult films, and she has gone on to appear alongside RuPaul and Todrick Hall. Most recently she appeared in Billy Eichner’s bros as part of its “historic all-LGBTQ principal cast.” Also, we can’t tell you how many times we think of the “Selena weren’t Puerto Rican?” clip.
18. Jessie Gender
We can’t leave you without sharing one of our all-time faves, Jessie Gender. If you love all things nerdy and all things queer, Jessie lives at that exact intersection. Her videos are informative, heartfelt, and unashamedly nerdy. Her rise in popularity brings us so much joy because we know how much she deserves it.
Keep Up With The Trans Times
There are more trans content creators than ever, and they’re putting out some of the bravest, most entertaining, and most educational content on Youtube. If you want to be up-to-date on the latest news, tidbits, and up-and-coming LGBTQ creators and influencers, keep reading Gayety!
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Non-binary Actors In Hollywood & Their Stories
There’s still so much progress to be made in terms of acceptance when it comes to trans and non-binary people. With anti-trans laws currently being pushed at all levels of government, it is a tense time to be trans and non-binary. But, despite the increasing social tensions, these celebrities are living their best selves as non-binary actors. They show us that pride is just as important today as it was in the time of Stonewall.
Learn more about these prominent non-binary actors in Hollywood and how they came to accept their gender non-conforming identities!
Related | HBO’s ‘GOT’ Prequel Casts Lead Non-binary Actor Emma D’Arcy
Shutterstock Amandla Stenberg
Stenberg was named Time Magazine’s “Most Influential Person Of The Year” in both 2015 and 2016. They were also featured by Dazed on its 2015 cover. An activist and a non-binary actor, Stenberg made her breakthrough in portraying Rue in The Hunger Games in 2012. Since then, she starred in Everything, Everything alongside Nick Robinson. She also had a critically acclaimed role as Starr Carter in The Hate U Give.
Recently, Stenberg starred in indie-horror Bodies, Bodies, Bodies, which became an instant hit with audiences, making $13.6 million at the box office. Beyond acting, Stenberg is an advocate for LGBT+ rights and was even named “Feminist of the Year” by the Ms. Foundation For Women in 2015.
View this post on InstagramIndya Moore
For her role as Angel Evangelista in FX’s POSE, Moore landed on Time Magazine’s “Hundred Most Influential People In The World”. They began working shoots for luxury brands Dior and Gucci when they were just 15 years old.
Moore decided to pursue acting after meeting ballroom legend Jose Gutierez Xtravaganza while they were on the set for Netflix’s The Get Down. Xtravaganza encouraged Moore to pursue acting and sent them to an audition for Sunday Church.
Since then, Moore, who uses she/they pronouns, has both acted on film and television. She’s also gone back into modeling as well, signing with IMG Models and William Morris Endeavor (WME) and becoming the first trans model of the latter agency.
Moore has also started their own production company called Beetlefruit Media, which aims to support films created by artists from disenfranchised sectors.
View this post on InstagramBob The Drag Queen
A prominent figure within the New York City drag scene, Bob The Drag Queen was the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 8. Bob, who goes by he/him and she/her pronouns, has ventured into other careers since winning the reality television competition.
One of her biggest accomplishments in the drag realm was being the first black Drag Race contestant to hit 1 million followers on Instagram following her win in 2016. Her HBO show, We’re Here! (with fellow Drag Race alumni Shangela and Eureka O’Hara), also became a hit with both audiences and critics, winning the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Costumes and Outstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Program.
Beyond this, Bob The Drag Queen also ventured into the music industry with her song “Purse First” and later collaborated with fellow alumni Alaska Thunderf*ck on “Yet Another Dig”.
Bob The Drag Queen also co-founded Black Queer Town Hall, an online event that celebrates and advocates for black queer voices, with fellow Drag Race alumni Peppermint.
Bob has been open about their sexuality online. “For the record, I identify as pansexual and non-binary,” she tweeted on October 7, 2019.View this post on InstagramJinkx Monsoon
The most recent winner of All-Stars season 7 – the show’s first all-winners season – Jinkx Monsoon is a drag performer, musician, comedian, and non-binary actor. Monsoon, who goes by they/them pronouns, recently had a role in Netflix’s Happiest Season alongside fellow Drag Race alumna BenDeLaCreme.
Since their first win back in 2013, Jinkx Monsoon has toured around the US with fellow Drag Race contestants for Battle Of The Seasons, a global Drag Race tour that spanned from 2014 to 2016. They have also lent their voice to a few animated characters after Drag Race, notably Emerald from Steven Universe and Jenna from Bravest Warriors.
Monsoon stated that they identify as non-binary. In an interview with Hey Qween, they said, “I’ve never identified as fully male. I’ve always identified as more gender fluid or gender ambiguous, but I never knew the vocabulary to explain it for myself.”
View this post on InstagramShea Coulee
A musician, drag performer, and activist, Shea Coulee was the runner-up of season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as the winner of All-Stars season 5. The Chicago drag legend, who uses she/her pronouns in drag and they/them pronouns out of drag, has released music, including her singles “Cocky” and “Feeling So” in 2017.
Coulee has also played roles in a variety of films and television shows and guested on shows such as The Kelly Clarkson Show, The View, and Bachelorette. The drag queen is set to appear in Marvel’s Ironheart series in a yet-unnamed regular role.In 2020, she was featured in the third fashion show for Rihanna’s lingerie brand alongside Drag Race alumni Jaida Essence Hall and Gigi Goode. Coulee has also been a staunch activist for racial equality, especially within the drag community.
Coulee opened up about her identity in an interview with Them. “At least for me in my personal life, being non-binary is just a lot easier. It feels less forced…Once I started to use drag as gender performance, to study that and understand my identity through that, I feel now that being a gender non-binary person occupying drag spaces is freeing.”
View this post on InstagramJonathan Van Ness
Best known as the grooming expert on the Queer Eye reboot, Jonathan Van Ness (a.k.a JVN) is a television personality and internet celebrity.
Before appearing on Queer Eye, Van Ness (who goes by they/them pronouns) was known for their role in the hit parody series Gay of Thrones, which aired on FunnyOrDie from 2013 to 2019. Since then, they’ve guested on other shows such as the reality television series Nailed It! and voice-acted in cartoons such as Big City Greens and Big Mouth.
JVN was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in Gay of Thrones in both 2018 and 2019. From 2020 to 2022, they were also nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program for Queer Eye.
View this post on InstagramVico Ortiz
Vico Ortiz is a Puerto Rican activist, drag king, and non-binary actor. Ortiz, who uses they/them pronouns, is most known for their role as Jim Jimenez. Jimenez is a non-binary character in the queer comedy Our Flag Means Death. They had a recurring role in The Sex Lives of College Girls in 2021. They also starred in American Horror Story in 2019.
Ortiz said that their queerness “has given [me] a lens to see how things are affecting all of us of every walk of life.”
View this post on InstagramErika Ishii
Erika Ishii is a voice actress and internet personality. They are most known for voicing Valkyrie in the battle-royale shooter game Apex Legends. Ishii, who goes by she/her and they/them, is openly genderfluid and pansexual.
They have appeared in various web shows, such as L.A. by Night and Critical Role. You can also find Ishii in other shows produced by Dimension 20. These include Fantasy High: The Seven Maidens, Coffin Run, Game Changer, and Dirty Laundry, to name a few.
She was also the host and producer of Geek & Sundry, a commercial YouTube channel that mainly featured nerd culture content.
View this post on InstagramBex Taylor Klaus
Klaus got their first breakout role as Bullet on AMC’s The Killing, which aired in 2013. Since then, the non-binary actor and internet personality also starred in the superhero television series Arrow as Cindy or Sin. They then played Audrey Jensen in Scream, an anthology slasher series. They also had a recurring role voicing Pidge in the animated show Voltron: Legendary Defender.
Klaus spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about their gender identity. “I am not of the binary,” they said. “I am something else.” Klaus said that it allows them “room to learn and find a more pinpointed label” if they so choose. “And it does also mean for me being non-binary I get to explore and experiment and experience anything at my fingertips […] It feels open and free in a way that I never felt.”
View this post on InstagramChella Man
Chella Man is most known for sharing his story as a deaf, transgender person of color online. Notably, he also hosted a TedX Talk about his gender transition journey.
His breakout role was as the deaf superhero Jericho in the DC Universe series Titans. He was awarded the Out100 by GLAAD and featured in Dazed magazine’s top 100 ranking at #10. Man was also awarded the Hero Award by Attitude.
View this post on InstagramThe Bottom Line
We need transgender and non-binary representation now more than ever. These celebrities and artists living their truth is a much-needed message for trans youth everywhere. There is still a long way to go in terms of trans and non-binary identities being accepted and protected. However, it is undeniable that these people are changing the game in Hollywood.
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7 LGBTQ+ Holiday Movies to Make Your Season Gay
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All You Need To Know To Get Verified On TikTok
Over 1 billion people use TikTok monthly. Having that blue verification tick next to your handle can boost your growth and credibility astronomically. But whether you’re an established business or the next Charli D’Amelio, there’s no clear-cut way to be verified on TikTok.
Unlike other social media platforms, there is no way to request a TikTok verification. TikTok has its own secret formula for verification. It hands out those blue checkmarks based on criteria known only by its verification team.
Read on to find out what you need to know about how to get verified on TikTok.
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Why Should You Get Verified On TikTok?
If you want to establish your brand online, the verification tick is one of the most important things you can have on your profile. Here’s why you should be aiming for that blue checkmark:
Credibility
The blue verification checkmark is a standard across all the big social media platforms. Having this little blue checkmark on your profile means that TikTok has confirmed your authenticity as a brand or personality. Users will automatically know that you are a recognized brand and official account, giving you an edge over regular TikTokers.
Authority
TikTok doesn’t verify just anyone, so users associate the blue checkmark with trustworthiness and authority. Users are more likely to follow your account, engage with your content, and listen to you when you have that verified badge.
Growth and Exposure
Though nothing is confirmed, it seems that verified TikToks have an easier time getting onto the “For You” page than regular accounts. Verified TikTok accounts also tend to show up more often in users’ feeds while scrolling. Connecting with other verified accounts and businesses becomes much easier as well. This can lead to collaborations for even more massive growth.
Shutterstock How To Get Verified On TikTok
Unlike Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, there’s no way to request a verification review on TikTok. TikTok has its own verification team that reviews accounts, and it’s not clear exactly what metrics you need to hit to get verified.
Some accounts with millions of followers and likes are still not verified, so it seems that size isn’t the biggest consideration. Fortunately, there are a few metrics that will increase your chances of getting TikTok’s attention and eventually achieving that coveted blue checkmark.
Create Consistent Content
The TikTok algorithm favors one thing above all else: consistency. Posting a good-quality video every day has proven to be the number one growth formula on TikTok. It’s theorized that TikTok looks at how steadily your follower count increases as one of its key metrics for verification, and uploading consistently can get you more followers every day.
Posting a video every day may seem tough at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. If you’re struggling to think of new content every single day, create a TikTok content strategy that will streamline your content creation and make it easier to stay on track.Become A Viral Sensation
Not all verified TikTok accounts go viral, but most of them do. It’s difficult to do organically, but if you do happen to pop up on the “For You” page, the resulting views and followers can get you on the TikTok verification radar pretty quickly.
You don’t even have to create a viral video to get noticed. Some TikTok users get verified because they create a unique sound that goes viral in other people’s videos.
Get Featured In Other Media
Traditional print and online media are powerful tools for verifying your legitimacy. It’s no small feat to get featured in a publication, but the results speak for themselves.
Online publications like LADbible or People Magazine are often looking for new content and usually cover viral TikTok videos on their own websites. If you get featured in an online publication, consider it a good shortcut to getting verified on TikTok.
Get Verified On Another Social Media Platform
When you have a verification checkmark on another social media platform, it becomes a lot easier to get one on TikTok. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram all have easier verification processes than TikTok, so you might want to start the verification process for your other social media accounts before attempting TikTok verification.
Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions On TikTok Verification
How many followers on TikTok to get verified?
You can get verified with as little as a couple of thousand followers, but there isn’t an exact number or follower threshold for getting verified that’s known to the public.
Can you buy verification as a brand?
No, there is currently no way to buy or request a verification review.
How to get verified on TikTok for free?
Every verification on TikTok is technically free, as there is no way to buy a verification badge.
Can you get paid with a verified TikTok account?
Yes, you can get paid to make TikToks if you join the TikTok Creator Fund.
How to get verified on TikTok without followers?
Being a celebrity or rising music artist is a quick way to get verified without followers.
Shutterstock The Bottom Line
Getting verified on TikTok isn’t easy, but with these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting that badge. Doing this can increase your reach, build your social media audience, and take you one step closer to achieving your personal or business goals.
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