TikTok, along with its Chinese counterpart Douyin, stands as a short-form video platform that empowers users to craft and distribute videos amongst their circle of friends. It’s the fastest growing social media app and is largely dominated by Generation Z.
As a platform, TikTok is known for its diversity and creativity. And that’s why Dave has found it to be a valuable tool for his professional and personal growth.
@wholeisticlyfe #duet with @authentnic #charlieveitch perception is everything! We are all the same no matter what. #perception #mindset #black #white #weareone #watchtillend #fyp #mustwatch #couple #love ♬ original sound – 𓍊𓋼nicole𓋼𓍊
Boman Martinez-Reid
TikTok, the video-sharing app, has launched a new diversity campaign to celebrate trends, stories, and conversations. It aims to “celebrate creators who are making a difference, delivering cultural and social impact on and off-platform,” according to the blogTO report.
Boman Martinez-Reid, a 25-year-old out actor from Toronto, is one of those creators. He’s skyrocketed to a million followers on the platform with his parodies of reality shows.
He’s also a huge supporter of LGBTQ+ creators and feels like the brand has a great opportunity to promote inclusive content. As an out gay man, he believes that tiktok is a space where his queerness isn’t a category but is “how I am.”
He started off with a few videos about his family, but quickly began creating more and more parodies of reality TV. He’s been able to hone his skills and gain more attention thanks to the pandemic.
Andre Isaacs
Taking cues from his Jamaican roots, Andre Isaacs blends his family’s values with his love of chemistry to create a unique chemistry with his students. He mixes a culture of joy, community and cheering on others to create an environment where students feel welcome in his lab and classrooms.
In his TikTok videos, he weaves punchy science communication with warmth and inclusive messaging. He uses the platform to connect with a large and diverse audience.
When he isn’t in the lab or class, Isaacs enjoys spending time with his family. He often takes them out to eat or visit the gym.
As a professor at the College of the Holy Cross, Isaacs focuses on copper-mediated organic transformations. He teaches undergraduates and conducts research.
He is an active member of Outfront – the college’s LGBTQ faculty and staff alliance. He also mentors student groups including the Caribbean African Students’ Assemblage and the acapella group Fools on the Hill.
The House Gospel Choir
A growing number of TikTok creators are using gospel music to tell their stories, creating a new space on the platform for the spiritual community. This year, a 25 per cent increase in creations has been recorded using gospel-inspired tracks and videos as the backdrop for a wide range of content.
One such group is The House Gospel Choir, who have taken their love of gospel music and paired it with house music to create divine dance floor anthems. Their songs have been used in performances with Loyle Carner, Emilie Sande and Kylie Minogue.
Founder Natalie Maddix says she aims to create an experience for people that is not tied to a particular religion or faith. She believes the healing power of house music can be repurposed to provide a spiritual community without the constraints that come with being religious.
Dave Segal
Hailing from Seattle, Dave Segal, a seasoned music writer, has contributed his insights to the music industry within Gale Research’s collection of literary critique reference books. He has lent his expertise to publications such as Creem during its downturn, as well as Alternative Press during its zenith. His bylines have graced pages of XLR8R, Jazz Times, and numerous alternative weekly newspapers spanning the American landscape. Adding to his eclectic portfolio, he also indulges in DJing unconventional and obscure vinyl records under the pseudonym Veins.
Segal was a columnist for The New York Times until June 11, 2017. His bi-weekly “The Haggler” column printed and attempted to resolve reader-submitted letters about plights in customer service.
Furthermore, he contributed articles on technology and business subjects to The Times, and stood as an integral member of a reporting team honored with the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in the year 2013.He is currently co-founder and president of DAVIDsTEA, a Montreal-based loose- and brewed-tea seller. Founded in 2008, it’s already got a sizable amount of high-profile backing and aims to open more stores. It’s a tough battle against Starbucks’ coffee reign, but Segal believes his approach sets him apart.
