TikTokLGBTQIA+ History month gave us so much to celebrate and so much history to reflect on. At TikTok, we're all about celebrating our amazing LGBTQIA+ community all year round. This week's creator spotlight is TikTok LGBTQIA+ trailblazer @max_balegde, whose hilarious content has gained him millions of fans on the platform.
Whether it's behind the scenes of events, his enviable outfits, or a look behind his daily life, he's been having us all in stitches with his videos. But it's not just about the laughs; Max is also co-founder and presenter of the brilliant @theuselesshotlinepod (158k followers) podcast, which candidly discusses life, love, and current affairs.
Whether it's presenting on the red carpet or obsessing about crocs, there's no question that Max is firmly on the up, and we can't wait to see where he goes next!
We sat down with him this week to get his thoughts on being named an LGBTQIA+ trailblazer, how he got started on TikTok, plus his recent trip to Sydney World Pride...
Max, firstly congratulations on being named a TikTok LGBTQIA+ trailblazer! Tell us, how has World Pride in Sydney been?
Sydney World Pride was one of the absolute best times of my life, I had no idea I had so many Australian followers and I genuinely felt so much love from everyone I met. It was amazing!
Who else from the LGBTQIA+ community inspires you?
One of the people that inspires me within the LGBTQ+ community is Dylan Mulvaney, I find her to be so approachable and kind, and the way that she educates people in a non confrontational way is just so inspiring. Another person that inspires me within the community is Alan Carr. I absolutely adore his interview style and his career is such an aspiration of mine. I think he is incredibly funny and relatable.
What first inspired you to create content on TikTok?
I was first inspired to create content on TikTok purely out of boredom because it was lockdown. It then became so much fun to me and within a year it had become my job, which is INSANE. I had no idea that it would happen as I was just having so much fun with the app. I still pinch myself that I’m so lucky.
Why is TikTok right for you?
TikTok is right for me because it is personality based and allows me to be my true self, as opposed to social media in the past that was based on showing yourself in an unrealistic light. I don’t even consider TikTok to be a social media platform, more so an entertainment platform - and that’s exactly what I love to do, entertain people. Whether it’s joking with celebrities on a red carpet, or sitting in my dressing gown talking about how wild my night out was. The versatility of the app is just so perfect for me and what I want to do.
What is your goal on TikTok?
My goal on TikTok is to keep improving my career in interviewing and hosting, whilst staying in touch with my followers. I don’t ever want to lose that contact that people know me for, no matter how successful I get. I see myself working full time in presenting, and one day (fingers crossed) working in TV. However, I will always take my followers along with me on that ride by using TikTok.
What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?
My favourite TikToks are usually the ones I actually put effort into, like transition videos etc. This is because usually my videos are just me talking to the camera with very little editing involved. Whereas this video that I took in Sydney, is probably my favourite TikTok at the minute, especially as it shows off such great memories.
What else is on your TikTok For You feed?
My FYP has very bizarre videos on it, and I absolutely love it. One of my favourite creators is @baileyjayemills who is a queer content creator that makes content about bizarre UK pop culture moments. They are absolutely hilarious and their content gives an insight into how bizarre the rest of my FYP is. I love it.
New to TikTok and want to explore more LGBTQIA+ History Month? Getting involved couldn’t be easier, simply download the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.
