TikTokFebruary is LGBTQIA+ History month and we are honoured to spotlight and celebrate some of the amazing creators from this community, so our latest Creator Spotlight features Chris Murphy, known on TikTok as @chrisisainmdom
Q: What does LGBTQIA+ History Month mean to you?
A: LGBTQIA+ History Month is a time to honour the many contributions and struggles of individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ and have made significant impacts on our community. Growing up in rural Ireland, I did not have access to anything LGBTQIA+ or queer related and it is so important to be able to share and educate people to let them know that they are not alone.
Q: Who from the LGBTQIA+ community inspires you?
A: Obviously, there are the heroes of the LGBTQIA+ community who have made inspiring contributions in various fields, such as Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson, Audre Lorde, and Bayard Rustin, but, I am constantly inspired by so many members of the community in so many different fascets it. From Kim Petras, and SOPHIE in music, Joe Locke and Yasmin Finney on TV, Robbie Lawlor and Panti Bliss as Irish activists to other creators like Mark Bittlestone or Bimini. I think it's important to hear all queer voices as anyone and everyone can offer some sort of inspiration and that is the beauty of this month to amplify those voices and be inspired.
Q: What first inspired you to create on TikTok?
A: What inspired my first TikTok and what inspired me to create takes old style or two totally different things. My first TikTok came from a place of boredom, whereas now I am inspired by other LGBTQIA+ creators and heavily influenced by our community.
Q: What is your goal on TikTok?
A: My goal on TikTok is to have fun and be creative. It is also important for me to create a safe space for the queer community to have lighthearted discussions but also be supportive. It is really important to me to be able to be a positive queer representative and share my experiences and hardships.
Q: What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?
A: My favourite video is the one that I feel was the turning point for me. It felt like an 'Ah-Ha' moment for me. It was when I made my first video that I finally leaned into making content for an LGBTQ+ audience about being homosexual in a heterosexual world. The video centred around going to the barber for a haircut and how usually it's a daunting and scary experience for the queer community as barbers are usually very hetero and masculine. The humour comes from someone like me trying to act 'straight' in order to fly under the radar.
Q: What is your favourite recent trend on TikTok?
A: I love the album selection trend. I love seeing what people think about putting certain albums against one another and I love to see when people find it very difficult. I almost always watch to the end.
Q: What else or who else is on your TikTok For You feed?
A: Brittany Broski is almost always on my feed and it feels so correct, although not queer herself she is a really important ally and always has time to spotlight LGBTQIA+ creators. Someone who has shown up a lot recently is @popsamcam who I adore! Sam’s music insights are just uncontested. As well as sharing the same surname, I feel like we share the same music taste. Sam is just much better at articulating all the correct music terminology.
