TikTokWe are continuing to celebrate Black History Month this October by spotlighting some of our amazing black creators on TikTok in Ireland! Next up, we would like to introduce Dr. Monica Peres Oikeh, also known to her TikTok followers as @dr.blondieperes! Born in Nigeria, Dr. Monica grew up in Blanchardstown, Dublin and now works as a doctor in Cork. She is passionate about the promotion of health and educating people about their own health, with a particular interest in women’s health matters. Sharing her advice and knowledge through her relatable videos on TikTok, Dr. Monica uses her platform to share evidence-based information and was an important voice of trust and reassurance during the pandemic. We chatted with Monica to hear her views on growing up black in Ireland, and her growing TikTok career, where she passionately emphasises the importance of looking after our health.
Q: What first inspired you to create on TikTok and why?
A: My younger sister told me it was a great way to reach people. Then when I got the app, I realised it was so much fun! I could reach out to people not just in Ireland, but across the globe. During the pandemic , there was a lot of misinformation about Covid-19 and the vaccine. I used TikTok to reach people in my community to deliver information about Covid-19 that was easy to understand. Through TikTok, I had the opportunity to work with the United Nations to help create evidence-based content regarding Covid-19 and the pandemic in general.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A: For me, Black History Month means celebrating our culture, heritage, our success and uniqueness. It is also an opportunity to reflect on our history, and appreciate the people that made a difference to the community, as well as a chance to educate others about the black community.
Q: What other Black creators are on your For You feed?
A: On my feed , I see creators like @ogecheese - a food and lifestyle creator in Ireland. Also @bonbonod14, who uses his platform to share some black and Irish history. @victoralfred11 has very funny, relatable content. @emmanul_aaa uses his platform to showcase different fashion styles. @drdondada, is a Nigerian doctor currently based in Canada and he’s basically a storyteller with a dose of comedy. There are so many creators I love from all over the world. That’s one of the reasons I love TikTok, it’s so easy to see creators that you probably wouldn’t see if you were on other apps!
Q: What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?
A: Most of my content is health information videos, which focus on periods, contraception and women's health. Two years ago, I made a video which showed women and people with cervixes what your doctor sees when he/she looks through a speculum. It was inspired by a patient’s question after a pelvic exam. I got a lot of questions in the comment section and I ended up doing a part two.
Q: How does it feel to represent the Black Irish community on TikTok?
A: Even though I never expected this to happen, I am honoured that I have been able to represent the black Irish community in what I hope is a positive way. It is important to show representation in so many fields, and I am delighted to do so.
