This month and beyond, we’re celebrating Pride with a global rallying cry, Free to be. As part of our Creator Spotlight Series, get to know some of this year’s incredible LGBTQ+ TikTok Trailblazers who are defining what it means to live their lives freely and to the fullest.

Meet Jayde Mcfarlane (@jaydemcfarlane), a comedy, beauty and relationship content creator who has gained a large following with her authentic videos about being a trans woman of color. Read more below about how TikTok has helped Jayde freely live the life she was meant to live.

What does Pride mean to you? How has that meaning changed for you over time?

Pride, to me, means knowing, understanding, and loving yourself for who you are completely. It means not basing your entire life on your sexuality or identity, while also knowing those are important parts of who you are.

How has your identity influenced or shaped you?

As a trans woman of color, I have learned how cruel and horrible the world can be. By dealing with all of the hate, I’ve been able to become a stronger and better woman as a result.

How do you celebrate the diversity/strength of (and also support) the LGBTQ+ community?

I celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community by going to Pride events as often as possible (prior to the pandemic), while also commenting, reposting, and praising other LGBTQ+ creators every chance I get. And lastly, I keep my DMs open for those who are looking for support and needing strength or guidance from me.

How has the TikTok community inspired you?

The TikTok community has inspired me in a number of ways. It has really played a huge part in allowing me to be myself and knowing that it's OK to be who I am. Truthfully, it was TikTok that really gave me the push that I needed to come out as trans and live the life I was always meant to live.

What advice would you give to the next generation of the LGBTQ+ community?

I would like to tell the next generation of the LGBTQ+ community that it’s most important to always continue to work on yourself and your mental health, and to make sure you are in a good mental state before ever worrying about pleasing others or how you appear to others. I would also like to tell them to always continue to be themselves and not let anyone else try to tell them who they are.

How do you think people can be allies to the LGBTQ+ community?

I believe that being educated is the first and most important part of being an ally. People who are educated are much more likely to be helpful and respectful to the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, respecting people’s pronouns and sexuality play a huge role in being an ally.

Who are some LGBTQ+ TikTok creators that everyone should be following/watching (and why)?

@wor6hip, @stelluhb, @rikkigabbi, @zayaperysian, @allisonxbeck. I believe everyone should be following and watching these creators, because I feel as though trans women don’t get enough love, respect, and recognition in the LGBTQ+ community.