In Part Two of our exclusive interview series, we continue taking a look at how TikTok has become more than a platform for dance trends and lip syncs, and has developed into a space for queer visionary voices to express their storytelling, knowledge, and visibility. We look at this aspect via the leading lens of Canadian Content Creators, who are sharing their passions, their journeys, and their community inclusivesness.

Creators of Change: How Queer Voices Are Redefining TikTok Culture

Part Two

Sarah Couvillon & Rachel Newby @rainbowcertified (she/her) — ON

Joanna Johnson @unlearn16 (she/her) — Ajax, ON


Kissy Duerre @kissyduerre (she/her) — Calgary, AB


KJ Denny @kagedenny (he/him) — Halifax, NS

How did you first start creating on TikTok, and when did you realize your content was resonating with people?

Sarah & Rachel: We didn’t think TikTok was for us at first — we assumed it was all Gen Z dances. But when Sarah’s brother told us how much reach small businesses were getting, we tried it, and suddenly we were hooked. When our followers and interactions started growing, we realized people were connecting with our content and with our story as a queer couple running a business together.

Joanna Johnson: A friend’s 13-year-old downloaded the app on my phone and pushed me to film my first video. As a teacher, I dismissed TikTok at first, but my mix of slightly sarcastic, teacher-focused political and social commentary quickly resonated. During the pandemic, people were craving honest conversation and humour — and that’s where the connection really grew.

Kissy Duerre: I started during the pandemic, just posting small, authentic snippets of my life — fashion, family, joy, or speaking on issues affecting the trans, LGBTQ+ and Black communities. I realized my content was resonating when people commented things like, “I feel seen,” or “this made my day.” That’s when I knew it wasn’t just posting — it was community.

KJ Denny: I’ve wanted to create since I was young — always filming with friends — but never had the courage to post online. During the pandemic, seeing Indigenous and two-spirited creators thriving on TikTok made me feel like there was space for me too. Once I started posting consistently and speaking directly to the camera, my page grew quickly. I knew my content was resonating when people said my videos helped them through hard days — and especially when I began sharing my sobriety journey and people reached out with their own stories.

As a queer creator, what do you feel is the most powerful thing social media can do for visibility and inclusion?

Sarah & Rachel: Social media lets us connect with people around the world — people we never would’ve met otherwise. Sharing our lives and our LGBTQ+ business has built a supportive, loving community of queer people and allies. It shows how powerful visibility can be when we tell our own stories.

Joanna: Visibility and authenticity — that’s the power of TikTok. It gives space to real ideas and real voices. By showing how I stand up to ignorance or bigotry, I’m not trying to change minds; I’m showing others how to stand strong. Representation through action is one of the most impactful tools we have.

Kissy: Social media collapses distance. It lets someone halfway across the world feel seen and understood. Visibility isn’t just being seen — it’s being understood in our joy, softness, humour, and complexity. TikTok lets us tell our stories in our own voices without waiting for permission.

KJ: Even within our own communities, it can be hard to build space for two-spirited people. Social media gives us a place to gather, create community, and inspire each other. Seeing two-spirited creators online helped me realize I belong — and it can do the same for others.

How do you handle negativity or misconceptions online while keeping your message positive?

Sarah & Rachel: Being a visible queer couple brings negativity, but honestly, it motivates us even more. Those comments remind us why our work matters — creating safer spaces, spreading love, and pushing for equality.

Joanna: I never film when I’m angry. If I can’t respond with clarity and purpose, I don’t respond. I genuinely believe most people are good and want better for the world. Misconceptions are just miseducation — and I focus on responding in ways that uplift rather than inflame.

Kissy: Not every comment deserves my energy. Negativity often comes from people projecting their own pain. My focus is on the people who gain joy or comfort from my content — they are who I’m creating for.

KJ: I don’t get a lot of negativity, but when it happens, I simply block and move on. I know who I am and what I stand for — nobody’s comment is going to shake that.

Each of you brings something unique—humour, fashion, education, empowerment. What’s one post or moment that made you proudest?

Sarah & Rachel: A follower once used our enamel pins to come out to their family — they bought ten and gifted them to their loved ones. When we read their email, we both cried. It was such a powerful reminder of how small things can support huge life moments.

Joanna: My proudest moments are when someone enters my live ready to disagree, judge me, or even troll — but ends up staying, listening, and engaging in real conversation. That’s the victory: staying for the debate.

Kissy: I created a series imagining trans and GNC elders in nursing homes. Because so few trans elders survived past generations due to the AIDS epidemic and systemic discrimination, the responses were emotional and powerful. People said things like, “This gives me hope to beat the statistics.” That meant everything.

KJ: My one-year sobriety video. I pressed record and let everything out — it was cathartic and freeing, like the weight I felt when I came out at nineteen. I remember walking past a liquor store sign and thinking, “I won — you no longer have power over me.” That moment was everything.

What does being recognized as a TikTok Visionary Voice mean to you personally?

Sarah & Rachel: It’s an incredible honour. It means people see our work as a positive force in the community — and that inspires us to keep showing up and building inclusive spaces.

Joanna: It means that who I am and what I stand for truly matters. It’s given me the chance to reach people across the world, develop meaningful conversations, and build a community that creates real-world impact.

Kissy: It feels deeply affirming — a nod to every version of myself that wondered if I could take up space. Being recognized isn’t just about visibility; it’s about legacy. It means opening the door wider for others.

KJ: I felt genuinely proud — and like I deserved it. For Indigenous people to see a sober, two-spirited creator recognized is meaningful. Sobriety has become sacred to me, and this honour reinforces that journey.

What’s next — what can your followers look forward to in the coming year?

Sarah & Rachel: More behind-the-scenes content of running Rainbow Certified, plus new products — including a fresh line of stickers and enamel pins — and more in-person markets.

Joanna: Taking my TikTok content to the stage. I want to build live connections around the conversations and social justice work we’ve created together.

Kissy: More heartfelt storytelling, more fashion, and some exciting projects I’m working on. I want to keep building warm, intentional spaces where people feel celebrated.

KJ: New creative directions — a drag account, more comedy skits, cultural cooking content, vlogging, and maybe finally chasing my dream of being a YouTuber. I think my chaotic personality will fit perfectly in long-form.

Together, these creators remind us that when we share our stories, we create bridges — between laughter and learning, between identity and community. Their voices make TikTok, and the world, a little more connected, and a little more seen. Follow them, uplift them, and share their light. Be sure to also read Part One in this series.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.