TikTok backs LGBTQIA+ creator growth through music and mentorship

TikTok has marked Pride Month in the Philippines with the return of its annual #ForYourPride campaign, combining music, creator education and community-building initiatives to support LGBTQIA+ creators and encourage authentic self-expression on the platform.

Now in its sixth year, the campaign adopted the theme "Find your voice", highlighting the role of music and creative expression in fostering understanding, empathy and allyship. This year's programme featured a TikTok LIVE singing competition, an exclusive mentorship session for emerging creators and an offline celebration bringing together creators, artists and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

"Creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to express themselves has always been at the heart of what we do at TikTok. Through #ForYourPride, we celebrate LGBTQIA+ creators and allies who are using their creativity and voices to spark conversations, inspire others, and build communities that uplift one another," said Bea Bautista, communications lead for the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia at TikTok.

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A key element of the campaign was the TikTok LIVE Find Your Voice Competition, which invited creators to perform an original song or cover inspired by Pride, empowerment and self-expression. The initiative underscored TikTok LIVE's role in helping creators grow audiences, develop their craft and build communities through real-time engagement.

Ryssi Avila emerged as both Top Creator and Pride Anthem Winner with her original track For Real, joined by fellow winners Criszl Luna, Don Philip Dela Cerna, Arnie Calacar and Ruthie Qadan. TikTok said Avila's winning song became available on Spotify and YouTube from 3 July.

The platform also highlighted TikTok LIVE features, including Multi-Guest collaborations, as tools that enable creators to connect with audiences across borders through shared experiences and authentic storytelling.

Following the competition, the top creators participated in a mentorship session led by TikTok creator, neurolinguistic programming practitioner and Drag Race Philippines Season 3 finalist Tita Baby. The workshop focused on personal branding, authenticity, audience engagement and creative development, reflecting TikTok's broader strategy of pairing platform exposure with creator education.

The campaign concluded with a music festival-inspired celebration featuring performances from competition winners, a Pride Runway showcase and appearances by drag artists Tiny Deluxe, who hosted the event, and Popstar Bench. Fellow creators including Rica Salomon, Kylie Celebre, Mikoella and Jamie Casino also attended.

"By empowering creators through campaigns such as #ForYourPride and supporting them with opportunities for learning and connection, we hope to inspire even more people to share their stories with confidence and pride," added Bautista.

Step into PR Asia Philippines 2026 on 9 September in Manila, where communications leaders will unpack the realities of trust, nationalism, misinformation, and polarisation shaping the country’s evolving narrative landscape.

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