Creator Spotlight: @kissyduerre - Empowering Transgender Women and Youth on TikTok

At TikTok, we value authenticity and want to empower creators to share inspiring content with their communities. With our Creator Spotlight Series, an ongoing feature series highlighting creatives on the platform, we're able to showcase the uplifting creators we see each day. Today we are featuring @kissyduerre, a creator from Saskatchewan, Canada who uplifts transgender women and youth through her original and insightful content. She uses her platform to inspire her community and share her experience as a trans woman. From personal anecdotes to moments of joy, Kissy empowers her audience with positive and joyful content. Read more from Kissy below about her community and advice to others!

Kissy started creating on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her first video was a comical and fun demonstration of combing out her afro textured hair to show breakage. She continues to create on TikTok because her content not only inspires but also uplifts and entertains her fans. It gives them the courage to embrace their authentic selves and live life unapologetically.

Kissy's favorite TikTok video is of her walking outside in a bikini in the snow, with the trending song "I'm so pretty and he like that" playing. This video advocates against bullying of transgender people, especially trans youths. Transgender youths are three times more likely to experience bullying in schools than non-trans youths.

Maya Angelou is a Black historical figure who inspires Kissy the most. She admires Maya Angelou's beauty, grace, elegance, and her message of peace, forgiveness, and love. Maya Angelou is a queen in Kissy's eyes.

Kissy's advice to new creators is to choose a niche and focus on creating valuable content rather than obsessing over going viral. By staying true to oneself and creating content that truly inspires, chances are videos will go viral.

Being a trailblazer means paving a path for others that leads to unexplored places. Kissy is humbled to be given this opportunity.

Some Black TikTok creators that everyone should follow include @theconsciouslee and @fatrarco0n, among many others.