TikTok has joined forces with Sydney Mardi Gras to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of its LGBTQIA+ community through the inaugural TikTok Visionary Voices list and #YouBelongHere pride campaign.

This initiative forms part of TikTok's official media partnership with Sydney Mardi Gras and aims to highlight 13 Australian LGBTQIA+ creators and small business owners who utilise the platform to educate, entertain, and advocate for their community.

The Visionary Voices list and pride campaign will run as a year-long program, amplifying the voices within the LGBTQIA+ community and showcasing creators, partners, and the importance of embracing one's authentic self. The Visionary Voices will share their unique community stories and experiences throughout the year and at Sydney Mardi Gras.

Sydney Mardi Gras CEO, Gil Beckwith, has praised the partnership with TikTok as a "fantastic expression of our shared journey towards greater visibility and connection within the LGBTQIA+ community".

"TikTok has emerged as a vital platform for the voices of the LGBTQIA+ communities, enabling individuals to share their stories, celebrate their identities, and find a sense of belonging. This partnership magnifies our collective efforts to foster an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, freely and proudly," Beckwith said.

The Visionary Voices are recognised across three categories: Creators, Small Business Owners, and Industry Disruptors. The creators include @cleopatratrashbag, @lindynrowland, @mitch.greer, @sofialigeros, and @pierreelhagee. The industry disruptors include @edanmcgovern, @stupidmaya, @rebelwilson, and @itsrachibaby. The small business owners include @styledbyesther, @eiitanbroude, @joshandmattdesign, and @nursajat237.

TikTok will be live-streaming the 'Mardi Gras Visionary Voices Celebration' on Thursday 29 February, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm on @tiktoklive_aunz. The hosts for the live-stream will be Jeremy Franco @jezbreezy, and Triple J host, Latifa Tee @latifatee. The live-stream will feature interviews with queer creators such as @mitch.greer, @eiitanbroude, and @edanmcgovern, and music performances by G Flip @gflipmusic and Srirachi @itsrachibaby.

A TikTok spokesperson said the LGBTQIA+ community is one of the strongest and most vibrant communities on TikTok.

"We take great pride in spotlighting, celebrating and uplifting this amazing part of our community. We're committed to amplifying the voices of our diverse creators as they continue to reach new audiences, build careers, and drive a positive impact in Australia," the spokesperson stated.

"TikTok's Visionary Voices will be at the centre of TikTok's and Sydney Mardi Gras' festivities, and throughout 2024, will continue to remind us that pride is a year-round celebration worth embracing each day."