Josh Helfgott

Josh Helfgott
Born (1989-06-20) June 20, 1989
Long Island, New York, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)Activist, content creator
Years active2020–present
Known forLGBTQ+ advocacy, "Gay News" TikTok series
TikTok information
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Followers5.9 million
Likes488 million
Instagram information
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Followers1.1 million
Updated: June 9, 2025

Josh Helfgott (born June 20, 1989) is an American LGBTQ+ activist and digital content creator. He is best known for his TikTok series Gay News, which covers topics related to queer history, LGBTQ+ rights, and current events.

Early life

Helfgott was raised on Long Island, New York, by two mothers, a family structure he has publicly discussed.[1] He has described being bullied during his youth and has cited these early experiences as shaping his later interest in advocacy.[2]

Career

Helfgott began sharing videos on TikTok in 2020, using short-form content to explore LGBTQ+ topics through personal storytelling, historical commentary, and news updates.[3]

In 2022, he was profiled by The Washington Post in an article examining TikTok creators navigating digital fame and political messaging.[4] That same year, The Advocate highlighted Helfgott for his efforts to mobilize LGBTQ+ voters during the U.S. midterm elections.[5]

In 2023, Helfgott was invited to the White House for its annual LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebration hosted by President Joe Biden.[6] His participation was cited as part of the growing presence of social media creators in civic and political spaces.[7]

Recognition

Helfgott was named "Favorite TikToker" at the 2021 Queerty Awards, which honors LGBTQ+ figures in media and entertainment.[8] He was later nominated for Influencer of the Year at the 2022 PinkNews Awards.[9] In 2023, he was among the attendees at the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards.[10]

Personal life

Helfgott has spoken about his upbringing as the child of two mothers and his experiences with bullying, which shaped his interest in LGBTQ+ storytelling and advocacy.[1][2] He has described his work as an effort to "turn shame into pride," particularly by highlighting underrepresented queer stories.[2]

While maintaining an active social media presence, Helfgott often uses personal anecdotes and educational content to engage with a younger LGBTQ+ audience.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Mago, Karishhma (1 July 2020). "LGBTQ+ Influencer Josh Helfgott Shares His Experience on Growing Up With Two Mothers". Net News Ledger. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b c Kindelan, Katie (8 June 2021). "TikTok star Josh Helfgott reveals bullied past, talks power of representation and inclusion". Good Morning America. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  3. ^ a b Rosenblatt, Kalhan (20 September 2022). "Britney Spears' fan shares touching account of meeting the pop star 20 years ago". Today. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  4. ^ Heilweil, Rebecca (19 October 2022). "Sorry you went viral". The Washington Post. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  5. ^ Bernstein, Jacob (6 November 2022). "TikTok Phenom Josh Helfgott Energizes Queer Army for Election Day". The Advocate. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  6. ^ "Biden Marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month With Celebration on South Lawn". El Dorado News. 11 June 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  7. ^ Gershkovich, Evan (21 August 2024). "At DNC, influencers battle journalists for space and access". Reuters. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Josh Helfgott, winner of FAVORITE TIKTOKER". Queerty. 6 March 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  9. ^ "PinkNews Awards 2022 Nominations". PinkNews. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  10. ^ "32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards Recipients". GLAAD. 9 April 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
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