Josh Helfgott
Josh Helfgott | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 20, 1989 Long Island, New York, U.S. |
| Occupations | Activist, content creator |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Known for | LGBTQ+ advocacy, "Gay News" TikTok series |
| Instagram information | |
| Page | |
| Followers | 1.2 million (October 11, 2025) |
| TikTok information | |
| Page | |
| Followers | 5.9 million (October 11, 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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
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