Spotlight Series: Celebrating API Heritage Month with TikTok Creator @8illy

In our Spotlight Series, we feature creators who showcase their hobbies and interests in imaginative and meaningful ways. One such creator is @8illy, who captivates viewers with his unique editing style, creating captivating videos and short films. From curating music playlists to transporting his audience into a cardboard world, Billy constantly pushes the boundaries of innovative content.

Billy shares how TikTok has provided him with a platform to connect with fans and share his creations. He also highlights how the TikTok community continues to inspire him. Together with @inmyseams, Billy will be co-hosting "This is API Celebration," the finale event for API Heritage Month on TikTok LIVE. This event aims to celebrate the diversity and strength of the API community.

Billy's culture has played a significant role in shaping his identity. As an Asian, he takes pride in his heritage. However, growing up, he felt a lack of positive representation in the media and faced microaggressions. These experiences motivated him to pursue a career in the media industry, with the goal of becoming a role model for younger generations of Asians.

To celebrate the diversity and strength of the API community, Billy supports local API businesses and restaurants. He also uses his platform to give a spotlight to Asian creatives and highlight social issues affecting the API community. Billy believes that programs like "This is API Celebration" are crucial steps towards celebrating the diversity and strength of the API community.

API heritage holds great significance for Billy. Growing up in a predominantly Asian community, he experienced a sense of love and community that he didn't fully appreciate until he faced racism and microaggressions outside of his hometown. These experiences made him realize the importance of showcasing his culture in a positive light and breaking boundaries for Asians in entertainment and media. He aims to be a leading role model for younger Asian individuals who may lack a sense of Asian pride or community.

The TikTok community has been a source of inspiration for Billy. It has shown him that there are many other Asians with a passion for creating content. Initially, he felt isolated and confused as he didn't see many Asian creators making content that didn't mock their own culture or solely focus on being Asian. However, TikTok provided him with a platform to showcase his creations and find support from fans. The immense support he has received over the years has motivated him to continue inspiring others and creating funny and meaningful content while embracing his Asian identity.

Billy also supports other creators in the API community and strives to set a good example for them. Many Asian creatives have reached out to him, expressing how amazing it feels to see someone like them creating cool content. He believes that he has encouraged fellow Asian creators to passionately create and push themselves, and he finds inspiration from them as well. Some Asian creators that Billy recommends following and watching are @wholesomesimon and @7eremeiah.