Hina: Embracing Identity and Building Community on TikTok

Hina, a Japanese non-binary lesbian, is a TikTok creator who focuses on creating comedic and fashion content. Their main goal is to shed light on lesbian culture and the intersections of their identities, while also bringing representation to their communities. They especially aim to provide visibility for young queer Asian individuals who have not seen themselves represented in the media.

Hina's identity is deeply rooted in their culture. As an immigrant from Japan to the United States during childhood, they experienced a loss of their Japanese name, Hina, as their parents changed it to "Katelyn." They spent a significant portion of their youth trying to conform to American norms in terms of behavior, language, and appearance. However, after a decade of living in the US, they felt lost and depressed. A trip back to Japan brought them a sense of peace, belonging, and safety. This experience made them realize the importance of embracing their true self and reconnecting with their Japanese heritage. They decided to take Japanese classes, speak only Japanese to their mother, make Japanese friends, learn to cook Japanese food, and read Japanese books. They are determined to never let go of this sacred part of their identity again. Hina feels a deep connection and tenderness towards the people in their API community, as many of them have had similar experiences. Being part of this community makes them feel less alone and provides a sense of home.

The TikTok community has been a tremendous source of inspiration and acceptance for Hina. They have never felt more visible, accepted, and proud of their identities than on TikTok. They appreciate the platform's ability to connect with people who need to see their content, making it easy to find their community. Hina is particularly inspired by their fellow API and queer creators, who are creative, talented, funny, and intelligent. TikTok has become a place where they can spend time with people who feel like friends. The authenticity and candidness of the TikTok community allow for genuine connections and inspire Hina to believe that the world is not as big as it seems, and that there are common threads that connect us all.

One of Hina's favorite TikTok videos is a collaboration with another API creator, Austin Cho, where they portrayed a scenario of a gay and lesbian married couple. This video holds a special place in their heart because it showcases the power of TikTok in creating a sense of community and the magic that can come from connecting with others. Hina and Austin have become close friends through TikTok, and the experience of creating content together has been incredibly enjoyable.

One aspect that people may not know about Hina from watching their TikTok content is that English is their second language. Despite not having an accent, they are actually a native Japanese speaker. When they moved to the US, they had to relearn English because they primarily spoke Japanese to their mother while their father was always at work. This language barrier became a significant insecurity for Hina, as they felt others perceived them as unintelligent due to their limited English proficiency. This insecurity drove them to learn multiple languages, and they have now acquired fluency in seven or eight languages.

On and off TikTok, Hina is passionate about creating meaningful representation for Asian, lesbian, and non-binary individuals in popular media. They believe it is their life's purpose to provide a safe space for people to exist without shame or hiding their true selves. Whether through TikTok or in the writers' room, Hina aims to be a powerful force in bringing about this representation.

For comedy creators starting out on TikTok, Hina advises against creating content that hurts others. They believe that comedy should be relatable, uplifting, and make people feel good. Finding the balance between humor and sensitivity is crucial. Hina personally enjoys making playful jokes about lesbians, as they are a lesbian themselves, but they always ensure it is done in a respectful manner. They also encourage creators to embrace their niche and find what makes their content unique. People love seeing something they have never seen before, so combining two interests or passions can create a novelty that sets one apart. For example, combining comedy with book reviews could be a niche that makes a creator stand out.