Megan Mitchell: A TikTok Creator and LGBTQ+ Advocate

Megan Mitchell is a well-known anchor and reporter for WLWT, the NBC affiliate in Cincinnati, OH. She is also a TikTok creator with the username @megan.mitchellll. Megan has gained a strong following on TikTok by showcasing LGBTQ+ representation and has received multiple awards, including an Emmy, for her work in uplifting diverse voices.

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community means everything to Megan. It provides her with a supportive network of individuals who allow her to be herself without judgment. She feels proud to be part of a community that has fought against societal norms and has paved the way for self-expression and love. Megan recognizes the privilege of being able to live authentically every day and has developed empathy not only for LGBTQ+ issues but also for anyone who faces judgment, stereotypes, or mistreatment. She believes that being part of the LGBTQ+ community has made her a better person.

The TikTok community has been a great source of inspiration for Megan. She finds it to be an authentic space where people can truly be themselves and explore their identities. Through TikTok, Megan has found connection, relatability, and a sense of community. By watching others share their struggles, she not only feels comfortable sharing her own but also finds healing in the process. The platform has exposed her to different perspectives and issues that she may not personally experience but can empathize with and carry with her into the real world.

Megan has built and maintained her TikTok community by being genuine and true to herself. She speaks about issues that affect her as someone living in the middle of the country. She also embraces the trends and culture of TikTok to share her unique perspective on the world. Additionally, she brings some lightness to the news studio by showcasing her on-air wardrobe and engaging in fun activities with her co-anchor.

While Megan has created many TikTok videos, her favorite is not necessarily the most viewed one but the most meaningful. In this video, she shared her personal journey of coming out to her parents in 2011 and the initial rejection she faced. For years, her parents blamed her or avoided discussing her sexuality. They even discouraged her from going public about it, fearing it would hinder her career as a news anchor. However, in 2020, Megan posted a TikTok that revealed her identity as a lesbian, and it unexpectedly gained popularity. This newfound attention allowed her to gain a following and eventually introduce her parents to her girlfriend, marking a significant milestone in their acceptance and understanding.

Megan's dream opportunity is to anchor a successful streaming morning newscast that can be easily accessed on mobile devices. She envisions a platform like TikTok, Hulu, or Netflix where people can watch or listen to the news while lying in bed or getting ready for work.

For working professionals who want to share their authentic selves on TikTok, Megan's advice is simple: just do it. She has received messages from older queer individuals who have been in the business for decades and have only come out to a few colleagues. Megan encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work and the public sphere, allowing them the freedom to be authentic and vulnerable without hiding their true identities. By doing so, they can inspire future generations and provide support to those who may be afraid to come out, knowing that they have a supportive network on TikTok.