Creator Spotlight: Spencer West

This month in our Creator Spotlight Series, we are featuring Spencer West, a gay, disabled motivational speaker, content creator, author, and activist. Despite losing both legs at a young age, Spencer has achieved remarkable feats such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, opening for Demi Lovato's World Tour, and being the subject of a documentary. He has also written a best-selling book about his journey.

Spencer uses his platform on TikTok to share his life story, from teaching others about interacting with disabled individuals to discussing his personal dating experiences. He does so in a comedic and lighthearted manner, aiming to create a diverse community where everyone feels safe, equal, connected, and true to themselves.

When asked about Pride, Spencer sees it as a celebration of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come, while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done to ensure global safety, accessibility, inclusivity, and equity for all.

Coming out as gay has had a profound impact on Spencer's life. It lifted the emotional weight and confusion he had carried for years, teaching him the importance of living authentically and unapologetically. He celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community through his work as a motivational speaker and by actively participating in online communities.

Spencer finds inspiration in the diversity of content and people on TikTok. The love and support he receives from the TikTok community mean the world to him.

One of Spencer's proudest videos is about his experience buying shoes as a person with disabilities. He appreciates the simplicity and authenticity of content creation and encourages others to try without overcomplicating things.

To the next generation of the LGBTQ+ community, Spencer advises understanding the history of the community, striving for progress, and ensuring that everyone feels safe and authentic.

Being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, according to Spencer, involves showing up physically, monetarily, and emotionally, and actively supporting their rights and freedoms. And of course, celebrating together.

Spencer recommends following LGBTQ+ TikTok creators such as @afunctioninggay for their commentary on pop culture and current events, @officialmadamadam for their vibe and sense of humor, @natashaeshh for their incredible style, and @kissyduerre for their straightforwardness.