TikTok deal finalized but how will it affect LGBTQ creators, users

CHICAGO, ILL. - A finalized deal for TikTok has stopped a total ban in the United States, a move that is a major relief for LGBTQ creators and viewers who use the app to find community. For many, TikTok is more than an app for videos; it is a digital home where people in small towns or unsupportive families can find others like them. By avoiding a shutdown, the deal ensures these vital digital connections and support networks stay alive.

The viewing experience for the LGBTQ community will likely stay the same in the short term. The "For You" page is famous for its algorithm, which is highly effective at showing people content that fits their specific lives and interests. This has helped many young people learn about their identities by watching authentic stories they do not see in mainstream movies or on regular TV. Because the app was not banned, creators can keep their followers and continue their work, which often includes raising money for healthcare, providing mental health tips, or teaching queer history to a global audience.

However, the way the app is run is undergoing a massive change. The deal gives the Trump administration a significant amount of power over the company’s future. As part of the agreement, the federal government will help choose a board of directors to oversee the platform's American operations. This is the first time a president has had this much direct influence over a major social media site. Many LGBTQ users are worried about this shift because the administration has often disagreed with the community on high-profile issues like inclusive education and gender-affirming healthcare. There is a growing fear that the government might push the app to hide, flag, or limit the reach of queer content under the guise of "safety" or "suitability."

A key player in this new setup is Larry Ellison. He is the billionaire who co-founded the tech company Oracle. Ellison is not just a tech leader; he is a well-known and outspoken supporter of the president. He has hosted large fundraisers and acted as an advisor to the administration on several occasions. Under the new deal, Ellison’s company, Oracle, will be in charge of storing and securing all the data for TikTok in America. This means a company led by one of the president's closest allies in Silicon Valley now holds the keys to the platform's infrastructure.

Because Ellison is so close to the White House, the app is now tied to a very specific political group. This is a major concern for LGBTQ activists who use TikTok to organize protests, share political critiques, or speak freely about their lives. The shift in ownership means the platform is moving away from its roots as a wild, user-driven space and into a more controlled corporate environment.

The community will be watching closely to see if their videos start getting fewer views or if the rules about what they can say begin to change under this new leadership. While the deal saved the app from disappearing, the people now running it have a very different political vision than the diverse group of creators who made TikTok a global phenomenon. For the LGBTQ community, the fight for visibility on the app may be entering a much more complicated chapter.