Josh Helfgott

Josh Helfgott (born June 20, 1989) is an American LGBTQ+ activist and digital content creator. He is best known for his TikTok series Gay News, which covers topics related to queer history, LGBTQ+ rights, and current events.

Early life Helfgott was raised on Long Island, New York, by two mothers, a family structure he has publicly discussed. He has described being bullied during his youth and has cited these early experiences as shaping his later interest in advocacy.

Career Helfgott began sharing videos on TikTok in 2020, using short-form content to explore LGBTQ+ topics through personal storytelling, historical commentary, and news updates.

In 2022, he was profiled by The Washington Post in an article examining TikTok creators navigating digital fame and political messaging. That same year, The Advocate highlighted Helfgott for his efforts to mobilize LGBTQ+ voters during the U.S. midterm elections.

In 2023, Helfgott was invited to the White House for its annual LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebration hosted by President Joe Biden. His participation was cited as part of the growing presence of social media creators in civic and political spaces.

Recognition Helfgott was named "Favorite TikToker" at the 2021 Queerty Awards, which honors LGBTQ+ figures in media and entertainment. He was later nominated for Influencer of the Year at the 2022 PinkNews Awards. In 2023, he was among the attendees at the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards.

Personal life Helfgott has spoken about his upbringing as the child of two mothers and his experiences with bullying, which shaped his interest in LGBTQ+ storytelling and advocacy. He has described his work as an effort to "turn shame into pride," particularly by highlighting underrepresented queer stories.

While maintaining an active social media presence, Helfgott often uses personal anecdotes and educational content to engage with a younger LGBTQ+ audience.