An Italian Activist in Berlin:
Andrea Di Giovanni Teams with TikTok for #YourVoiceYourStage
Dark-pop artist and activist Andrea Di Giovanni is one of the LGBTQ+ influencers pioneering the TikTok float at Berlin Pride on 27th July. TikTok has partnered with EnoughisEnough, Germany's biggest LGBTQ+ network, to showcase queer talent and excellence. Andrea has spoken on social media throughout this campaign about the importance of Pride to them, and the significance of being proudly queer on platforms such as TikTok. The campaign also seeks to prove how easy it is to support a worthwhile cause, with TikTok donating to EnoughisEnough for every video posted using #YourVoiceYourStage.
As an influential activist and musician who is unafraid of voicing their opinions on inequality within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, Andrea is keen to support this cause and stand as an influencer for the queer community this Pride. Andrea recently released their summer EP, entitled 'Permission', which fuses Summer-sounds with the important messaging of consent whilst partying. They also wrote an impassioned piece for QX regarding the monetisation of Pride by brands, and how allies should best show their support to the community.
With such a great opportunity to promote social good and help out a deserving LGBTQ+ organization, we caught up with Andrea before heading to Berlin to find out more about the #YourVoiceYourStage campaign, their role in activism and what's next in their musical journey.
Hello Andrea! It's great to have you back chatting with Q Review. Since the last time we sat down for your podcast episode you have been really busy attending and performing at Pride events and now you're taking part in Christopher Street Day, the Berlin Pride, with TikTok's #YourVoiceYourStage campaign in support of "Enough Is Enough". For those unfamiliar, what is the campaign all about and what is "Enough Is Enough".
Pride embodies every TikTok's value (authenticity, inclusiveness, diversity, well being, empowerment), which is why TikTok has partnered up with EnoughIsEnough, Germany's biggest LGBT+ network, to celebrate Pride together. People always think it takes time and effort to do something good but on TikTok it is quite simple. All you need is to create a video. For every video created on TikTok using the #YourVoiceYourStage, TikTok will donate money to the association EnoughIsEnough (EiE).
How did you get involved in the campaign?
Tik Tok emailed my team and explained the campaign to me and I accepted because I find of pivotal importance to have big multinationals donating to grass-root LGBTQ+ organisations.
What role will you be playing? Will you be performing?
I'll be on the Tik Tok float proudly representing the trans, non-binary and GNC community. I won't be performing this time around!
As an influential activist and musician who is unafraid of voicing their opinions on inequality within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, Andrea is keen to support this cause and stand as an influencer for the queer community this Pride. Andrea recently released their summer EP, entitled 'Permission', which fuses Summer-sounds with the important messaging of consent whilst partying. They also wrote an impassioned piece for QX regarding the monetisation of Pride by brands, and how allies should best show their support to the community.
With such a great opportunity to promote social good and help out a deserving LGBTQ+ organization, we caught up with Andrea before heading to Berlin to find out more about the #YourVoiceYourStage campaign, their role in activism and what's next in their musical journey.
Hello Andrea! It's great to have you back chatting with Q Review. Since the last time we sat down for your podcast episode you have been really busy attending and performing at Pride events and now you're taking part in Christopher Street Day, the Berlin Pride, with TikTok's #YourVoiceYourStage campaign in support of "Enough Is Enough". For those unfamiliar, what is the campaign all about and what is "Enough Is Enough".
Pride embodies every TikTok's value (authenticity, inclusiveness, diversity, well being, empowerment), which is why TikTok has partnered up with EnoughIsEnough, Germany's biggest LGBT+ network, to celebrate Pride together. People always think it takes time and effort to do something good but on TikTok it is quite simple. All you need is to create a video. For every video created on TikTok using the #YourVoiceYourStage, TikTok will donate money to the association EnoughIsEnough (EiE).
How did you get involved in the campaign?
Tik Tok emailed my team and explained the campaign to me and I accepted because I find of pivotal importance to have big multinationals donating to grass-root LGBTQ+ organisations.
What role will you be playing? Will you be performing?
I'll be on the Tik Tok float proudly representing the trans, non-binary and GNC community. I won't be performing this time around!
Christopher Street Day is held in memory of the Stonewall Riots and you yourself are known as a vocal and proud activist for equality. What does it mean to you to have the opportunity to be involved in Pride events such as this?
It feels incredible and I am always flattered and humbled when I'm offered these opportunities. This isn't about me, it's about us, our beautiful and intersectionally diverse community. It's about reminding people that Pride is a protest, we are still at risk in 72 countries and with the radical conservative movement gaining power all across the globe, we have to show our resilience and will to continue the fight our mothers started 50 years ago.
As someone who is an influencer and vocal advocate for the queer community, what do you see as your role in moving the conversation on inclusion and equality forward?
I want to give my platform to those who need to be heard, facilitate those voices who struggle to boom through the noise and fight with them. I am a privileged person and I acknowledge that, so I try to put all of my energies in uplifting others.
Having been so active these past months, what have been some of the highlights for you during this Pride season so far?
Marching with Voices 4, LGS, The Outside Project and African Rainbow Family at London Pride. As a trans person, I felt safe, loved, respected by my community and it's something I have NEVER felt before. Also, we protested, we were raising awareness for our people who suffer, are deported or killed... not just getting drunk and dancing to pop music.
TikTok is a platform that has been embraced by many of the LGBTQ community as a way to share their voice and express themselves. But for those wanting to support who have never used the platform what advice would you give them to really embrace the idea of #YourVoiceYourStage?
I know a lot of us are fierce lip-sync champions so open your camera, feel your oats and have fun! But also speak up about issues that are close to you and you want to change. There's no rule book, be you and do it unapologetically.
It feels incredible and I am always flattered and humbled when I'm offered these opportunities. This isn't about me, it's about us, our beautiful and intersectionally diverse community. It's about reminding people that Pride is a protest, we are still at risk in 72 countries and with the radical conservative movement gaining power all across the globe, we have to show our resilience and will to continue the fight our mothers started 50 years ago.
As someone who is an influencer and vocal advocate for the queer community, what do you see as your role in moving the conversation on inclusion and equality forward?
I want to give my platform to those who need to be heard, facilitate those voices who struggle to boom through the noise and fight with them. I am a privileged person and I acknowledge that, so I try to put all of my energies in uplifting others.
Having been so active these past months, what have been some of the highlights for you during this Pride season so far?
Marching with Voices 4, LGS, The Outside Project and African Rainbow Family at London Pride. As a trans person, I felt safe, loved, respected by my community and it's something I have NEVER felt before. Also, we protested, we were raising awareness for our people who suffer, are deported or killed... not just getting drunk and dancing to pop music.
TikTok is a platform that has been embraced by many of the LGBTQ community as a way to share their voice and express themselves. But for those wanting to support who have never used the platform what advice would you give them to really embrace the idea of #YourVoiceYourStage?
I know a lot of us are fierce lip-sync champions so open your camera, feel your oats and have fun! But also speak up about issues that are close to you and you want to change. There's no rule book, be you and do it unapologetically.
We've spoken previously about challenges within the music industry and LGBTQ artists. Social media platforms have become instrumental in helping artists find new audiences. But even with high-level activity online, there is a definite imbalance of support and success for LGBTQ identifying artists. What do you think it's going to take for opportunities in music to become more balanced for LGBTQ artists within mainstream media?
Ugh, a tough one. I'd say I'd love to see less fear and more openness. At times I feel like a lot of opportunities are given to our straight counterpart just because the industry is scared that queer artists are not as profitable. Music is a universal language, they know that yet nothing changes.
You've also openly talked about the monetisation of Pride. There are also many conversations regarding businesses using Pride as a means to market and promote themselves. What are some of the key things that you think businesses and organizations who legitimately want to support the community need to consider when approaching their involvement in Pride?
Donating their entire profit to LGBTQ+ charities and organisations during Pride season and then a percentage (15-20%) all year around. Researching, understanding and listening to the community rather than just opting for a marketing stunt to sell more and then disappear.
You're quickly becoming a music, advocacy and fashion role model for so many LGBTQ individuals by being your ever vocal, visible and fabulous self. How does that affect both your professional career and personal life?
Aw, thank you that's very sweet of you to say! At times I'm scared, I'm not going to lie but for most of the time I am happy and so very proud. For a young catholic raised child from Rome, I'm trying to create a better world for the generations to come. I feel incredibly good about that.
Ugh, a tough one. I'd say I'd love to see less fear and more openness. At times I feel like a lot of opportunities are given to our straight counterpart just because the industry is scared that queer artists are not as profitable. Music is a universal language, they know that yet nothing changes.
You've also openly talked about the monetisation of Pride. There are also many conversations regarding businesses using Pride as a means to market and promote themselves. What are some of the key things that you think businesses and organizations who legitimately want to support the community need to consider when approaching their involvement in Pride?
Donating their entire profit to LGBTQ+ charities and organisations during Pride season and then a percentage (15-20%) all year around. Researching, understanding and listening to the community rather than just opting for a marketing stunt to sell more and then disappear.
You're quickly becoming a music, advocacy and fashion role model for so many LGBTQ individuals by being your ever vocal, visible and fabulous self. How does that affect both your professional career and personal life?
Aw, thank you that's very sweet of you to say! At times I'm scared, I'm not going to lie but for most of the time I am happy and so very proud. For a young catholic raised child from Rome, I'm trying to create a better world for the generations to come. I feel incredibly good about that.
As someone who is a busy DIY artist, how are you balancing the work and responsibilities with your own personal life? How do you take care of you?
I'm a workaholic, that's no secret, I love what I do so much that at times it's hard to take a step back. Throughout the years though I've learned to take some moments for me, like preparing a great meal, watching a movie I love, dance around the house and catching up with my close friends.
You released your EP just in time for Pride to kick in to gear. But what should we expect from you post Pride? Is there more new music on the horizon? Any collaborations we can expect?
Mama's going back to the studio to prepare my biggest project up to date. It's going to be a long process and I'm going to take all the time in the world to make sure my next message is fresh, new and inspiring. Indeed, I will collaborate with a lot of artists but I'm also bringing lyricist and poets in the creative process, I really want to do something GREAT.
Andrea you're an inspiration to so many. What advice would you give to the young artist out there unsure about how to navigate getting started and finding the inner strength and confidence to be true to themselves and their artistry.
My biggest advice is to slow down and enjoy the process. Your journey is uniquely yours and no one will take that away from you. Patience is key in this world. Rome wasn't built in a day.
I'm a workaholic, that's no secret, I love what I do so much that at times it's hard to take a step back. Throughout the years though I've learned to take some moments for me, like preparing a great meal, watching a movie I love, dance around the house and catching up with my close friends.
You released your EP just in time for Pride to kick in to gear. But what should we expect from you post Pride? Is there more new music on the horizon? Any collaborations we can expect?
Mama's going back to the studio to prepare my biggest project up to date. It's going to be a long process and I'm going to take all the time in the world to make sure my next message is fresh, new and inspiring. Indeed, I will collaborate with a lot of artists but I'm also bringing lyricist and poets in the creative process, I really want to do something GREAT.
Andrea you're an inspiration to so many. What advice would you give to the young artist out there unsure about how to navigate getting started and finding the inner strength and confidence to be true to themselves and their artistry.
My biggest advice is to slow down and enjoy the process. Your journey is uniquely yours and no one will take that away from you. Patience is key in this world. Rome wasn't built in a day.