Trans TikTokers have mastered the one-line joke

We already knew trans people had some hilarious jokes. But TikTok is where they’re showing them off.

TikToks are getting longer. Back in July, the platform increased its video length limit from 60 seconds to three minutes, after a previous increase from 15 to 60 seconds.

TikTok was hailed as the successor to the late, great Vine, where looping videos topped out at six seconds apiece and creators had to get, well, creative. Now, TikTok is moving more towards the YouTube model of extended videos.

Here’s the thing—if I wanted to watch a multi-minute video, I would simply watch YouTube. I’m a simple person with simple needs. I come to TikTok for bite-sized content to lull my tired brain into a state of peace before I fall asleep every night. Blame my instant gratification-trained millennial brain, but if I scroll to a video and the point of it isn’t clear within the first 10 seconds, I’m gone. I don’t want your rambling story only to reach the end of three minutes and have to watch a “Part Two.” No, I want a quick, short, delightful chuckle. That’s what I’m on TikTok for. 

In this week’s Tik Talk, we’re highlighting some trans creators who have perfected the art of the short and sweet video and the perfect one-liner. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@jessesulli/video/6980908505624530181?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6891730160531080709
https://www.tiktok.com/@couplagoofs/video/6979327536069168390?sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6891730160531080709&is_from_webapp=v1&is_copy_url=0

In particular, TikTok user @nonstopcolepop has become an expert of self-described “trans femme dad jokes.” We love to see it!

Take it from these folks: sometimes less is more. 

Queer TikToker of the week 🌈:

In addition to the short, sweet jokes of trans TikTokers, this week I also wanted to highlight something a bit longer and more conceptual. User @shaqmemes47, a.k.a. Fia Oruene, has perfected the tone of 20-something-year-old humour. Whether it’s about iced coffee or awkward parking, she just gets it, you know?

Watch on TikTok

Oruene is also a frequent collaborator with fellow L.A. queer TikToker @reallygoodimpressions, and the pair’s take on Brokeback Mountain plays on repeat in my head at all times.

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

Read More About:
Culture, Blog, Tik Talk, Trans

Keep Reading

The cover of 'I Remember Lights'; Ben Ladouceur

‘I Remember Lights’ is a time machine trip to Montreal’s gay past

Ben Ladouceur’s rigorously researched new novel is romantic, harrowing and transportive
A black and white photo of speakers at a rally; a sign that says "Love and Let Love" hangs behind them

‘Parade’ invites us to embrace queer history to tackle the present

Noam Gonick’s new documentary turns the spotlight on Canada’s long-overlooked LGBTQ2S+ activists to tell their stories
Countess Luann holding a microphone

Countess Luann on cabaret superstardom, Kenya Moore and life after ‘The Real Housewives’

“Elegance is learned, my friends,” and the Countess’s class is in session
Sam Star with an up arrow behind her; Onya Nurve with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 17, Episode 13 power ranking: A frozen final five

No one goes home this week, with one in-season competition episode remaining