Kirstie Nicole: Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices Through Community Building
- Kirstie Nicole
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Kirstie Nicole is a creator, storyteller, and LGBTQ+ advocate whose work centers on authenticity, community, and amplifying underrepresented voices. Born and raised in Tennessee, Kirstie grew up in a place where LGBTQ+ representation was scarce, and it wasn’t until after college that she fully understood what it meant to be queer. She later moved to San Francisco to pursue art at the Academy of Art became a pivotal period of personal growth. From an early age, she had a deep love for creativity and storytelling, a foundation that would later shape her career in media.
Her passion for connecting with people and sharing authentic experiences led her to social media, where she began documenting her travels and exploring LGBTQ+ advocacy through storytelling. This early work not only allowed her to express herself creatively, but it also became a platform to elevate queer voices and experiences in spaces that often overlooked them. Kirstie’s dedication to this work earned her recognition as Creator of the Year by the Women in Travel Summit, an ambassador for The Points Guy, and one of the first lesbians featured in a National Geographic social campaign - milestones that reflected her commitment to visibility and representation.
From this foundation, Kirstie Nicole launched the She Comes With Baggage podcast, a space designed for honest conversations about identity, personal growth, and the experiences we carry with us, our “baggage.” The podcast provides a platform for LGBTQ+ voices and stories that are often untold, creating connection, empathy, and empowerment for listeners around the world. Its impact stems not only from the stories shared, but from Kirstie’s approach to vulnerability, curiosity, and authenticity in every conversation. She states that "It is a further reminder that we are all more alike than we might realize."
"We might not be able to relate to everyone's lived experience firsthand, but we can recognize that every person is navigating a life just as layered and complex as our own & offer them the empathy and compassion to live it fully" -- Kirstie Nicole
Kirstie Nicole’s influence as a storyteller also led her into the political arena. In August 2024, she became one of the first content creators in history invited to cover the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (August 19–22), where she highlighted how digital media can shape public engagement and amplify diverse voices. In recognition of the platform she was building, she was later invited to President Biden’s Holiday Party at the White House, celebrating the positive impact of her work. These experiences reinforced Kirstie’s belief in the power of storytelling to inspire younger generations and create meaningful change.
As the podcast grew, in December 2025, Kirstie Nicole expanded her work into She Comes With Baggage Media, a parent platform for her various creative projects and initiatives. The media company’s sole mission is to amplify LGBTQ+ stories across multiple mediums, providing a home for content that celebrates queer identities, experiences, and perspectives. In today’s political climate, where queer stories are being erased or marginalized, SCWB Media stands as a space dedicated to visibility and representation, reminding audiences that it is up to each of us to create platforms that elevate these voices.
From there, Kirstie’s vision for community and connection led to the creation of The Collective, a space designed to bring queer neighbors together through meaningful conversations, events, and shared experiences. The Collective reflects Kirstie’s belief that everyone deserves spaces where they can show up fully, authentically, and without judgment. From an early age, Kirstie was always searching for authenticity and a sense of community, and she knew she couldn’t be the only one looking for it. The Collective is the first community space of its kind that centers queer friendships, intentionally putting connection, belonging, and support at the forefront.
Today, Kirstie Nicole continues to expand her impact as a creator, storyteller, and community leader. From social media beginnings to podcasting, media, and community building, her journey reflects a commitment to authenticity, visibility, and connection. And as she often says herself, this is just the beginning.
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