A relationship is hard work, especially in the gay community.
Between compromise, commitment, communication, and the inevitable movements of life, it’s understandable why many partnerships end up in heartbreak.
But as romantic Kylie Minogue songs (and Jonathan Bennett’s Instagram page) remind us: sometimes, it works out!
And that’s exactly the kind of spirit evoked by the recent viral “Did We Make It?” trend on TikTok.
Cue the tears!
@benjysheppard #didwemakeit #loveislove🏳️🌈 #gaydads ♬ original sound – BenjySheppard
The premise is simple: TikTok users share an old pic of them and their beau asking, “Did we make it?” In the next slide, they include a 2023 update about where their relationship is now.
From high school sweethearts tying the knot, to divorce celebrations and somber reflections on loss, TikTok has come together to reflect on their most important relationships.
Oh yeah, and everyone is using Katy Perry‘s 2012 criminally underrated top-10 hit “Wide Awake” as the soundtrack. Which, go awf.
As of this writing, #DidWeMakeIt has received nearly 300 million views on the social media platform.
And although the trend is not exclusive to queer users, we’ve got to admit that the LGBTQ+ community doing it best. (No surprise there!)
Just take a look at this clip from Trish Hamilton (@trish.the.bish), documenting the journey she’s gone on with her partner since 2008. “I may have cried making this,” she wrote. Ditto!
Watch.
@trish.the.bish I may have cried making this 🥹 #loveislove #lovestory #twomomfamily🌈 ♬ original sound – Trish
Meanwhile, queer author Ben Alderson (@BenAldersonAuthor) used the trend to show off some footage from his wedding earlier this month.
“1 week ago, I married my Prince Charming. Tomorrow we are off on honeymoon,” he wrote. Our hearts!
@benaldersonauthor 1 week ago, I married my prince charming. Tomorrow we are off on honeymoon 💕🌈 #gaywedding #weddingtok #didwemakeit ♬ Wide Awake by Katy Perry – ❀
On the other hand, some users (like @theycallme_val) used the trend to comedically reflect on their hetero pasts and coming out journeys.
How’s that for “Wide Awake”?!
@theycallme__val Last one 😂 #ValentinaFam4life #chasepositivevibes #🇷🇺 #urfavoriterussianmasc #taken💜 #imhers💜 #shesmine🌹 #lesbiansoftiktok🌈 #mascsoftiktok🌈 #777✨ #didwemakeittrend ♬ original sound – Ashley
Similarly, @sammslaterr had us cracking up with his spin.
“2019: Did we make it,” he wrote over a pic of him and a girl.
And as the next slide revealed: “No that’s my friend Kelsey, I’m gay, and have never been in a long-term relationship.”
@sammslaterr 2024 is gonna be my year #gay #makemefamous ♬ Wide Awake by Katy Perry – ❀
However, as Ezekiel Cieslak (@zekecieslak) pointed out, not every relationship lasts. And sometimes, that’s for the best.
In his video, he shared what appears to be pictures of family members who weren’t accepting of his sexuality. “Coming out was a lonely road, but I’m so glad I did,” he wrote.
@zekecieslak Coming out was a lonely road, but I’m so glad I did ❤️
♬ original sound – Ezekiel Cieslak
Still, one of the most moving videos came from @calebarruda318.
The 20-year-old trans and pansexual creator used the trend to address his younger self and offer assurance about transitioning.
@calebarruda318 #CapCut #ftm #transgender #lgbt ♬ original sound – Caleb Arruda
OK, so at the end of the day, it’s just a TikTok trend.
But seeing these LGBTQ+ couples (and singles!) not only making it work but thriving during a time when the community continues to fight threats against our rights to get married, adopt children, and exist without discrimination is powerful.
Moreover, as we move past the “bury your gays” trope that colored our stories with pain and trauma, it’s impactful to see queer joy. (And jealousy –– these couples are cute!)
Plus, we’ll never pass up the chance to stream Ms. Perry.
Check out more of our favorite videos from the #DidWeMakeIt trend below.
@andrewandnik02 #didwemakeit #trend #gay I love you @Andrew Loveland ♬ wide awake – *ੈ✩‧₊˚
@samreeves07 #didwemakeit #couple #boyfriends #gay #relationship #katyperrychallenge #loveislove #lgbtq #lgbtqia #gayuk #bestfriends #soulmates ♬ Wide Awake by Katy Perry – ❀
@jodi302 #jodi302 #like #comment #share #fypシ #foryou #viral #tiktok #wlw #gay #lesbian #follow #famous #roots #2020 #2023 #wemadeit ♬ Wide Awake by Katy Perry – ❀
@krayzie_life 2 years and counting… #gaylove #gay #gayrelarionship #lgbtq #lgbtqtiktok #gaytiktok🏳️🌈 ♬ original sound – Kris Chan
@itsmechinoty Love you asawa @Adrian Mendoza 😘😘 #lgbtcouple #lgbt #fyp ♬ wide awake – *ੈ✩‧₊˚
@edmonsantos Yes we did ang right now happy 29th moth my love i love you #relationshipgoals #gay #boyfriend #lgbt #foryoupage #foryou #fyp #4upage #didwemakeit #trending ♬ original sound – Mooonnnn
@kolmaryn #greenscreen ♬ Scott Street (Slowed Down) – Phoebe Bridgers
@bom_mariano I’m just proud of this trend. 2023 is not yet over but I can feel we can make it, to forever 💋🍀🤞 No relationship is perfect, so love the imperfections #didwemakeit #couple #gaytiktok #fyp ♬ Wide Awake by Katy Perry – ❀
SELA Rising
LOL at all the couples who have made it 2 years!!
What a low bar.
But I guess its nice to celebrate a 2 year anniversary. Its just not that big a deal.
Those individuals are what the kids called clout chasers… anything for the social media exposure
There really should be a minimum length of time together before you get to do a video, maybe 7 years (7 year itch, lol).
I was really hoping for some long term relationships (which DO exist).
Otherwise it just feels frivolous and attention seeking.