The landscape of LGBT advocacy is ever-evolving, with young influencers and activists leading the charge. Their voices resonate loudly in the digital age, driving change, fostering acceptance, and inspiring others.
Here, we explore the stories of these young trailblazers, their impact, and how they shape the future of the LGBT community.
Profiles of Influential LGBT Youth
Several young influencers and activists are making significant impacts. Here are a few notable figures:
Ose Arheghan, 18 (they/them)
Ose Arheghan began openly identifying as queer in eighth grade. The microaggressions they faced motivated them to make their school safer for LGBTQ+ students. They volunteered on their high school’s cultural proficiency subcommittee and wrote articles about sexual and racial diversity for the school newspaper. This work earned them the Student Advocate of the Year Award at the 2017 GLSEN Respect Awards. Now, as a student at Ohio State University, Ose works with Advocates for Youth to promote sexual health education and reproductive justice for young people.
Emi Salida, 19 (she/her)
With her YouTube channel, Emi Salida is trying to be the kind of resource she needed as a 16-year-old. Her videos provide information and personal stories about being asexual, which Emi hopes can make people feel less alone in their sexuality. Emi has raised awareness for asexuality and advocated for its inclusion in the LGBTQ+ community through work with media outlets like Cosmopolitan and HuffPost.
Ella Briggs, 11 (she/her)
Connecticut fifth graders elected Ella Briggs as their 2019 Kid Governor following her campaign to promote LGBTQ+ youth safety. She’s been working with her Cabinet on a guide for students starting gay-straight alliances (GSAs) at their schools, a poster contest to bring awareness to homeless LGBTQ+ youth, and a teacher webinar to train educators on LGBTQ+ issues. Her next goal? Becoming the country’s first lesbian president.
Ashton Mota, 15 (he/him)
Ashton Mota became a public face for Massachusetts’ “Yes on 3” campaign, which aimed to uphold a state law that provided protections for transgender people. Ashton shared his experiences as a Black and Latinx trans teen navigating an elite private high school, where he fought for the right to use his preferred name and play on the boys’ basketball team. He’s currently a youth ambassador for the Human Rights Campaign, and he uses his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ people of colour.
Impact on the LGBT Community
The influence of these young activists extends beyond social media. Their efforts have tangible impacts on the LGBT community and society as a whole.
- Policy Change: Many young activists work to influence policy at local and national levels.
- Education: By sharing their stories and experiences, these influencers educate the public about LGBT issues, fostering greater understanding and empathy.
- Inspiration: Their courage and resilience inspire other young LGBT individuals to embrace their identities and stand up for their rights.
Challenges Faced by LGBT Youth Influencers
While their impact is significant, LGBT youth influencers often face substantial challenges.
- Online Harassment: Many face cyberbullying and harassment online, which can take a toll on their mental health.
- Safety Concerns: The visibility that comes with being an influencer can also pose safety risks, including threats and stalking.
- Mental Health: Balancing advocacy work with personal life and mental health can be challenging, especially for young individuals still navigating their own identities.
How They Overcome Challenges
Despite these challenges, many young LGBT influencers find ways to overcome adversity and continue their advocacy.
- Support Networks: Building strong support networks, both online and offline, helps them cope with the pressures of their work.
- Professional Help: Many seek professional help for mental health issues, ensuring they have the tools to manage stress and anxiety.
- Community Engagement: Staying engaged with their communities and receiving encouragement from followers and peers can be a significant source of strength.
The Future of LGBT Advocacy
The work of young LGBT influencers and activists is laying the groundwork for future generations. Their efforts are creating a more inclusive and accepting society, one where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the freedom to express their true selves.
- Increased Acceptance: As visibility and awareness grow, societal acceptance of LGBT individuals continues to increase. Influencers play a crucial role in this shift.
- Policy Advancements: Continued advocacy is likely to result in further policy advancements, improving legal protections and rights for LGBT individuals.
- Global Impact: The reach of social media means that the impact of these young influencers extends beyond national borders, promoting global change and solidarity.
Conclusion
LGBT youth influencers and activists are making a profound impact on society. Their bravery and dedication to advocacy are paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting world. By supporting their efforts, we can all contribute to a future where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live openly and authentically.
For those looking to get involved or learn more about the work of these incredible young people, click here to find resources dedicated to LGBT youth.
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