Teen Vogue Presents GLAAD's 20 Under 20 2021: The LGBTQ Youth Shaping the Future
Teen Vogue exclusively presents the second-annual GLAAD 20 Under 20 list honoring outstanding LGBTQ youth.
Earlier this year, Gallup released a poll finding that about 1 in 6 U.S. adults in Generation Z identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT). If you were to include the Q and survey those who identify as queer, there’s no doubt the number would be even higher. As diverse LGBTQ representation and visibility in media continues to grow — from celebrities like Elliot Page and Demi Lovato sharing their stories about being trans and non-binary, to groundbreaking shows like Pose, Genera+ion, and Euphoria centering captivating LGBTQ narratives — LGBTQ youth are not only coming to terms with who they are at a younger age, but seemingly feel more comfortable than any generation before them to live openly and honestly as their authentic selves.
But this growing wave of visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ identities among youth hasn’t come without its own set of challenges. This year, we are witnessing the most anti-LGBTQ legislative session on record, with over 250 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in more than 30 state legislatures across the United States, according to the Human Rights Campaign. The majority of these bills target trans and non-binary youth by seeking to ban them from playing on school sports teams or making it a criminal offense for doctors to provide life-affirming health care to trans youth and their families.
In addition to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of LGBTQ youth, the ongoing cycle of oppression of people of color in America — from the horrifying murders of Black Americans to the terrifying rise in hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities — continues to disproportionately impact LGBTQ youth of color. A recent study by the Trevor Project shows that half of all LGBTQ youth of color reported discrimination based on their race and/or ethnicity in the past year, including 67% of Black LGBTQ youth and 60% of AAPI LGBTQ youth.
In the face of these ongoing injustices, young LGBTQ people continue to be on the front lines, fighting back with one unified message: that they are unstoppable. That’s why GLAAD is incredibly proud to present its second annual 20 Under 20 list: a diverse collection of exceptional young LGBTQ changemakers who are using media and activism to drive acceptance and equality forward. This year’s 20 Under 20 list is presented by Google, with official sponsors UGG® and Shutterfly. For the second year in a row, GLAAD worked with Teen Vogue to exclusively reveal its 20 Under 20 list.
To launch this year’s list, GLAAD partnered with Google and photographer Mayan Toledano to capture each honoree as their most authentic selves using the Google Pixel 5 phone. From megastar JoJo Siwa, to social media sensation Ve’ondre Mitchell, to trailblazing trans activist Stella Keating, GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 list celebrates and honors the young LGBTQ people who are spearheading a new future, one where every LGBTQ person is visible, protected, and free to be who they are.
Photos captured on Google Pixel 5 by Mayan Toledano of Pixel’s Creator Labs
1/20Amiri Nash, he/him, 19, Artist/Activist/Writer
In the wake of the horrific murder of George Floyd and other Black Americans, Amiri Nash was tired of seeing empty virtue signaling online, or what he calls “internet activism.” In response, he co-founded Sign of Justice, a project that creates signs in predominantly white neighborhoods to grow real, tangible awareness about the violence, discrimination, and police brutality affecting the Black community.
A DC Youth Poet Laureate and former GLAAD Campus Ambassador, Amiri has for years been using his voice to unify communities and the nation with artist citizenship and activism. In addition to his impassioned writings on social change that have appeared in Teen Vogue, Out Magazine, and more, Amiri most recently gave a Ted Talk titled “88 Keys to Freedom,” during which he highlighted the powerful intersections between music, sexuality, Blackness, and hope.
For Amiri, it is critical to be the representation he wished he had growing up. “Showing younger Black LGBTQ youth that they can survive, exist, be happy, healthy, and triumphant is extremely powerful, important, and personal to me,” Amiri told GLAAD.
When asked which LGBTQ person is his biggest inspiration, Amiri named none other than the legendary James Baldwin. “He was an out Black man all the way back then and had the courage and soul to be authentic and open about who he was,” said Amiri. “He’s shaped my work because I strive to produce writing and soul as excellent as he did.”
2/20Andrea Alejandra Gonzales, they/she, 20, Community Organizer/Educator
Since the age of 15, Andrea Alejandra Gonzales has dedicated her life to organizing at the intersection of racial justice, gender justice, educational justice, and abolition. As a Mestiza queer advocate, Andrea’s work has always centered on empowering, educating, and liberating her community from oppressive systems.
“Abolishing unjust institutions is intergenerational work, and the work of a visible advocate is to inspire others, particularly young people to engage in radical, transformative work to create safe, loving spaces for LGBTQ+ community members,” Andrea told GLAAD.
Through their work as the Director of Operations at Youth Over Guns, a youth-led advocacy group formed by students of color following the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, Andrea continues to raise awareness about gun violence in communities of color and empower youth to advocate for gun reform on the legislative level. They also work as an instructor through New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Education Fund’s school program, ReACTION, helping young New Yorkers reduce gun violence. When they aren’t busy organizing and educating, the young activist is studying at the City University of New York (CUNY), working towards a degree in Social Justice and Child Advocacy.
For Andrea, Audre Lorde is the LGBTQ person who has had the biggest impact on her life. “She brought every aspect of her identity, her Blackness, queerness into her work as a poet, a warrior, and a mother,” said Andrea. “Every time I read her words or listen to one of her interviews, I feel inspired to continue working towards dismantling oppressive institutions and the liberation of marginalized communities as my full, authentic self.”
3/20Andrew Adams, he/him, 20, Student/Activist
In 2017, Lambda Legal, on behalf of student Andrew Adams, filed a lawsuit against St. Johns County School Board in Jacksonville, Florida for their discriminatory restroom policy that denied Andrew the ability to use the boys restroom at his high school because he is transgender. After a three-year legal battle that brought his case to the federal level, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in August 2020 upheld a 2018 ruling by a lower court declaring that the school district must allow Andrew, and other transgender students, equal access to the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. As one of the first federal trials involving a transgender student’s equal access to school restrooms, Andrew’s legacy in the ongoing fight for trans equality is undeniable.
Although he calls the lawsuit his “claim to fame,” Andrew now wants to help LGBTQ youth in a different way. That’s why he’s currently studying psychology at the University of Central Florida and hopes to one day become a mental health counselor and help LGBTQ teens and people with ADHD, like him.
“Even if things seem really hard, remember to take things one day at a time,” said Andrew, offering words of advice to other LGBTQ youth. “The arc of time always bends towards progress, even if it's too subtle to notice. Things will get better.”
The LGBTQ person who inspires Andrew the most perfectly demonstrates the power of media representation. “I realized that I was trans when I was 14, as I stumbled upon an interview on the Ellen DeGeneres Show with a transgender man named Aydian Dowling,” said Andrew. “Since then, Aydian has always been a beacon of kindness, positivity, and hope in my life, and his consistent work for both his family and his community has always been an inspiration to me.”
4/20Ashton Mota, he/him, 16, Student/Activist
Since publicly disclosing he is transgender at the age of 12, Ashton Mota has used his voice and story to empower and uplift Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ youth — specifically trans youth. In 2018, Ashton became a public face of the “Yes on 3” movement in his home state of Massachusetts, a campaign to encourage voters to keep a 2016 state law allowing people to use restrooms and public facilities that align with their gender identity. Thanks to the work of Ashton and countless other trans and LGBTQ activists, the law was successfully upheld.
Throughout his years of activism, Ashton has also worked closely with various organizations to advance equality and visibility for LGBTQ youth. In addition to serving as a Youth Ambassador for the Human Rights Campaign, Ashton is currently a GenderCool Project Champion, a group of trans and non-binary youth who are using their stories to educate the public about what it means to be a trans and/or non-binary person. He most recently co-authored “A Kids Book About Being Inclusive,” which aims to inspire conversations about the importance of inclusion and acceptance, especially among other youth.
For Ashton, it’s critical to be a role model for other LGBTQ youth of color who don’t feel seen. “I hope that through using my voice as an LGBTQ+ person of color on national platforms, I can become a role model and representative for young LGBTQ+ people, especially LGBTQ+ youth of color, and let them know that they are not alone, that I see them and hear them, and that they can always count on me to fight for them,” Ashton told GLAAD.
Ashton says “it is nearly impossible” to name just a single LGBTQ person who has inspired him the most. “There is not one LGBTQ+ person who I have met in the past couple of years that has failed to influence, inspire, and motivate me to continue doing the work that I do,” he tells GLAAD. “It is something about the resilience, perseverance, and drive that our community has that has helped me become the strong and persistent advocate that I am today.”
5/20Austin Houck, he/him, 20, Student/Activist
Growing up, it didn’t take Austin Houck long to recognize that many education and healthcare policies in America are exclusionary of LGBTQ people. In 2019, he set off to change that, ultimately founding Homoglobin, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing queer equality in healthcare and education.
As part of its mission, Austin and Homoglobin have driven significant attention to the FDA’s discriminatory ban on gay and bisexual men, and other LGBTQ people, donating blood. Additionally, Homoglobin was critically influential in helping to pass HB 916 in Virginia in 2020, which established the Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Education Practices Advisory Committee. The Committee, which Austin sits on, aims to reshape Virginia's history and social sciences curriculum to be more historically accurate and inclusive of marginalized groups, including LGBTQ people.
“It's our job whenever possible to talk to those we love, to take them outside of their comfort zones, and to challenge them to be more accepting, loving, and kind,” Austin told GLAAD. “If we don't do our part to push back against oppression in all parts of our society, if we don't speak up for those who don't have a voice, it's easier for us to be ignored, forgotten, and dehumanized.”
Austin’s biggest LGBTQ inspiration? His State Senator, Adam Ebbin. “[He] has been one of the most progressive voices in the Virginia General Assembly for 17 years, sponsoring legislation such as the Virginia Values Act, a landmark piece of LGBTQ rights legislation,” said Austin. “He's been part of my inspiration to get involved in legislative advocacy, and I hope to one day perhaps run for office myself.”
6/20Cyn Gómez, they/them/elle, 18, Student/Activist
Cyn Gómez’s initial interest in activism sparked during high school, a time period that coincided with the years of the Trump administration. Cyn first helped to organize protests for gun control and immigration reform. This mobilization served as a catalyst for Cyn’s future in activism, specifically in the field of mental health.
Cyn later became a member of the Mental Health America’s Youth Leadership Council and an Ambassador for the Tangible Movement, two organizations that are working to make a difference for people living with mental health conditions, especially in marginalized communities. They currently work for the City of Berkeley as a Commissioner on Homelessness, helping to address the issue of housing insecurity disproportionately affecting Black and brown and LGBTQ people.
“From being a first-generation student to low-income to Latine, there are many ways I feel underrepresented,” Cyn told GLAAD. “Growing up, I had to pick parts of me I wanted to find role models in, and I had to scavenge for representation. To be a visible advocate for the LGBTQ+ community (especially our Black and brown siblings) shows that we can break glass ceilings — we deserve a seat at the table.”
Cyn names Sylvia Rivera and Harvey Milk as their biggest LGBTQ inspirations. “They both have inspired me with their strength, resilience, and relentlessness when it came to being unapologetic with who they were,” said Cyn. “Being activists, government officials, and organizers showed me that the fight for change can take many forms and taught me that the change that I make is important because there are people that came before me that paved the way.”
7/20Darid Prom, any pronouns, 20, Student/Activist/Community Organizer
As a queer immigrant from Cambodia, Darid Prom never felt represented. “I lost my self-worth because voices of queer Southeast Asians are usually erased in activism,” Darid told GLAAD. That’s why, through their advocacy work, Darid aims to “become the representation that [they] never saw growing up.” From organizing various events such as Philadelphia Youth Pride and the Trans Wellness Conference, and advising on national campaigns with GLSEN, Darid continues to work towards one goal: the liberation of LGBTQ people of color.
And the impact of Darid’s advocacy work only continues to reach new heights. In 2020, Darid collaborated with Queer Eye star Antoni Porowski on a short documentary about their life as a queer Cambodian immigrant activist to highlight the intersectional voices of queer people of color fighting for social and cultural change. On a federal level, Darid has also testified in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on the impact of anti-LGBTQ bills and legislation, and the discrimination LGBTQ youth experienced under the Trump administration.
For Darid, it’s critical that LGBTQ youth continue to share their stories in order to accelerate acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ people. “Through our stories and our voices, we will reclaim our identity, our origin, and we will work to break away from Western narratives and standards,” said Darid.
Darid names LGBTQ trailblazer Marsha P. Johnson as their biggest LGBTQ inspiration. “Learning about Stonewall after immigrating from Cambodia, I was filled with passion, courage, and determination as queer folks took to the streets of New York City to fight back against hatred and division. Marsha P. Johnson was one of the folks who have instilled this inspiration,” Darid told GLAAD.
8/20Eli Bundy, they/them, 17, Student/Activist
Since middle school, Eli Bundy has been fighting to create a better future for LGBTQ youth. Through their work with the grassroots organization We Are Family, Eli, who is trans and non-binary, was connected with a team planning to legally challenge South Carolina’s “No Promo” policy, a 32-year-old state law that prohibited teachers from discussing LGBTQ relationships in sex education. As part of a federal lawsuit, Eli led their school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) in successfully striking down the discriminatory policy, becoming the first time that a state’s “No Promo Homo” law has been abolished by a federal court on constitutional grounds.
In addition to serving on their school district’s Health Advisory Committee, Eli also formed and co-runs their school’s Wellness and Tolerance Committee, which helps to advocate for LGBTQ-inclusive health programs and education. During South Carolina’s most recent legislative session, which saw the introduction of several anti-trans bills, Eli bravely testified on behalf of transgender student athletes, highlighting the devastating impact of these bills on the well-being of trans youth.
“Being a visible advocate is important because many LGBTQ+ youth do not have the resources, familial or community support, or stability in their lives to be able to spend their time advocating for protections and against discriminatory and harmful legislation,” Eli told GLAAD. “I hope that sharing my experiences helps skeptical or downright bigoted individuals to realize the humanity of those who they seek to harm.”
Through their work with the Campaign For Southern Equality, Eli continues to draw inspiration from Adam Polaski, the organization’s Communications Director. “He is a powerful force for change for LGBTQ+ people here in the South, and he uplifts important and necessary voices to propel our movement forward, all while being incredibly empathetic, generous, and thoughtful with everyone around him,” said Eli.
9/20Gia Parr, she/her, 17, Student/Activist
At the start of eighth grade, Gia Parr began her transition, choosing to publicly disclose that she is transgender in a letter to her parents and middle school peers. It was the overwhelming support and acceptance she received from her community that inspired Gia to use her story to create positive cultural change on a national scale.
Since sharing her story with the world, Gia’s advocacy work to enhance the visibility of trans youth has been featured in national mainstream media, and even secured her a spot as one of The Advocate’s Champions of Pride in 2019. An aspiring model and actress, Gia has also appeared in a national GAP campaign and guest starred in the season two finale of the groundbreaking FX series Pose. Her latest venture? She recently authored and released a book titled, “A Kids Book About Being Transgender,” in partnership with the GenderCool Project, helping to start necessary conversations between children, parents, and familiies about what it’s like to be a young trans person.
Through her work, Gia hopes to bring visibility to uplifting and joyous stories about trans kids — something she rarely saw growing up. “It’s important to me to share my story because I didn’t see positive stories like mine before I came out. Most of the stories I saw online about being transgender were either scary or negative,” Gia told GLAAD. “What I hope to bring is my own experience of being supported by my family, my friends, and my community, and how that support has helped me to thrive.”
For Gia, watching Jazz Jennings and Gigi Gorgeous thrive as visible trans women has inspired her the most. “Watching them on YouTube at 11 years old made me realize I am not alone in my journey,” said Gia.
10/20JoJo Siwa, she/her, 18, Popstar
It’s no secret that everyone is obsessed with JoJo Siwa. After rising to prominence on TLC’s hit series Dance Moms, JoJo quickly became a global sensation, building an empire on promoting love, joy, and acceptance. Today, JoJo is truly one of the most famous and admired teenagers on the planet, with over 45 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. In 2020, TIME named her to their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Earlier this year, JoJo broke the new internet when she posted a string of social media posts announcing that she is a part of the LGBTQ community. In an Instagram Live, JoJo told her followers that although she doesn’t want to choose a label for her sexuality just yet, she is “the happiest [she’s] ever been, [and] that's what matters.” JoJo later shared with the world that she is happily dating girlfriend Kylie Prew, with the couple just recently celebrating their 5-month anniversary.
Since announcing that she is a member of the LGBTQ community, JoJo has helped to spread messages of LGBTQ acceptance to audiences around the world more than ever before. In addition to recently sharing her story on the cover of People, JoJo presented the award for Outstanding Children’s Programming at the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in April, where she told LGBTQ youth: “If you want to fall in love with a girl, if you want to fall in love with a boy, if you want to fall with someone...who is non-binary, that is incredible. Love is awesome.”
“I love that in today’s world we are able to love who we wanna love,” JoJo told GLAAD. “It’s so accepted to be who you are. I’m really proud to be part of a community and family that is filled with love and happiness! To be able to share that with so many people everywhere in the world is amazing.”
Her biggest LGBTQ inspiration? The legendary Freddie Mercury. “He was all about being unapologetically himself and I have always admired that,” said JoJo.
11/20Kaylyn Suji Ahn, she/they, 17, Student/Activist
In Des Plaines, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Kaylyn Suji Ahn organizes monthly projects centered on social justice, advocacy, and community service. As the head of their high school’s Activist Club, Kaylyn, who identifies as queer, created the Turning Pages Project, which collected over 500 books for a local library, as well as the Beyond Tutoring Project, which created free, accessible SAT tutoring for all grades. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaylyn also spearheaded a PPE drive, creating nearly 100 individualized bags for those in need, including masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, and more.
Outside of running the Activist Club, Kaylyn’s activism is nothing short of intersectional. She runs the March For Our Lives Des Plaines Chapter, acts as the logistical and creative director for Illinois Youth Climate Movement, and works with organizations including Pride In Running, Earth Uprising, District 214 For Justice, and Stop Asian Hate Chi. In response to the horrific mass shooting in Atlanta in March, which claimed the lives of eight people — six of whom were women of Asian descent — Kaylyn organized and led a "March for Asian Lives" demonstration in Arlington Heights to draw necessary attention to the terrifying rise in hate crimes against AAPI communities and calling for an end to anti-Asian hate.
For Kaylyn, advocacy is a critical form of protest. “With cultural stigma and shaming coming from both sides, being Asian and American is an intersectional struggle,” Kaylyn tells GLAAD. “Especially when you’re a female Asian American, there is another layer of hyper-sexualization, violence against women, and stereotypes of submissiveness. It all culminates together into a perfect storm; when you’re queer, Asian, and female people expect you to be invisible. Advocacy is the antithesis of that.”
As Kaylyn continues her activism, she does so in honor of her late friend who died by suicide during her sophomore year of high school. “Their last words to me were to fight for what I believe in and to keep a conversation going about everything I am passionate about, whether that was Obama or abortion,” said Kaylyn. “I carry their words in every single action I do.”
12/20Max Prestigiacomo, he/him, 19, Student/Community Organizer/Politician
Since he was a young teenager, Max Prestigiacomo has been working to mobilize young people across the country to speak out on pressing societal issues, from the climate crisis to racial injustice. At the age of 18, Max travelled from Wisconsin to New York to join other climate activists at the 2019 United Nations Climate Summit, where he aimed to insert the youth voice into the conversation. However, he only left feeling more frustrated by the lack of action being taken to implement concrete solutions to address climate change on a global scale.
With the goal of making a difference on the local level, Max took matters into his own hands and announced his candidacy for Madison, Wisconsin’s City Council. On April 21, 2020, Max was inaugurated to the Madison Common Council, becoming the youngest elected official in the country and the youngest ever to sit on the Madison Common Council. He also became one of the first LGBTQ candidates ever elected in the city. Although he has since stepped aside from the role and is currently working towards a degree in Public Policy at University of Wisconsin — Madison, Max is a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless youth across the country who want to run for office one day.
“My own experience as an LGBTQ+ person has shown me that privileged people like myself must do more than be visible,” Max told GLAAD. “Despite efforts to divide us, LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC, APIDA, and other marginalized communities are united in our collective struggle. For me, it’s about being visibly intersectional in my work as an LGBTQ+ person.”
When it comes to who inspires him most, Max can’t narrow it down to a single LGBTQ person. “I am continuously surrounded by LGBTQ+ people inspiring me to seek out objective truth,” said Max. “From local LGBTQ+ mentors to accredited authors, I’ve learned that our truth as LGBTQ+ people means none of us are free until all of us are free.”
13/20Molly Pinta, she/her, 15, Student/Activist
When Molly Pinta was 11 years old, she came out to her parents and attended her first ever Pride event in Aurora, Illinois. Inspired by the overwhelming spirit of love, acceptance, and equality she felt that day, Molly had an idea: what if she created her own Pride celebration in her hometown of Buffalo Grove?
With the support of her parents Carolyn and Bob, Molly founded a nonprofit called The Pinta Pride Project, aiming to increase LGBTQ awareness within suburban communities in Illinois. Just one year later in 2019, Molly had made her dream a reality, hosting Buffalo Grove's Inaugural Pride Parade, which included over 2,000 participants and was attended by more than 5,000 people. Molly went on to serve as the Youth Grand Marshal of the 2019 Chicago Pride Parade and became a Youth Ambassador for The Human Rights Campaign, helping to share her inspiring story and journey of activism on a national scale. Outside of her advocacy, she hopes to one day pursue work with exotic animals, especially reptiles.
Molly, who is bisexual, recognizes how critical it is to ensure greater visibility of LGBTQ people in local communities. “By using your voice, you can bring up others who do not have a chance to use their own,” Molly told GLAAD.
When Molly first appeared on the TODAY Show in 2019 to share her story, drag queen and activist Nina West surprised Molly on-air with a $5,000 donation to The Pinta Pride Project. For Molly, Nina continues to be a huge inspiration for her ongoing activism. “She was so kind - I look up to her and her work,” said Molly. “She uses her platform for good and donates a ton of money to help small nonprofits and helps uplift their voices.”
14/20mxmtoon, she/her, 20, Artist/Singer-Songwriter/Actor
When we talk about the rise and impact of bedroom pop, it’s impossible to do so without mentioning mxmtoon. In high school, mxmtoon, whose real name is Maia, took her Blue Yeti microphone and started recording music on GarageBand in her bedroom. Under the online name mxmtoon, she began releasing her music publicly on YouTube and SoundCloud at the age of 17, quickly amassing not only thousands of streams, but a large group of dedicated followers.
Fast forward to 2021 and mxmtoon’s profile only continues to skyrocket. With more than 500 million streams worldwide and over 2.9 million combined followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, mxmtoon’s sound — infused with sweet melodies, clever lyrics, and a fresh ukulele flair — resonates with audiences in a uniquely personal way. Following the release of her 2019 full length album the masquerade, which included the hit single prom dress, mxmtoon just recently released two EPs titled dawn and dusk, and is in the midst of her year-long daily podcast, “365 days with mxmtoon.” In short, she shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
mxmtoon, who is bisexual, takes her growing platform very seriously. “I didn’t have any positive bisexual role models growing up,” mxmtoon told GLAAD. “Bisexuality has a lot of toxic representations that can often fetishize people who identify as such, and I didn’t claim it as a part of my identity for a long time because of that. I think if I can give people positive representation and share my story, I can inspire others to do the same.”
When asked to name her biggest LGBTQ inspiration, mxmtoon chooses the artist dodie. “dodie is an incredible creative mind who helped me understand my sexuality a lot from her stories and song about being bisexual,” said mxmtoon. “She’s now one of my musical peers which is so strange and cool to me as a long time fan, but she helped me a lot when I was a teenager trying to figure out where I fit in the world. She’s a big role model.”
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15/20Onyx (E. Smith), they/them, 19, Student/Activist
GLSEN’s most recent National School Climate Survey shows that schools with Gender and Sexuality Alliances, commonly known as GSAs, help to foster safer and more supportive environments for LGBTQ youth. At the forefront of the movement to create more LGBTQ-inclusive schools are young activists like Onyx, who at the age of 17, founded a non-profit called the Central Texas GSA Coalition with the goal of enhancing the impact of GSAs in the Austin, Texas area. Since then, with the support of the Texas GSA Network, the Coalition has grown to include three different chapters, helping to provide necessary resources to GSAs across Texas.
Now a student at Harvard College, Onyx’s activism only continues to expand. In 2020, they founded a project called Q+ EDU, an interactive virtual experience designed to connect, inform, and empower LGBTQ and allied students, parents, and educators. In the future, Onyx hopes to become a professional model, while continuing to use their platform to advocate for the liberation for all people.
“Being a visible LGBTQ advocate has allowed me to connect with so many amazing young people and community leaders that I would otherwise have never met,” Onyx told GLAAD. “Because of my visibility, I have been able to be a resource for other queer young people who are seeking guidance, support, or information regarding advocacy and life as a queer person in general.”
As a Black, queer, non-binary person, Onyx wants to remind LGBTQ youth that discovering who you are shouldn’t come with the expectation of being an activist. “For queer folks, and especially for Black and brown, disabled, or otherwise marginalized queer folks, there's often an expectation to constantly speak out, to advocate in all spaces, and to educate others,” they said. “However, that's an incredibly heavy burden to place on young people who are still developing their identities and learning how to navigate the world. It's okay to not be an activist, it's okay to not know everything, and it's okay to just exist authentically as yourself.”
16/20Soleil Wheeler a.k.a Ewok, he/him, 15, Professional Streamer
At just 15 years old, Soleil Wheeler, better known professionally as Ewok, is one of the gaming industry’s youngest rising stars. A Fortnite pro, Ewok has been part of the FaZe Clan, one of the world’s largest esports organizations, since 2019. Last year, Ewok signed an exclusive streaming deal with Twitch, and has since accumulated over 346,000 followers on the platform.
In addition to bringing greater visibility to the Deaf community in the gaming world, Ewok continues to drive greater awareness and acceptance of transgender gamers. On National Coming Out Day in 2020, Ewok posted a Twitlonger publicly disclosing for the first time that he is transgender and bisexual. In his post, Ewok acknowledged the impact of his announcement, writing: “This is huge especially I am in FaZe and first transgender guy in t1 esports organization. There are not many trans people in organizations or stuff like that.”
For Ewok, LGBTQ representation, especially in gaming, is critical. “It is important that the message of equality gets out there no matter [someone’s] sexual orientation and gender identity. Everyone is equal, period,” Ewok tells GLAAD. As we continue to witness the growing visibility and popularity of trans gamers like Ewok, and greater trans inclusion in gaming as a whole, that message of equality and acceptance continues to impact the industry. Just recently, Twitch worked with GLAAD to introduce 350 new tags to its platform, including the tag “transgender” after consistent pressure from the trans community.
Ewok’s biggest LGBTQ inspiration? It’s actor Elliot Fletcher. “He helped show me what is possible and that he's happy being a trans man,” says Ewok.
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17/20Stella Keating, she/her, 16, Student/Activist
After speaking at her first local school board meeting at the age of 9, Stella Keating knew she wanted to pursue a career in politics. Since then, she has dedicated her advocacy to empowering young people to create systemic change.
It was in March 2021 when Stella’s name sparked headlines across the country, as she became the first transgender teen to testify in front of the United States Senate during a hearing on the Equality Act. As politicians continue to attack and spread misinformation about trans youth, Stella used her impassioned speech to send a powerful message on behalf of thousands of young trans people across the country who just want a fair chance to succeed: “I represent America’s future. We are the next generation of small business owners. Software engineers. Scientists. Teachers. Nurses. … Presidents. And for my generation to achieve all that we will, we just need to be able to live our lives.”
Stella uniquely understands the power of storytelling in helping to change hearts and minds. “Stories connect us...I have repeatedly experienced how powerful sharing my personal story is,” Stella told GLAAD. “As a GenderCool Champion, I get to be a part of a movement of young people like me creating lasting impressions, eliminating opinions of who transgender and non-binary youth are and replace them with experiences.”
As Stella continues on her journey to one day become an elected official, it is trailblazers like Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride who inspire her most. “She showed me that I can do anything and make powerful change,” Stella said. “She is the reason that I want to be the first transgender president of the United States.”
18/20Trevor Wilkinson, he/him, 18, Student/Activist
During his senior year at Clyde High School in Texas, Trevor Wilkinson returned to school after Thanksgiving break just like the rest of his classmates. The only difference? He came back with his nails painted. What many would celebrate as an act of self-expression soon turned into what Trevor called a “complete double standard,” as the school administration suspended him for being in violation of its dress code.
Outraged, Trevor fought back. He quickly created a Change.org petition calling on Clyde High School to change its dress code policy to allow students who identify as men to wear nail polish, writing: “I am a gay male and I’m beyond proud. This is unjust and not okay. Help me show that it is okay to express yourself and that the identity that society wants to normalize is not okay. I am a human. I am valid.”
Days after the suspension, Trevor appeared on Good Morning America to discuss his petition, which was signed by over 400,000 people. Following an outcry of public support and coverage in national media, the Clyde Consolidated Independent School District announced in April of this year that the school has adopted a new gender-neutral dress code, which now allows people of all genders to wear nail polish and makeup.
“Everyone deserves to be their most authentic self without judgement of others,” said Trevor. “I have experienced the harsh reality of being gay in our world. I will always advocate for LGBTQ rights and it's important because we as people, are important.”
His biggest inspiration? Megastar and style icon Harry Styles. “He is the reason I started painting my nails and the reason I gained the confidence to stand up for the LGBTQ community.”
19/20Ve’ondre Mitchell, she/her, 17, Social Influencer/Activist
Back before TikTok even existed, Ve’ondre Mitchell started making videos on the app’s predecessor, Musical.ly. As her following quickly grew, Ve’ondre began using her platform to bring visibility to her experiences as a proud Black and Latinx transgender woman, with the goal of inspiring other trans youth and educating cisgender audiences. “If we are visible, we can be deemed normal to the everyday cis person,” Ve’ondre told GLAAD. “Those who haven't found themselves can also see others living their truth and get inspired to be themselves as well.”
Now with more than 3.3 million followers on TikTok and over 375,000 followers on Instagram, Ve’ondre aims to amplify conversations about representation and inclusion for all within the fashion industry, while also bringing necessary attention to issues facing the trans community. Ve’ondre’s activism on TikTok even earned her a nomination for the first-ever “TikTok Queer Advocate of the Year” award at the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, recognizing TikTok creators using their platforms to amplify messages of LGBTQ acceptance and equality. And her footprint in the fashion industry only continues to grow: Ve’ondre was just featured as part of Michael Kors’ and Fenty Skin’s new Pride campaigns and initiatives.
“No matter what you look like, you are valid in the identity you express,” Ve’ondre told GLAAD. “Stereotypes of what is feminine or masculine are toxic, and you don't need to listen to what society wants to fit you in. Society tries to put expression of gender in a box and it's up to you to break the contract down.”
Ve’ondre has a special story about the LGBTQ person who has inspired her most. “When I was little, I went to trans advocacy groups to interact and be with people like me. I met this beautiful woman named Jade and she was so honest with me and told me the dangers you have to be aware of when being trans,” said Ve’ondre. “Since then, I always carry her messages and advice with me and I still look up to her to this day.”
20/20Yasmin Finney, she/they, 17, Actress
Yasmin Finney is a name you’re going to want to remember. Quickly becoming one of the industry’s fastest rising young trans actresses, Yasmin first gained popularity on social media, generating a fan base of over 290,000 followers on TikTok. Through her videos on the platform, Yasmin shares her experiences as a Black trans woman, draws awareness to key trans issues, and combats toxic, transphobic culture online.
And it’s only just beginning for the British 17-year old. After a global casting search, it was announced earlier this year that Yasmin will play the lead role of Kelsa, a trans high school senior, in Orion Pictures’ coming-of-age film What If?, directed by Billy Porter. But that’s not all. In April, it was announced that Yasmin has also joined the cast of Netflix’s upcoming series Heartstopper, an eight-part adaptation of the graphic novel by Alice Oseman, alongside previously announced leads Joe Locke and Kit Connor.
As Black trans women continue to face disproportionate levels of discrimination and violence, Yasmin wants to not only use her platform to advocate for trans equality, but to also to show positive representations of what it means for trans women to thrive. “I’m challenging all the discrimination and social and systematic oppression of being a Black trans woman and reminding people that even though times have changed, it’s still not perfect...To this day and we are still losing the precious lives in the Black trans community,” Yasmin told GLAAD. "I also think it’s good to show everyone that I’m here..and I’m not going anywhere and the sooner you accept that, the quicker we can have real change.”
As her star continues to rise, Yasmin credits trans actors Indya Moore, Laverne Cox, and Hunter Schafer as her biggest inspirations. “[They are] out there doing their thing and paving the way for young trans actors like me,” said Yasmin.
