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The Young Equalizers
Young Members Of The LGBTQ+ Community Combat Hate and Discrimination Through Authenticity
Across the country, young LGBTQ+ people of all ages are owning their identities — and the power that comes with that — as an act of defiance.
Leo Is Writing His Own Story
Leo is an energetic and creative transgender boy living in Florida. Through the power of literature, Leo obtained the language to help express his trans identity to those around him and, in doing so, live his truth.
Read Leo's Story
The Power In Conner’s Vote
Having recently turned 18, Conner is now a young transgender woman. Having extensively advocated for trans rights as a kid, Conner is now exercising her right to vote, helping to elect pro-equality candidates who will protect trans kids like the one she used to be.
Read Conner's Story
Intersectionality In Action
Across the country, young activists are banding together to fight for a common goal: a nation of equality for all. More than ever, progressive social movements are identifying the intersectionality between the fights. In Georgia, young people canvassed to connect with registered voters about the issues they feel strongly about, including LGBTQ+ issues.
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The Vibrancy In Cameron’s Smile
Cameron’s smile is contagious. As a young trans man, Cameron has many reasons to smile: he is loved, supported, and thriving. He also received the age-appropriate, medically-backed gender-affirming care he needed.
Read Cameron's StoryLGBTQ+ youth are pushing against the hateful and discriminatory rhetoric and actions of ring-wing extremists and anti-equality legislators by being authentic to themselves and living their truth. While anti-LGBTQ+ state laws are intensely pervasive and cementing a dangerous social landscape that undermines their overall well-being, our community’s youth are forging a formidable and palpable resistance by boldly championing equality and a brighter future for us all.
Despite facing a detrimental reality peddled by those appointed to ensure their safety and prosperity, young LGBTQ+ people have remained vibrant, strong and determined to thrive. Vulnerable, yes, perhaps even scared, but brave enough to fight for what is at stake — their very own futures and lives.
The Young Equalizers is a visual conveyance of what the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ youth look like in states rammed by anti-LGBTQ+ laws and, consequently, sentiment. The young people depicted in this photo essay are only some of many LGBTQ+ youth all fiercely moving our movement forward by being themselves, compelled by their joy and their beauty.
The Human Rights Campaign is dedicated to the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, especially for our community’s most vulnerable and marginalized, including LGBTQ+ youth.
Join us and millions of supporters in this fight for a better world.
DISCLAIMER: ALL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO CONTENT ARE CREDITED TO ARMANDO GALLARDO. VISIT OKAY BOKEH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS WORK. ALONG WITH GALLARDO, THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN OWNS THE RIGHTS TO ALL PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEO CONTENT ON THIS PAGE AND RELATED POSTING. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE SUBJECT’S NAME HAS BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT THEIR IDENTITY AND SAFETY. PLEASE EMAIL PRESS@HRC.ORG FOR INQUIRIES.