The future is in our youth which is why it is so important to follow their powerful voices that lead us in the right direction.
Last month, we celebrated Transgender Day of Visibility which honors and celebrates the achievements of the transgender community and pushes forward younger trans voices to continue the fight for equality. Here are five influential voices that you should follow:
Jazz Jennings
Most renowned for her TLC show, I am Jazz, Jazz Jennings knew her gender identity when she was only two years old. From the exposure on her show, she has participated in numerous interviews, conversations and has experienced many eyes on her as a proud transgender young woman. Today, she continues to raise awareness about what it means to be transgender and is transparent about her day-to-day experiences through her social media platforms and television show.
Schuyler Bailar
As the first trans D1 NCAA men’s athlete, Bailar has made history. In addition, he is paving the way for the future of trans youth in sports. Known as @pinkmantaray on Instagram, he aims to educate his 267k followers on transgender issues citing information and sharing his own personal experiences.
Avery Jackson
You may recognize her from the HBO Max documentary, Transhood, that followed the lives of four trans children over a five-year span. Since 2012, Avery has been living as an openly transgender girl. In 2016, she was featured on the cover of National Geographic, making her the first openly transgender person to appear on the cover of a widely distributed publication. She is a true inspiration for today’s transgender youth.
Alan Belmont
With nearly 200k followers on TikTok, Alan Belmont features his life through vlog-style videos. He showcases his experiences on T, formally known as testosterone and other struggles he faces as a transgender male.
Hunter Schafer
Model, actress, and activist; Hunter Schafer does it all. In the TV show, Euphoria, she plays the character Jules, who, like her, is a transgender. Schafer’s character and her own backstory inspire many in their own coming out journeys.
