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Lauryn C.

Diamond

Solidarity

Last year, I founded Focus, a student-led, Ethnic Studies-based program that aims to cultivate belonging and encourage youth advocacy by empowering those in her community to critically examine existing power structures and reflect on, discuss, and share their lived experiences and family histories through Photovoice, a method of photographic storytelling that gives power to marginalized individuals to shape decisions that impact their quality of life. Our virtual program served 12 IUSD high school students this year, and they shared their stories of love, community, and resilience at our physical exhibition on April 13, 2024. To learn more about our work, visit our Instagram @_focus.us

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As a queer and marginalized person of color, I had my share of experience with struggling to adjust to the world where people of color don’t always get along or become diversified as one coalition community. I loved through the pressures in a conservative vendetta that was forcefully pushing me to comply with the expectations of being an American citizen as well as living under the conservatory expectations of my family as an Asian. I didn’t get to evolve with an open mindset with color communities with a progressive mindset, and what was worse is that I had to endure the pressure of being “perfect” in a conservative right wing leaning society while forcing myself to hide in the closet and deny myself as a queer person. What was worse for me to live through was living in a family who supports racist politicians like Donald Trump who hold a deep hatred to all Asians and made a campaign to do greater harm against the Asian community by turning a lot of Asians against each other and manipulating other folks of color to hating Asians, which was horrible to watch. I had to break free from the cruel standards of society and stand my own ground with friends from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities to support me in fighting against racism, homophobia, transphobia, and every form of bigotry out there. Because of that I found myself as an ally to the Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate movements to keep fighting against hatred and injustice caused by corrupt right wing politicians like Donald Trump, and build a community coalition space for many people of color to come together to validate their voices out of love and courage.

Ryan
Hāwane
Kim
Story Image Sally
Story Image Nesanne
Story Image Sokha, Linda, and Vesna
Story Image Lauryn
Story Image Chris
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