Rafaela

I believe that people should get involved in their communities and make the changes that they see are needed. I find this process of change-making to be joyful and impactful, and this is where I have found my passion, and I would like to continue to find ways to make this sort of work more accessible for others to engage in. 

I have spent the past two years organizing to create change, and I know that Outright’s mission and broad impact align with my vision for the future. I am so unbelievably grateful to be working with such an amazing organization. Heck yeah!

This year, as a Second-Year Youth Organizer, I hope to make Vermont a safer & more equitable place for queer and trans youth, where these youth can grow up supported and go on to build their lives here as proud queer and trans adults. I am looking forward to working with the Outright team on exciting new campaigns, as well as the annual Youth Leadership Day, which encourages youth to become more civically engaged. 

Becoming a more resourceful, skilled, & experienced organizer over the course of this year is a goal of mine. 

Three things our liberated future must include: 

• access to basic needs that all humans deserve access to
• a genuinely participatory democracy where youth, elders and historically marginalized groups all share equal voice and engage in decision-making
• liberated sex education, including queer and trans learners, that includes affirming, skills-based, and trauma-informed learning spaces