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A Word From Our Editing Leader: h c a o R r a d e C
Each generation has distinct characteristics. Baby Boomers had the audio cassette, Generation X had the Walkman, and for Generation Y it was the iPod. Generation Z finds their music through Spotify and Generation Alpha will play their audio through Amazon’s Alexa. Arguably, generations are defined by a bit more than the mediums they use to listen to music. Baby Boomers are often described as more optimistic than those that came after them. Workaholism is attributed to your classic millennials Generation Y. It often feels like my generation - Generation Z - is classified with more negative terms. If you spend enough time on Twitter, you'll see us classified as “entitled,” “lazy,” or “Snowflakes.” Of course, there's plenty of optimistic, encouraging adjectives used to describe Gen Z as well: progressive, global, and collaborative. However, from my perspective, the attempt to define Generation Z is almost paradoxical. Definitions, of course, provide limits; they are boundaries something or someone must operate in. But, in truth, Gen Z is known for breaking boundaries. This is why, for me, I find that the closest term to define my peers and me is defiant.
According to Merriam-Webster, to be defiant is to have “a disposition to challenge, resist, or fight.” Gen Z does not only challenge the labels we are given, but applies to defiance to matters of substance. As one of the most politically active generations, Generation Z fights for equality and against systems of oppression. We are leaders of impactful organizations, such as March for Our Lives. We also are the faces of multigenerational movements, as Greta Thunberg has done through her climate change activism. Our defiance, however, is not always so global, so public.
As 2022’s Pride Month rolls around and I read the incredible articles in the Month’s Magazine, I am reminded of actor Joshua Bassett's quiet and often unrecognized - breaking of definitions in an interview with GQ in June 2021.When speaking of his sexuality, Bassett states, “I just hope that this generation can feel comfortable, confident, and safe talking about sexuality without needing to be a box and without needing to have it all figured out.” Like Bassett mentions, “people are welcome to have boxes if they want them,” however, there is something very beautifully freeing in the way Gen Z manages to live outside the lines. Whether in regards to sexuality or other issues of importance, I find myself incredibly proud of the way my generation continuously breaks the molds set in place.
This month, I wanted to reflect on the ways Gen Z manages to be defiant. As a group that does not often operate within definitions, we are given the opportunity to pursue progress in new and innovative ways. This month, let us be inspired as we continue to pursue equality without bounds.
Table Of Contents Trans Women and Immigration BY: CAROLINE HOGUE
Ukraine and Russia: An Attack on Women's Welfare BY: KYLIE RICHARDSON
Sarah Hegazi: An Overlooked LGBTQ+ Activist BY: SARAH ELGAMAL
Identity Politics in the Upcoming Midterms BY: GRACE MARTIN
Trans Women
&
Immigration
By: Caroline Hogue
Immigration is hard for women. They experience the loss of children through separation, sexual abuse, psychological distress, and racial fetishizing. It becomes especially harder for transgender women. Where horrors they face at the hands of ICE officials, are even more harrowing. Most often these women are escaping corrupt governments where their gender identity places them in harm’s way. One of the many reasons immigrants come to seek asylum in America is the idea of the “Land of the Free.” Instead, immigrants, especially the LGBTQ+ community, are met with anything but freedom from ICE.
Trans women and men also face discrimination in the immigration court system. The extreme difficulty of confusing paperwork, visas, green cards, and citizenship become even more strenuous for transgender people who must also go through the hurdle of making sure the identity they feel most comfortable with is presented on all legal documents. One contradicting paper not only invalidates their identity, but it could give ICE a reason to deport them back to the dangerous situation in their home country.
In the past years, reports of the Trump Administration’s Zero Tolerance Policy, which detained and deported every immigrant trying to enter America at the southern border, have come out telling the world of the mounting sexual abuse and harrasment against cis women, trans women, and the entire LGBTQ+ community. According to a 2020 article from The Guardian, immigrants in the LGBTQ+ community are ninety-seven times more susceptible to harassment and abuse from ICE officials while detained. Immigrants in the LGBTQ+ community are also more likely to be deported first.
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Another struggle of trans immigrants is that they are most often placed in the detention center belonging to their biological gender assignment, further increasing the oppression that they wished to flee from in their old country. In these situations, the fetishization and sexual harassment of trans women increases. They are not given the chance to live what is most comfortable for them. In addition, these women are restricted from receiving hormone therapy for their chosen gender identity and even placed in lengthy periods of solitary confinement. This treatment leaves mental and physical scars that last even after they are released from detention centers into the United States (or returned to their native country), which brings on further stress and invalidation.
Holding immigrant women in the LGBTQ+ community in detention centers at the border stalls the progress of diversity in the United States. It hinders these women from becoming active members in communities, organizations, and even political positions. Furthermore, this mistreatment hinders them from reaching their goals or potential. It puts a strain on their dreams of living out their true identity. Women immigrants, whether cis or trans, should never be placed in a position of constant fear or oppression. They should never have the burden of possibly being deported or invalidated through legal documents. They should be out in the world fulfilling their dreams and living their life to the fullest.
All of this to say, it is paramount that we, as women supporting women, must protect
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and fight for the rights of all immigrants, LGBTQ+ community, and all women in between.
Ukraine and Russia: An Attack on Women's Welfare
TW: MENTIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
By: Kylie Richardson
Russia and Ukraine have been faced with severe tension and conflicts for years since the fall of the Soviet Union in December of 1991. More recently, Russia, and specifically Vladimir Putin, have gone out of their way to invade and dominate different territories of Ukraine to prevent the European country from joining the intergovernmental organization of defense allies, NATO. This rising conflict in February of 2022 did a great deal of damage to people in Russia and Ukraine, and unfortunately, like most conflicts, it has had a significant impact on the welfare of women.
So, why is this conflict affecting the well-being of women so much? As conflicts arise, women are forced to leave their homes in order to seek refuge in safer environments, away from the shelling, bombing, and danger. Even in these attempts, women are still faced with intense violence. This escalates the risk of sexual violence as the humanitarian crisis worsens, which is a common pattern when war conflicts like these arise. There have been accounts of sexual assault against a mother of four by Russian soldiers, a wife to a soldier who was killed outside Kyiv was sexually assaulted, a Ukrainian woman was found dead with her body marked with swastikas, and more women have become victims of these heinous crimes since the emergence of war. As Vladimir Putin continues to force his soldiers into Ukraine, which is horrible in itself for the citizens, a new widespread wave of crimes against women have aroused. To make matters worse, Russia is consistently denying allegations, claiming the victims are lying and there is no evidence that soldiers are going off elsewhere to “engage in opportunistic sexual violence” according to NPR. This exponential increase in rape and sexual assault is no coincidence, it is being used as a war weapon. The violence in Russia is happening as a show of control or domination at the expense of women’s lives being lost in front of their children and families.
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Additionally, the war in Ukraine has greatly influenced the livelihood of mothers. Ukraine is currently preventing men from ages 18 to 60 years old from leaving, as they are being drafted to fight in the Ukrainian military, therefore, most of the people fleeing the country are women and children. The forced separation makes it increasingly difficult for mothers to care for not only themselves, but their children. To ease into their new lives as many women and children seek refuge, many women and mothers will need to begin working in order to pay for shelter, food, clothes, and even child care. The process of working while caring for their kids, or at least paying for child care, is very costly. Additionally, women will also need to find employers willing to hire them while accommodating to their necessary terms as a parent. The future of women separated from their partners is still uncertain as they fight to flee war-torn countries, maintain stable lives, and care for their children, keeping them alive, whether they were able to seek refuge, or not. Mothers must care for their young children, but they also must live with the fear of losing their children fighting in the war. Young men are being drafted with little to no idea on what they are being sent out to do. Mothers must suffer every day without the knowledge of when they’ll see their sons again. Many are reassured, but how calm can a worrying mother be with little contact and understanding of their children’s wellbeing? Desperation, anxiety, and every worry tears mothers, sisters, girlfriends, wives, daughters, and more apart. Over 14,000 soldiers have died, and the people in their lives don’t know if their loved ones may be the next number added to the death toll.
Living in these conditions is excruciatingly adverse, and the daily lives of women and mothers is unimaginably difficult. Mothers separated from their partners must care for themselves while keeping their children alive and well, and women all across Ukraine and Russia are repeatedly faced with the risk of sexual assault and rape. Justice must be served and the women need support and help throughout these complicated times.
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Enough is enough!
An overlooked LGBTQ+ activist By: Sarah Elgamal “The sky is sweeter than the earth! And I want the sky, not the earth,” Hegazi’s last words before her death on Sunday June 14, 2020.
Queer political activist Sarah Hegazi, born in Egypt in 1989, was a wonderful and empowering spirit. Growing up, Hegazi constantly sought ways to remedy the unjust power imbalances those in the LGBTQIA+ community face – especially in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. As a lesbian herself, she was exposed to harsh, vile comments, and victim to endless bullying. However, this did not discourage her from being unapologetically herself, and helping those around her with her soothing aura. She is known today as an Egyptian hero and idol to many who have struggled with their identity.
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Unfortunately, Hegazi was arrested and detained for three months in Egypt, and was forced to seek asylum in Canada. Sadly, because of the overwhelming adversity she faced, Hegazi took her Three years ago in 2019, Hegazi
own life. Her life and death have made
attended a Mashrou' Leila concert with
her a symbol of struggle and an icon for
a few close friends. The Lebanese band
the LGBTQIA+ community around the
Mashrou' Leila is known to have an
world. Her photos have been spread and
openly queer frontman, and has been
ceremonies to celebrate her life and
caught up in many contraversities and
death were held in more than 20 cities
bans. Nonetheless, the band has
around the world, from Beirut to New
continuously changed the music industry,
York. Sarah’s life, and the bullying and
defying societal norms while
abuse she was subjected to, even after
simultaneously urging the LGBTQIA+
her death, helped shed much-needed
community to express themselves
light on the treatment of the LGBTQIA+
through music. They quickly became one
community in the MENA region.
of Hegazi’s favorite bands – she loved
Additionally, it has given great
their message, lyrical compositions, and
momentum to the queer movement in
catchy aural sensations. As they played,
the region, and following her death, a
Hegazi raised a rainbow flag above the
global movement of support and
crowd — and let the colors soar through
international solidarity has been
the air. Her friend, Aya Hijazi, snapped a
launched in memory of her. As we speak,
photo, and Hegazi became an overnight
individuals across the globe hone in their
sensation after the image spread like
strength, and are using it to create
wildfire across social media. Fans
revolutionary change.
immediately applauded her bravery, and felt empowered to see a young woman
Sarah, you have done more than
stand up against the taboo of
enough. Rest in power – we will continue
homosexuality.
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to fight for your cause.
P y o t i l t i t n i e c s d I
M m i n o g c i p d U t e e r m E le ctio n s h T n I
By: Grace Martin
The Supreme Court’s potential ruling to
It’s widely predicted that the recent
overturn Roe v. Wade has sparked
attacks on women’s liberties will
political rallies across the country and
energize voters to vote, regardless of
will likely play a major role in the
their position on Roe. A recent poll by
upcoming midterm elections this
Forbes magazine found that about half
November. The prospective reversal of
of adults surveyed will vote based on
the Roe decision, said by Justice Samuel
the leaked draft. Previous elections have
Alito to be “egregiously wrong from the
shown that voters opposed to abortion
start,” would leave the legality of
rights have typically been more
abortion up to individual states. If the
invigorated by the issue, and that shines
ruling is finalized, it is likely that several
through in the polls. But Republicans are
states would move quickly to heavily
also hesitant to strongly react to the
restrict abortion. Governor Kevin Stitt
unpublished draft in fear that they will
announced that he signed Oklahoma’s
prompt a reaction from Democratic
Heartbeat Law, SB 1503, into law on
voters and motivate them in the polls.
May 3rd, prohibiting abortions after six
This would only work against them,
weeks. In response to the draft, many
particularly because many of the other
Americans have reacted with either
central issues that will affect the
support or outcry, suggesting abortion
elections might favor Republican
rights will have a dramatic effect on the
candidates.
midterms.
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Inflation, for example, is one of the most pressing issues that will sway voters. Currently, according to the Washington Post, about 70% of Americans say they dislike President Biden’s management of the rising inflation; in all likelihood that disapproval will benefit Republican candidates. In several other issues, the Democratic party appears to be split on appropriate methods of action. While the killing of George Floyd sparked many conversations surrounding defunding the police, President Biden has publicly said he believes the police should, instead, be funded more. The party is also divided on the immigration crisis; some believe Title 42, which prevents the entry of asylum seekers into the United States, should be lifted, while others predict it should remain in place so as to avoid any potential political turmoil.
The potential Roe decision could function as a wake-up call to voters who favor legal abortion, uniting Democrats and Independent voters and helping Democratic candidates. In general, more Americans support abortion rights and oppose the overturning of the decision. But there is a sizable gap between younger and older voters on this issue. According to NBC News, Almost 75% of the youngest voters, ranging from 18 to 29 years old, are in favor of Roe compared to about 54% of voters 65 years and older. Solely looking at this data, it’s obvious that young voters will heavily impact the midterms – if they turn out. The oldest voters are the most consistent to actually vote, while the youngest voters’ attendance has been notably erratic over the years, particularly in non-presidential elections like this November.
Before the Court’s leaked draft was released, many of the primary issues favored Republican candidates. However, the enthusiasm behind many Roe supporters could heavily affect the outcomes of the races and sway individual voters in different directions. These midterm elections are particularly important this year because of the slim There has also been a significant
margins Democrats hold in the House
difference in each party’s response to
and Senate. If Republicans are able to
the leak. Many Democratic politicians
win a few more seats, they could gain
have voiced strong opposition to the
control over Congress and make it
potential overturn. California Governor
difficult for President Biden to enact his
Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who could
own agenda. The new Roe v. Wade leak
run for president in the future, said he
could change all of this.
was considering an amendment to the state’s constitution that would guarantee legal abortions. Republican politicians, on the other hand, have had less enthusiastic responses. Political commentators say they may be refraining from speaking out about the issue due to fears of it sabotaging Republican candidates. However, they are not completely silent. Instead, many Republicans are complaining about the draft being leaked in the first place. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said the leak is an attempt to “discredit the institution,” while Senator Ted Cruz said the person responsible for the draft deserves “real jail time.”
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Founder and Co-Exec. Director
Co-Exec. Director
Rebecca Joseph
Katherine Bronov
Walnut Creek, CA | 16 years old
Philadelphia, PA | 18 years old
We are the co-executive directors of Women In Politics. WIP was founded by me (Rebecca) in 2020 during the start of the pandemic. I am a high school junior from the Bay area and felt that when I first joined the Speech and Debate team at my school girls like myself were underrepresented. I very quickly realized this was not only the case at my school but also in the government on all scales. That was how Women In Politics was born. I (Katherine) am a freshman in college and joined WIP from the very start, back in 2020. I have been passionate about politics since the start of high school and I had searched for organizations and clubs that interest me but found nothing until Women In Politics (WIP) caught my eye. WIP is a very special organization and fascinatingly the first of its kind. Now, almost 2 years later we are insanely grateful to lead this amazing team and for all that we have accomplished. We hope you keep following our journey and we thank you for your support!
Please enjoy this issue!
Magazine Manager Christine Corry
Sacramento, CA | 17 years old I’m Christine, the magazine manager at Women in Politics. My passion for political involvement started very young, and ever since my eyes were opened to the political world, I have searched for new opportunities to have my voice heard. Finding Women in Politics has allowed me the opportunity to have my political voice expressed, and to uplift other youthful voices in the political sphere. I am constantly inspired by the magazine team for all of their passion and hard work. I feel that Women in Politics is making constant strides towards a future which equally represents women in the political field and it is an honor to be a part of that change. Thank you for journeying with us to that future! I hope you enjoy this issue!
Ella Stillion Southard Athens, GA | 17 years old
Caroline Hogue | Kylie Richardson | Sarah Elgamal | Grace Martin
Cedar Roach
Dallas, TX | 18 years old
Maci DemMott | Oliva Massey | Ella Grady | Kaylyn Allingham | Lior Cooper | Lila Rowland | Lily Sun | Bella Jasper
Christine Corry | Katherine Bronov | Adithi Varakantam | Soha Mahapatra
DESIGNERS
Magazine Design Team
EDITORS
Editor Leader
WRITERS
Writing Leader