{"id":843885,"date":"2023-10-06T12:19:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T16:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glaad.org\/?p=843885"},"modified":"2024-06-27T14:59:07","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T18:59:07","slug":"how-glaads-20-under-20-is-creating-a-safer-and-more-inclusive-world-through-film-television-fashion-music-journalism-and-social-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glaad.org\/how-glaads-20-under-20-is-creating-a-safer-and-more-inclusive-world-through-film-television-fashion-music-journalism-and-social-media\/","title":{"rendered":"How GLAAD\u2019s 20 Under 20 is Creating a Safer and More Inclusive World through Film, Television, Fashion, Music, Journalism, and Social Media!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each year, GLAAD\u2019s<\/span> 20 Under 20 List<\/span><\/a> honors LGBTQ young people who are accelerating acceptance for their community and beyond. Whether they are changing the world through their music, by marching in the streets, testifying in courts against hateful legislation, or simply being themselves in a TikTok seen by millions, these 20 young people are the voice of their generation.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this digital era in which they were raised, these rising stars have learned to use media to further their cause and bring representation to people around the globe. Here\u2019s how<\/span> GLAAD\u2019s 20 Under 20<\/span><\/a> is changing the world through their writing, music, acting, and social media!<\/span><\/p>\n

Zachary Willmore<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"Zachary
ILLUSTRATION BY @BLACKPOWERBARBIE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Zachary Willmore\u2019s courage and candor is saving lives. Diagnosed with HIV at 19-years-old, the college student almost immediately took to TikTok to document his journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since his initial diagnosis less than a year ago, Willmore has come so far. He uses TikTok as a diary, showcasing the highs and lows he goes through from doctor’s appointments to nights out with his friends. Zachary is showing his nearly 2 million followers that people with HIV can live beautiful and fulfilling lives and are worthy of all the love in the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Willmore is working hard to destigmatize a disease that has been misunderstood for so long. According to GLAAD\u2019s 4th annual <\/span>HIV Stigma Study<\/span><\/a>, over 60% of Gen X adults say they are knowledgeable about HIV, while only 34% of Gen Z adults say the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

Willmore\u2019s parents have even appeared in his videos, showing their undying love and support for their son, being there for him despite any obstacles life throws at him. Watch his TikTok<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Willmore told GLAAD. \u201cIf there is no one to hear you talk, you are preaching to a wall. Visibility is essential when you are advocating for something because it\u2019s the people who hear you who will help make that difference you\u2019re looking for. It is widely underestimated how much of an impact people can make as a group but besides actively holding a position with political power, strength in numbers is the biggest tool we have as people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

CJ King<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"CJ
ILLUSTRATION BY @BLACKPOWERBARBIE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Model and designer CJ King is the future of fashion. With designs catching the attention of some of the biggest names in the industry, it\u2019s hard to believe this future icon is only 19.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite his success, CJ King is no stranger to rising up in the face of adversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting his start on <\/span>Junk Kouture<\/span><\/i>, a competition series where 13-18-year-old participants design, create and model fashion, made entirely out of recycled items; what should have been the opportunity of a lifetime, wound up being an unnecessary, unjust challenge..<\/span><\/p>\n

The international <\/span>Junk Kouture<\/span><\/i> competition that CJ and his cousin Jazzlynn were set to compete in was held in Abu Dhabi, a notoriously unsafe place for the LGBTQ community. Despite their concerns, CJ and Jazzlynn were informed that <\/span>Junk Kouture<\/span><\/i> would protect them from these anti-LGBTQ laws and they could participate without fear. This was unfortunately not the case. Government officials arrived and<\/span> demanded that CJ be barred from the competition<\/span><\/a> as UAE law prohibits men from wearing \u201cwomen\u2019s clothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a forced withdrawal,\u201d King said. \u201cThere was literally no other option,” King told <\/span>Good Morning America.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The look, called \u201cNightingale,\u201d is made entirely of donated medical waste products and discarded pool insulation and was made in honor of the healthcare workers who risked their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of the hateful legal situation, King never had the opportunity to model his and Jazzlynn’s design.<\/span><\/p>\n

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CJ King – GMA3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That was until the\u00a0Good Morning America\u00a0<\/em>team invited him on the show and had him grace New York City with the design!<\/p>\n