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Emerging Voices

Our voices matter. For too long, the narratives and expertise of young queer and trans people of color in the South and Midwest have been ignored or talked over. URGE showcases young content creators and storytellers who have the opportunity to gain skills in writing for a variety of blogs and media outlets, creating engaging digital content, while using social media to amplify their work. EmURGEing Voices highlights the views of young people on issues related Reproductive Justice and gender equity. Explore their work here.

 

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Ricky Longoria (he/him)

Young people all across the country are fed up with the way things are heading, but the notion that their vote "doesn't count" can discourage them from making their voices heard.
Our community, our power, our voice text

Maisie Patterson (she/her)

step one, vote to protect your community voting is not fireworks in the shape of an american flag or a wiener dog stealing hot dogs off the grill  it is bowling with empty shampoo bottles
How do I show up

Brandy Caminy (she/her/ella)

Having lived experience in foster care, contributor Brandy Caminy shares how her background helped her learn that community advocacy and involvement goes beyond just voting.
Our community, our power, our voice text

Yasmeen Akbar (she/her)

I remember being excited to vote for the first time. It was the 2020 presidential election, and casting my first ballot felt bigger than just checking a box.
Man and girl in pumpkin patch poster

Dahlia Hanson (she/her/ella)

For Dahlia, voting rights and immigration policy have never been abstract issues. Her dad was an immigrant who worked, paid taxes, raised a family, and built a life here but he could not vote on the decisions shaping that life and was later deported.
Drag queen video screenshot

Shri Rao (any/all)

Chai Ho is a drag artist and dancer based in Austin, Texas and a contributors of URGE’s 2026 Voter Engagement Content Festival.
People with hands in the hair with faces painted over

Amy Nguyen (she/they)

National Voter Registration Day is September 15, but civic engagement doesn’t begin or end at the ballot box. Communities build power every day through learning, connecting, sharing resources, volunteering, advocating, organizing, supporting neighbors, and caring for one another.

AB 2540 ACTION TOOLKIT: Community College Student Right to Access Act

Aug 31, 2026 / Policy Update
Who is URGE? URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity is a state-driven national Reproductive Justice organization powered by and for young people (18–30 years … Read More

Fact Sheet: Data Privacy Legislation 

Aug 05, 2026 / Uncategorized
Download the Fact Sheet here Read More

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