Indigo Barreto Strong is a 16-year-old transgender activist from New York City who is making waves in the world of social justice. With a passion for intersectional activism, Strong is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Strong’s background, her activism, and her vision for a more equitable future.
Early Life and Activism
Strong was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and has been an activist since a young age. At the age of 12, she founded her own organization called “Indigo’s Army,” which is focused on supporting young transgender people of color. Through her organization, Strong provides resources and support to those who are struggling with issues related to gender identity, racial inequality, and other forms of oppression.
In addition to her work with Indigo’s Army, Strong has been involved in a number of other activist initiatives. She has worked with organizations like Black Lives Matter, the Transgender Law Center, and the Human Rights Campaign to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice. Strong is also an accomplished public speaker and has given speeches at rallies and protests across the country.
Fighting for Transgender Rights
One of the primary focuses of Strong’s activism is fighting for the rights of transgender people. As a transgender person herself, she has experienced firsthand the discrimination and marginalization that many trans people face on a daily basis. Through her work with Indigo’s Army and other organizations, Strong is working to raise awareness about these issues and push for policy changes that will make life easier for trans people.
One of the issues that Strong is particularly passionate about is access to healthcare for trans people. Many insurance policies exclude coverage for gender-affirming treatments like hormone therapy and gender confirmation surgery, making it difficult or impossible for trans people to get the care they need. Strong has been working with legislators and activists to change this, advocating for policies that would require insurance companies to cover these treatments.
Strong is also a vocal advocate for the inclusion of transgender people in sports. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of their gender identity, and is fighting against the recent wave of legislation that seeks to ban trans athletes from competing. Strong argues that these laws are discriminatory and based on misinformation about trans people and their abilities.
Intersectional Activism
In addition to her work on transgender rights, Strong is a vocal advocate for intersectional activism. She believes that all forms of oppression are interconnected and that in order to achieve true equality, we need to fight against all forms of discrimination. This means working to combat racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression alongside transphobia.
Strong’s activism is rooted in her own experiences as a transgender person of color. She has spoken out about the ways in which these intersecting identities make her more vulnerable to discrimination and violence. Through her work, Strong is working to build a more inclusive and equitable movement that centers the experiences of all marginalized people.
Looking Towards the Future
As Strong continues her activism work, she is looking towards the future with hope and determination. She believes that progress is possible, but only if we continue to push for change and hold those in power accountable for their actions. Strong is optimistic about the next generation of activists, who she believes will be even more committed to creating a better world.
Strong’s ultimate vision for the future is one in which everyone is free to be themselves without fear of discrimination or violence. She believes that this is possible, but it will require a lot of hard work and dedication. Through her activism and leadership, Strong is inspiring others to join her in the fight for a more just and equitable world.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Strong is hopeful for the future, she also acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. The fight for transgender rights and intersectional activism is a long and ongoing battle, with setbacks and obstacles along the way. Strong has faced her fair share of hate and opposition, including threats and harassment from those who oppose her work.
However, Strong also sees opportunities for change and progress. She believes that the recent attention on social justice issues, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight for transgender rights, has created a unique moment in history where real change is possible. Strong is determined to take advantage of this moment and push for meaningful policy changes that will improve the lives of marginalized communities.
Advice for Young Activists
For other young activists who are just starting out, Strong has some advice. First and foremost, she encourages young people to get involved in whatever way they can. Whether it’s volunteering with a local organization, attending a protest or rally, or simply starting conversations with friends and family members, every action counts.
Strong also emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and understanding the ways in which different forms of oppression are connected. She believes that by working together and fighting against all forms of discrimination, we can create a more just and equitable world for everyone.
Finally, Strong encourages young activists to take care of themselves and prioritize their own well-being. Activism can be exhausting and emotionally taxing, and it’s important to take breaks and practice self-care in order to avoid burnout.
