It Gets Better

Ramiz Bakhtiar was selected as the first-ever Afghan Youth Representative to the United Nations in 2018, which offered him opportunities to speak at the UN General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council. Since then, he's mobilized movements in making sure that young people are reserved seats at the global decision-making table. He founded the Network of Former Youth Delegates to the United Nations, a community to keep former and current UN youth delegates connected and active in their work towards a more peaceful world. GEN-ZiNE contributor Tajwar Khandaker speaks with Ramiz in this episode about growing up in Afghanistan, what's not working in the UN, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and what role young people play in the future of our planet.Music is from freesound.org.

Liv Scott has always wondered how we can create a more compassionate, sustainable world. This is a driving force in their upcoming film, "Emergence of Heart." To raise money for this project, they're hosting a global drag show called REGENERATION on February 25, 2022. This episode explores Liv's creative process, the story behind the show's name, and what's bringing some of the performers to the stage.You can purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/regeneration-a-global-drag-show-tickets-249440552407.Produced by Natalie Bettendorf and Liv Scott.Original music by Henna Chou, aka "Aux Aux."

TW: This episode contains conversations about sexual assault.Way back in summer camp days we learned about The Buddy System, the “always have a friend with you wherever you go," rule. But is it time we think about other tools to use against the systemic issues which perpetuate harm in our society? Members of Generation-Z tackle this question, and share their perspectives on lyft/uber safety, administrative responses, power dynamics, rape culture on campuses, and more.THE USC FRYFT POLICY IS DISCUSSED AT TIMESTAMP 00:19:20

Rachel, Grace, Christina, and Josie give their insights into answering the question, "What comes next?" and how being in Gen Z affects this already-challenging responsibility.www.gen-zine.com

With first semester ending, GEN-ZiNE campus editor Cecilia Pou asks the question: So, what happens after college? She leads conversations about deciding on a professional path, pressure to have everything figured out, transitioning into the next chapter of your life, and more.

GEN-ZiNE writer Bailey Harris interviews Lauren Shippen, YA author and writer best known for her hit fiction podcasts, such as The Bright Sessions. In this interview, Lauren talks about her evolving experience as a working artist, her perspective on the current state of media, advice for young aspiring artists, college, mental health, and so much more.https://www.gen-zine.com/

Jessie and Max share their coming-out stories and reflect on how being in Gen Z influenced their journey.www.gen-zine.com

In honor of National Coming out day, GEN-ZiNE partnered with Converse to amplify stories around LGBTQIA experiences. One of the organizations Converse works with is The It Gets Better project. Our editor-in-chief Anushka sat down with part of their team to learn more about what they do, and what stories they tell.https://www.gen-zine.com/https://itgetsbetter.org/

As Pride Month approaches, we sat down with a Converse All Star––Caleb Felix. We discuss Caleb's acting career as playing the first trans character on Afrikaans television, representation in the media, and Converse's Pride Collection and commitment.

Kennedy Daniel and Megan Bomgardner discuss how mainstream culture is a direct product of Black creativity. Trends that are marginalized become popularized when white/mainstream culture decides to commodify it. Who are the true creators of culture?