IGNITE's Blog

Representation matters, because if you can see it, you can be it. When Marvel’s Doctor Strange 2 premiered earlier this year, it featured the debut of America Chavez, a Latina LGBTQ+ character. Despite the movie being censored in some countries, fans said they felt empowered and inspired because they saw themselves in the character. That’s the power of representation. And as more people identify as LGBTQ+, we should see even more LGBTQ+ representation across the board, including in politics. 

(Images used with permission from Bob Karp)

Why Are IGNITE Alumni Running for Office Right Now? 

Want to create a better future for everyone in your city? Feel strongly about a local issue, and want to make sure the decision-makers reflect your views? 

This month is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Each May, we celebrate the diverse cultures that comprise the AAPI community. Currently, there are over 20 million Asians in the U.S. That number is expected to double by 2060, making them the fastest-growing demographic (and fastest-growing electorate of the major racial and ethnic groups) in the country. Despite making up a sizable portion of the population, there is a lack of AAPI representation from Hollywood to Capitol Hill. The lack of representation is especially significant for AAPI women. 

19 students and two teachers were murdered in Uvalde, Texas yesterday. The deadliest school shooting in Texas history and the third deadliest in U.S. history. The layers of devastation our country is witnessing and experiencing each day feel insurmountable. Limiting our response to coded and politicized language to describe these attacks does a disservice to the individuals and communities continually harmed.

The mass shooting this weekend in Buffalo, New York, was a horrific public lynching that once again exposes the pervasive hatred against and dehumanization of our Black communities.

Running for office remains the most fulfilling experience of my life. It gave me an opportunity to build deep connections across the community through canvassing. I built a pipeline of budding leaders and reshaped people’s perceptions of what a leader looks like in our community.

For decades, Roe v. Wade has stood as one of the most powerful symbols of progress towards reproductive justice for cis-women, queer, non-binary people with uteruses, trans men, Black, Indigenous and People of Color. It has also tangibly protected lives. The draft Supreme Court opinion released last night sent a monumental shock wave to any and all who have fought for reproductive justice in this country, particularly Black women, who have been and are leaders in the frontlines.

Christine Hernandez is IGNITE's Director of College Programs. She has spent over a decade as an educator focused on empowering communities at colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations. 

Free Rally For Women to Celebrate
In Times Square’s Father Duffy Square, April 27th at Noon,
With Lilli Cooper, Lea DeLaria, Suzy Nakumara, Julie White, and Partners