V127’s Thought Leaders Issue is available for pre-order now.

“We have to get Donald Trump out of office, it’s crucial for everybody to vote. It’s more crucial for certain people. You know, it’s about survival right now—it’s a matter of life and death for some. [Voting] is the bare minimum you can do, and it’s easy. The bottom line is that a lot of people in this country are unsafe under this current administration. We need to do everything in our power to try to make that statement not true. And one thing you can do right now is vote.

“I’m not an activist, I’m not even a political person, but I do know that people follow me, which means I have a platform. With that platform comes a responsibility to speak up. I think people are afraid of getting involved in politics but that’s a luxury fear. You don’t have to have all the answers, you can point to the people that do have them. If I read something that helps me be better informed on major issues, I’ll share it. If I come across someone that actually is an activist and is sharing important information, then I’m going to step [aside] and give them the space to educate.

“One organization that I’ve been working with a lot is Immigration Equality. Their mission and their goals are really important to me. They provide pro bono legal consultation and advice for asylum seekers. They also work with people from other countries that are LGBTQIA+, and HIV positive who are seeking asylum in America. Donald Trump is moving toward even more drastic asylum changes, basically abolishing asylum in general, so we need someone fighting for this. It has been really inspiring to watch their work and to watch people that truly care about the communities they work in. Just by being in touch with them I’m learning more, reading more, and finding other ways to get involved. We just did a livestream [event] this weekend and a portion of all the proceeds went toward the organization. I also released a cover [song] and donated proceeds of that to their organization as well. I feel obligated in a way to do that, and especially for such an important cause. Everyone should have the right to live as they are. That should definitely just be a human right. There shouldn’t be an organization that is fighting for that, but there is…and I’m proud to help in whatever way I can.”

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