Queer Youth Animated - Through the Lens of the LGBTQIA+ Youth

Queer Youth Animated is a new project from the Future Perfect Project. The team consists of Celeste Lecesne, Ryan Amador, Jon Wan, Julie Novak, and Emma Jane, based out of New York City, Kingston and Los Angeles. The project was initiated with the aim of encouraging youth belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community to share their stories in hopes of inspiring other members. The show features 2 seasons that start with heart warming stories in the United States and then expand to stories around the world. Bringing to light people’s stories from various walks of life, the show has inspired many to share their own journeys. Let Jejune Magazine take you through this interesting interview with the team at Future Perfect Project, and go check out what some of these inspiring kids have to say!

Seth Maxwell - Saving the Planet One Drop at a Time

Seth Maxwell started his career on stage, but soon left acting for activism. He began the Thirst Project as a way to raise awareness about the global water crisis, but never imagined the successful organization it turned out to be. With over 3,000 projects the Thirst Project has helped over 500,000 people around the world gain access to clean drinking water. Seth also created Legacy Youth Leadership which is a non-profit organization that provides students with the tools to reach their academic and philanthropic goals. Jejune got a chance to chat with Seth about his inspiration and hopes for the future generation.

Laura Bryna - A New Holiday Tradition

Laura Bryna is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and children’s book author. For Laura music and writing is her way of expressing love, joy, and pain. She talks about her new illustrated Children’s book ’The Christmas Tradition" and using birds and giving back as her inspiration for it. Read on to know more and maybe start up this tradition yourself!

Art, zIssue 46Disha GuptaDecember 16, 2022Author, children's book, songwriter, christmas, music, birds, make-a-wish, youth, communi, Holidays, ChristmasComment

Shawn Ahmed - Ready for Action!

Shawn Ahmed, a Canadian actor, is ready for action! Ahmed is not only breaking into the industry as an actor, but he is also managing every aspect of production with his co-founded company, Crazy Shirts Production, where he directs, writes, and produces. You might have seen him with Toni Braxton in the Lifetime film series "Fallen Angels Murder Club" or as Alphonse in season 4 of "Coroner." As if that weren't enough, he'll also appear in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, where he plays Ensign Shankar. In addition to acting and producing films, he serves on the board of directors of POV Films, a non-profit that helps marginalized youth and young adults with training, mentorship, job placement, and professional development in the film and television business. Ahmed has even pitched a series of projects led by people that were found through POV. He is changing the world, one film at a time! Keep reading below to learn more about his acting, production company, and involvement in POV films.

Promoting Kindness With Sydney Brett

New York-based model Sydney Brett is preventing bullying one workshop at a time. Through Sydney’s non-profit organization “Stronger Than You Think,” she implements anti-bullying and mental health education for youth. Sydney's mission is to stop hate at its core, especially as a victim of childhood bullying due to her struggle with dyslexia. Sydney’s curriculum is crucially needed in a world where social media can be the root of insecurities for many impressionable children coming to terms with their identities. If you are interested in Sydney’s work in the modeling industry, her amazing non-profit, or her hope for this generation, please continue reading the interview below!

Take A Step Forward With Mike Gauyo

Los Angeles-based Haitian writer Mike Gauyo is making it his mission to build creative opportunities for POC youth. You can thank Mike for hit series like "Insecure" and "Ginny & Georgia. Mike not only sees the importance of sharing his perspective as a Black gay Haitian immigrant, but also explores outside of his comfort zone to bring new narratives to life. To align with his values of making the writing industry more accessible to people of color, Mike founded Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes to connect young Black writers with industry professionals. Through Mike’s amazing program, students can receive mentorship from established writers like Amy Aniobi, Morgan Cooper, and Kemp Powers. If you are interested in Mike Gauyo’s efforts to create a more inclusive Hollywood, his newest show “Send Help”, or his experience with writing some of America’s favorite series please continue reading the interview below!

Fashion With A Purpose

A show to remember! Restored Reflection, Inc. founders Rionel Fisher and Tamela Robinson-Fischer held their 2nd Annual Fashion With A Purpose Fashion Show, which was hosted by KJLH Radio Personality Tammi Mac. This event, held at Grand Hope Park in downtown Los Angeles, began with a red carpet and was followed by a fashion show featuring designers from around the world. All proceeds from this event will benefit Restored Reflections, Inc., a non-profit that provides economic impact training, education, and community development to at-risk, inner-city youth and young adults. Continue reading to learn more about four celebrity guests: actor Dustin Harnish, model Sabrina Ann Frontino, actor Chris Levine, and actor Christian McClure, and why Restored Reflections Inc is important to them.

Temple Lester: The STEM Prodigy

Temple Lester is an Atlanta-based STEM prodigy. 14-year-old Temple is devoted to introducing those who lack representation to the STEM field. She was all too familiar with being one of the only minorities and women in STEM, now her mission is to change that. Not only did she create STEM Girl Swag and STEM Swag Box, both ways to get the youth engaged, but she has successfully exposed more than 100,000 youth through science workshops and social media. Temple takes action! Temple also interacts with seasoned masters of the STEM field such as Dr. Siam Proctor, the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft. She wishes to pass on that knowledge to the youth through fun and engaging activities curated by no other than Temple. The excellence does not stop there! Temple was nominated for the 2nd annual “Kid of The Year” Nickelodeon Awards. As an entrepreneur and leader Temple is sure to make a change! If you would like to know how, please continue reading this interview starring Temple Lester!

How The Horror Genre is Growing on Tristian Eggerling

Tristian Eggerling is a young actor based out of Los Angeles, California. You may recognize him from his most recent film, Halloween Kills, where he starred opposite of Jamie Lee Curtis. In his interview with Jejune Magazine Eggerling describes what it was like working on a horror movie, the lessons he took from set, and how this experience made him a horror fan. A man of many talents, Eggerling also opens up about his parkour training and how he is giving back to the community through Caterina’s Club, a non-profit organization that works to feed, house, and educate at risk youth. For those looking to help out in their own community, he encourages others to find what they are best at and look for ways to share it with someone less fortunate. Read more on our interview below!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 40Kaylyn WenzelFebruary 2, 2022Horror, Movie, Film, Actor, Genre, Los Angeles, Halloween, Parkour, community, non-profit, youthComment

Bringing POC Stories To The Big Screen With Adrian Favela

Based in Los Angeles, Adrian Favela is an actor that should be on everyone's radar. Adrian's evolution is more than apparent when discussing his newest project, "Under The Stadium Lights." This sports/drama film highlights a severe issue for minorities: People of color have to work 10x harder to make their dreams come true. However, as an Asian American actor, Adrian proves as long as you put your everything into your goals, you are sure to achieve them! "Under The Stadium Lights" exhibits black and brown teens pushing themselves and succeeding. This portrayal is critical in today's political and social climate, and Adrian did an excellent job representing our youth. Not only is Adrian a great actor, but he is also devoted to environmental protection and cleanup. Adrian's childhood in Hawaii and Santa Barbra has heavily impacted his perspective on the importance of kindness and consideration to the earth. These very values prompt him to be in cahoots with "The Surfrider Foundation" for occasional beach cleanups. Adrian's goal is to educate others, whether it's through acting or service to our planet. Jejune is excited to speak with Adrian about "Under The Stadium Lights, his goals for humanity, and how he was affected by the pandemic. For more on Adrian Favela, please continue reading below!

COVER - Pride House LA Is Here To Stay!

Happy Pride Month! June is, without a doubt, the most colorful and unapologetic time of the year. Pride amplifies the LGBTQIA + community’s voice and uplifts the message of “loud and proud” queerness. Why cant it be pride every month?

Speaking of amplifying voices, TikTok has become an important vehicle for the LGBTQIA + community to express themselves. Many gay, non-binary, and gender varying influencers have built meaningful platforms on TikTok; proving it remains a safe place for LGBTQIA + youth and allies.

Di Wav - The Light In The Dark

“Levantar” can mean to “rise up” in Spanish, and that is what Daniela Carpacio Fischer —alias Di Wav— is doing as one of the most unique Latin American artists on the scene. The Guatemalan-Swiss alternative singer finds inspiration in her identity, her love for dark, atmospheric aesthetics, and most recently, the British electronic band Depeche Mode. Her latest EP, Despierta, is an homage to "Depeche Mode. But make no mistake, Despierta is authentic Di Wav. The singer is true to roots, stretching beyond her music. Di Wav talked with Jejune about how she found her style, making music, and her ambassadorship for Save the Children Guatemala. To learn more about Di Wav, continue reading!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 31Jejune ContributorApril 29, 2021singer, alternative, indie, latina, latinx, children, youth, poverty, #identityComment

Peter Cestaro: R&B's Young Efforts to Give Back

Actor, model, singer, at only 17, Peter Cestaro is only beginning his journey as an entertainer. Detailing his diverse resume, Cestaro has appeared in series such as Orange Is The New Black, Power, The Blacklist and much more. His modeling catalogue includes representing brands such as DKNY during New York fashion. His music background is complex, having connections to hip-hop with artists like French Montana, while crediting early influences by greats like Frank Sinatra. The Connecticut native also integrates musical acumen towards his longing for public service and volunteering. He also plays the piano at senior living homes. Cestaro also works with the CT food pantry providing for the homeless. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Peter Cestaro.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 23Jejune ContributorJune 17, 2020#positivity, music, musician, #singer, singer, Actor, actor, youth, Give back, give backComment

Fostering Debate Talent Academy is Nurturing Our Future Orators

Fostering Debate Talent (FDT) Academy is an environment in which ideas breathe, mingle, and evolve. Founded in 2016 by Frankie Cena, FDT works to create a thriving space, building foundations for public speech and debate. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, FDT Academy announced the launch of its first-ever nationwide virtual speaking competition in support of Food Banks Canada. The event is an effort to encourage the creation and promotion of positive activities for youth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and to raise funds for Food Banks Canada in a time of crisis and need for so many Canadians. To learn more, please read our exclusive interview here with founder Frankie Cena.

Anjelika Washington Is A Hero In The Making

CW these days seems to be the place to go for your superhero needs, and their new show Stargirl, premiering May 11th, is no exception! As a superhero fan myself, I know I’m excited to see another show that focuses more on the female superheroes in the DC world. I’m particularly interested in seeing Anjelika Washington’s character, Beth Chapel (aka Doctor Midnight). This super smart crimefighter can see in the dark and kick butt! Even though night-vision isn’t Anjelika’s first choice for a super power, she is a hero in her own right. When she isn’t gracing our screens, she can be found working with sick kids, and their siblings, at the Children's Hospital of LA. To learn more about this quickly rising star, please read our exclusive interview here.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 22, Most PopularKira BuccaMay 4, 2020super hero, hero, actress, sick kids, hospital, CW, blackgirlmagic, Give back, youthComment

Reece Caddell: The Next Generation of Comedy

Acting and sketch comedy both lend themselves as something like an intrinsic derivative of performance. Legendary shows like SNL, Chapelle' show, and few in the like, can masterfully execute and package humor, wit, and controversy, while making it digestible for the masses.

The young actress, YouTuber, and star of Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy series, “All That!”, Reece Caddell is pioneering a new comedic generation. Reece's extensive resume includes Reece starting at just five years old in HBO’s “Hello Ladies”. She has stayed busy working on ABC’s critically acclaimed comedy “Fresh Off The Boat”.

Aside from acting, Reece is involved in charities such as Compassion International, which helps raise kids out of poverty all over the world. When Reece turned ten years old, she organized what is now an annual donation drive for the Burbank Animal Shelter Kitten Fostering Program. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Reece Caddell.

Preserving the arts with Tafari Anthony

Pop, R&B, Soul, however you choose to define it, this Toronto based artist and his youthful renditions of classic pop melodies and transient synths are a subtle demarcation of shift in R&B.

After a brief hiatus following the release of his two previous EP’s, “Die For You” and “Remember When,” musician, creator, Tafari Anthony unveiled his new single “Centerfold.” “Centerfold” is a cathartic release that easily channels post break-up emotions. It's a poetic detailing of the frustrations that comes with unfulfilling relationships.

Tafari’s music has been nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award, with one of his singles being named one of CBC's Most Influential Songs of 2016.

He’s also been hard at work for a charity called Autism Canada. In addition, Tafari helps perform for events supporting music and songwriting education for children. He recently performed for a nonprofit called Rainbow Railroad which supports getting refugee status for LGBTQI people in places where being LGBTQI is still harmful. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Tafari Anthony.

zIssue 20, SWAC: InfluencerJejune ContributorApril 3, 2020musician, music, #singer, singer, singer song writer, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, children, youth, romance, #love, loveComment

Paxton Booth Is Seriously Woke

Nine year old Paxton Booth can teach everyone of us a little bit about how to be a better and more woke person. Actor, activist, fashionista, and stuntman, Paxton will having you smiling ear to ear as you watch him being rad on his BMX bike, doing stunts on his show Coop & Cami, and being more stylish than most New Yorkers I know. Paxton is an active animal rights advocate and is looking to start his own fashion line for kids, which will help fight bullying and give other youngsters a chance to fully embrace who they are. To learn more about Paxton, who I hope to be as cool as when I grow up, please read our exclusive interview here.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 20, Editor's PickKira BuccaFebruary 21, 2020kids, youth, animal rights, animals, fashion, actor, fitness, athlete, FashionComment

Filmmaker Meredith Grace Dabney Casts A Spotlight On Depression

Meredith Dabney, actress, activist, filmaker, and writer is set to release her first breakthrough short film titled HERE TODAY, which is currently doing its festival run and its wide release early this year. Meredith uses her platform to raise awareness for those individuals struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide; partnering with the non-profit To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA). Please click here to learn more about Meredith and her works.

Isabella Nicole Sings Her Way Into Your Heart

Isabella Nicole maybe young, but she is already thinking about the future of our world. She can often be found signing at charity events that support mental health and fighting climate change. To learn more about Isabella and her new single, Headphones, please read our exclusive interview here!

SWAC: Influencer, Reviewed, zIssue 12Jejeune MagazineJuly 18, 2019musician, music, singer, youth, our future, mental health, climate change, Give backComment