How A Texas Teen Turned Bias and Body-Shaming into Advocacy and Action

Meet Olivia Julianna: A Teen Activist

Olivia Julianna—yeah, that’s all she goes by—has been rocking the activist scene for years. She champions voting rights and reproductive health care, using her voice to stand up for what she believes in. Like many teens today, she found her niche on political TikTok where everyone’s raising awareness about issues that really matter to them. Olivia works with Gen-Z for Change, a nonprofit leveraging the power of social media to stir up civil conversation and political engagement around various hot topics. We’re talking COVID-19, climate change, systemic inequality, foreign policy, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Standing Up Against Hate

So, what launched Olivia into the activist spotlight? It all started at a student-action summit in Florida. An elected official made some truly nasty statements about abortion-rights activists, calling them “disgusting” and “overweight” and went as far as saying, “No one wants to impregnate you if you look like a thumb.” Seriously, who even says that?

Naturally, Olivia spoke up against those comments, and that’s when the drama unfolded. The politician took to Twitter, sharing a picture of Olivia alongside an article that highlighted his insults. Talk about getting dragged into the spotlight! With over a million followers, the tweet spread like wildfire. Unfortunately, Olivia wasn’t just inundated with corny replies; she also faced an avalanche of hateful private messages.

Tackling Online Hate Head-On

Online hate has become way too common, especially for people in marginalized communities. Olivia embodies multiple marginalized identities—she’s a queer Latina woman, making her double the target in digital spaces. While many would simply ignore the hate, Olivia decided to take a bold stand. Instead of just blockin’ and mutin’, she fired back in a public showdown with the elected official who just wouldn’t quit with the body-shaming.

That’s when something amazing happened. Olivia took her frustration and turned it into action by launching a fundraising campaign for the Gen-Z for Change Abortion Fund. This fund helps support abortion access across all 50 states. Her story blew up on social media. Yes, she faced even more nasty comments, but the wave of support she received was unreal. In just a short time, Olivia managed to raise a staggering $2.2 million! The growth is still going crazy.

Olivia isn’t just inspiring folks in Texas; she’s encouraged people all over the U.S. with her fierce attitude. She boldly stated, “I’ve been mocked, ridiculed, and harassed for most of my life. I will not tolerate that kind of behavior anymore. Don’t mess with Texas women and don’t underestimate Gen Z!” Now, that’s what I call taking a stand!

Lessons for Educators and Young People

So, what can we learn from Olivia’s journey? Whether you’re a teacher or just someone trying to inspire young folks, there’s so much to take away here. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Highlight Modern Activists

Share stories about current activists—especially young ones like Olivia. They’re living proof that real change is possible. Everyone knows about the greats from history, but kids need to see relatable role models making waves today. Use books, social media highlights, or even current events in class discussions to make these stories come alive!

2. Encourage Conversations About Change

Spark conversations with young people about the issues they see in their world. What irks them? What do they wish could change? Help them channel that energy into action, just like Olivia did. If you need a nudge, check out Bellen Woodard, the “World’s 1st Crayon Activist.” Bellen suggests asking kids, “What do you want to change?” instead of “What do you want to be?” That’s a better way to inspire a generation of changemakers.

3. Teach Them How to Fight Bias

Teach kids to challenge bias and bullying effectively. Show them the ropes—what’s considered bias, how to recognize it, and what they can do about it. Technology plays a huge role in this aspect, so educate them on handling online harassment in constructive ways. Be sure to break down allyship, activism, and advocacy into bite-sized, actionable steps too!

4. Explore Different Ways to Make a Difference

Many believe activism is only about protests, but that’s so not the case. Show young people that activism can take many forms, from fundraising to education to organizing. Toss in volunteering, signing petitions, or even simply educating their peers. The world needs all kinds of activists!

5. Create a Safe Space

Make your environment approachable. Many young people struggle to voice their concerns about bullying or bias. Educators should strive to create avenues for students to come forward with issues without fear of judgment. Review and update your policies to ensure they reflect current guidelines and include online behavior too.

6. Inspire Resilience

Don’t forget: the world can feel overwhelming at times. Young people are facing challenges that can seem impossible, from climate change to social inequality. Encourage resilience! Share stories like Olivia’s to ignite hope and inspire action. When they realize they can make a difference, it can change everything.

Wrapping It Up

Olivia Julianna’s story shows how to turn negativity into a powerful movement for change. She faced harsh criticism and hate but used it as fuel to advocate for something greater. As educators, mentors, and influencers, we can guide young people in their journeys to stand up against the injustices they encounter. Let’s be the support system they need to inspire them to take action in their communities.

Whether you’re a teacher or just someone looking out for the next generation, remember that every small action can lead to monumental change. People like Olivia are proof of that. Let’s rally for a world where everyone feels empowered to make a difference!