By Flora Gonska:
Self-expression on the internet is all over the place, but safe spaces for expression are few and far between. Earth2Us is an amazing place for young people to express themselves! Read the full interview below!
FG: Tell us all about you and your organization!
Hi, my name is Shar! I'm 17 years old, and I reside in Florida. My organization, Earth2Us, is a digital (and soon to be printed!) magazine. It is a teenzine that highlights young creators' work that is often overlooked.
FG: Why do you think it’s important for your generation to let their voices be heard?
I think it’s important for our generation’s voice to be heard because it is so normalized for younger people's feelings to be ignored or put to the side. Usually, as teens, we go through these phases of adolescence where our emotions have a lack of acknowledgement. Every teen has a voice. The thing is, not everyone has WANTS to hear a teen’s voice.
FG: Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
I’m 100% optimistic for the future. Things will never be the same, and everything is temporary. However, my outlook on what's to come is only positive.
FG: What are the most important issues facing our world right now? And in the future?
Personally, as a POC (person of color), I believe that racism and prejudice is a big and important issue our world is currently facing. I think as society continues to grow and time moves on, race has always been a constant issue within this world. I believe race will always be a problem in a world full of different people with different opinions. FG: What does your organization offer that helps the world be a better place?
My organization offers a voice. A voice to not only teens but creators. A place where you will 100% NOT be ignored. We accept EVERY submission we get and believe that everyone’s creative ability should be showcased. FG: Please tell us all about your current campaigns, projects, and endeavors.
We have little activities like “Talk to Us Tuesday” on Instagram (@Earth2UsMag) where we post polls and questions to find out more about our followers! Currently we are working on MANY upcoming projects that we are excited to announce, such as a podcast coming soon that will be a way to communicate about social issues, interviews, etc.! We’re also going to be starting a new segment named “ANON” on our story soon!
FG: Tell us where online you and your organization can be found and if there is anything else you would like to say, please do!
Our first issue is expected to come out during the end of July to August 1st. Right now, we are accepting submissions to be a part of our magazine, which is due July 15th. This issue’s theme is “ADOLESCENSE.” So, we accept anything that relates to that. But more information is on our Instagram :)
Instagram: @earth2usmag
A Cleveland, OH, native, Flora Gonska is a non-binary trans woman from a big family. She's a writer, video producer/editor, and artist. An avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and equality movement, she has lived in Los Angeles for three years, and she's involved in and enjoys writing on politics, the LGBTQ+ community, and life in the U.S.