This week, the focus is young voters, and why GenZ isn’t as politically apathetic as it might seem. Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Olivia Julianna, a captivating young queer Latina activist and social media influencer from Texas. Raised amidst conservative Christian values, Olivia's journey from alienation to activism captures the frustration of a generation shaped by events like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Olivia powerfully critiques a political system that has, in her eyes, failed to deliver meaningful change, urging us to rethink how we engage young voices in the political discourse. As they navigate the complex intersection of faith, politics, and personal belief systems, reflecting on how these have influenced their paths, Olivia shares her experiences growing up in a religious household and the pivotal moments, such as the George Floyd protests, that propelled her into activism – and why she did it online.
This conversation explores the challenge of aligning religious teachings with the reactions of some churchgoers to social justice issues, all while finding our voices in the digital age to advocate for choice and acceptance. We also dive into the challenges of the current political climate, particularly the theatrical nature of politics where figures like Donald Trump excel in using social media as a stage. This episode critically examines the Democratic Party's strategies, especially in Texas, and the pressing need for them to find a more direct and authentic voice. With insights into breaking free from the entrenched political aristocracy and the importance of local elections, Olivia aims to inspire strategic action and generational representation for a brighter political future. She writes a popular Substack @OliviaJulianna. That handle will also get you to all of her social media accounts.
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Ray Kirstein is the Producer of the State of Belief podcast.
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