I learned about Students Demand Action in 2019. I joined in the wake of the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. I was heartbroken, and that shooting drove home the fact that many other kids and teenagers were experiencing the same—or worse—trauma and violence that I had while growing up.
Gun violence plagues our communities, including my own. Throughout my life, there were many instances when someone verbally threatened my school with a gun, or even brought one onto the grounds, and after the shooting at Parkland, I was scared to go to school.
I didn’t want that to become normal for my little brother too, and I realized that joining the gun violence prevention movement was one way I could make sure gun violence doesn’t dominate his reality like it does mine. I want gun violence to end—and I know that it can. When this work gets hard, I look to the progress that we have made so far. The community I have found through Students Demand Action keeps me motivated to continue pushing for change.
My work toward gun violence prevention is inextricably linked to my advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, and this work is personal to me as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I am a student at New Mexico State University (NMSU), where I am a leader of our school’s Students Demand Action group. At NMSU, I am also the Vice President of Planned Parenthood Genaction, a group striving to provide sexual health knowledge to anyone—of any gender or sexual orientation. As part of my advocacy, I’ve participated in protests, advocated for legislation, and educated my peers on campus to ensure that students—especially those who identify as LGBTQ+—are heard and not shunned on my campus.
“My work toward gun violence prevention is inextricably linked to my advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.”
—Leighanne Muñoz, a Students Demand Action group leader at New Mexico State University
I encourage others to understand that our community is an open space: No agenda, no hate, just love and acceptance. Allies who want to support us—during Pride Month and beyond—should seek to amplify and hear our voices and stories. As a journalism student and a member of this community, I do my best to empower others in the LGBTQ+ community by letting them know that speaking up and sharing their stories can play a part in making change. I know that personal stories can bring about change —I tell them that they matter and their voices are so important.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of hate crimes carried out against LGBTQ+ community members. Many of these crimes against the LGBTQ+ community involve a firearm. It is heartbreaking when these hate crimes are carried out, particularly because love is such a core part of the LGBTQ+ community. This is why many of us feel so passionately about the things we stand up against, such as gun violence and bodily autonomy. We must disarm hate in all its forms.
“I encourage others to understand that our community is an open space: No agenda, no hate, just love and acceptance.”
—Leighanne Muñoz, a Students Demand Action group leader at New Mexico State University
My LGBTQ+ identity means that I know myself completely and fully. It means that I am full of love, not just for others, but for myself as well. Being LGBTQ+ allows me to live life in the way I feel most authentic. That’s why during Pride Month and year-round, I celebrate by spending time with my friends who fully accept me and who will advocate with me for a better world that will accept everyone.
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