At the beginning of 2024, queer community leaders in my touristy mountain town of Truckee set a goal to host the town’s first-ever Pride celebration, which included 27 free events throughout the region in efforts to empower the town’s queer community.

Sierra Poetry Festival inaugurated a new Nevada County Youth Poet Laureate program last year, and welcomed Joey Henry into the role.

In a town with few options for teen entertainment, The Aspen Collective provides a safe sober space for teens by teens, and hosts inclusive concerts focused on harm reduction and mutual aid.

Talented young artists deserve equity. When creativity is supported, the result is a generation of successful creative professionals.