Five inspiring stories of resistance and rebellion from 2023

  • Text by Huck
Reflecting on our favourite features of people paddling against the flow, fighting for a better world.

While the past year’s global outlook has become ever darker, we’ve been spotlighting the activists, artists and communities who have been keeping hope alive against the grain. Here are five spotlight stories of resistance and action from the past 12 months.

1. THE DRAG NIGHT AT THE HEART OF LGBTQ RIGHTS IN NAMIBIA

Amid a growing LGBTQ+ civil rights movement and multiple Supreme Court hearings that represent a crucial moment for equality in the country, Drag Night Namibia provides a space for queer joy and solidarity. Read here.

2. THE GAZA BREAKDANCE CREW HELPING CHILDREN ESCAPE THE TRAUMA OF WAR

The Camps Breakerz Crew have spent 20 years bringing hip-hop and breakdancing culture to the Gaza strip, offering psychological relief to children growing up in war through movement and dance. Read here.

3. GRETA THUNBERG ARRESTED LEADING PROTEST AGAINST OIL CONFERENCE

The Swedish climate activist joined hundreds in central London to demonstrate against the Energy Intelligence Forum. Read here.

4. INSIDE THE STRATFORD THEATRE BEING USED AS A WARM BANK

To freeze, or not to freeze? Read here.

5. PHOTOS CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS BOLIVIAN WOMEN IN EXTREME SPORTS

Photographer Celia D. Luna documents skaters, wrestlers and mountain climbers who also identify as ‘cholitas’ – a once derogatory term for indigenous women who endured decades of discrimination, but have come to represent an integral part of Bolivian national identity. Read here.

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