Shannon Day

'The Lovers & Fighters of America' is a weekly column here at Ravishly featuring behind-the-scenes stories of inspirational people taking a stance against hate. This week, we’re featuring Jaxon — a 26-year-old, Criminal Justice graduate from Massachusetts. Jaxon’s is a story of self-discovery and strength, a bright light at a time when the oppressive stance of the far-right looms — like an ominous dark cloud — over the trans community.

'The Lovers & Fighters of America' is a weekly column here at Ravishly featuring behind-the-scenes stories of inspirational people taking

Enoteca Maria is truly a place where cultures are celebrated through cuisine. And a recent project, launched by the restaurant, takes this celebration to another level by offering non-chefs an opportunity to learn from the restaurant’s nonnas.

In 2008, Jimenez co-founded United We Dream. As Executive Director, she has helped develop the non-profit into the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the country. With Jimenez at the helm, UWD has grown to a powerful network of 57 affiliates in 25 states, with over 300,000 members.

'The Lovers & Fighters of America' is a weekly column here at Ravishly featuring

The Lovers & Fighters of America is a weekly column here at Ravishly featuring

Bustos first got the notion to offer haircuts to those in need in May of 2012 during a trip to his family’s home country, the Philippines. He was overwhelmed by the impact of the poverty there, and so rented a chair at a local barber shop for the day and offered free haircuts to children in the neighborhood.

'The Lovers & Fighters of America' is a weekly column here at Ravishly featuring behind-the-scenes stories of inspirational people taking

‘The Lovers & Fighters of America’ is a monthly column here at Ravishly featuring behind-the-scenes stories of inspirational people taking a stance against hate. Today, Ravishly features Kristie Maldonado and her son, Joe.

'The Lovers & Fighters of America' is a weekly column here at Ravishly featuring behind-the-scenes stories of inspirational people taking