Get to Know Jax Lastinger
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Position: Intern
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I am a passionate advocate, community organizer, and educator fighting to promote social justice in the diverse communities I call home. I recently graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education with an M.S.Ed. in Education, Culture, and Society. In my master's, my research compared the ways trans youth navigate the institutional contexts of education and on YouTube, exploring the ways each environment created barriers as well as opportunities for resistance to young people. Currently, I'm back home in Morgantown, WV, where I was born and raised; I've been taking advantage of the quarantine to spend time in nature and focus on my art.
What about the ACLU of WV’s mission most resonates with you?
I am inspired by the ACLU of WV's commitment to support members of our communities that have historically had their rights stripped - people of color, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ+ community, incarcerated folks, and more. I am excited to be able to join ACLU's team this summer to help pursue the goal of ensuring that all members of our communities are empowered to live their lives to the fullest.
What are you most looking forward to about this internship?
I'm excited to become more integrated in the activist community in West Virginia. Although I grew up here, I left when I was 17 and I haven't spent much time here since. I'm looking forward to meeting new folks (albeit virtually) and see what kinds of work other Appalachians are doing!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Besides playing with my cat, I do a lot of textile art, like sewing and embroidery. Check out my Instagram where I post my work! @wool_witxh_creates