Hunger Games Actress Amandla Stenberg Speaks Openly About Being a Black, Bisexual Woman

You probably know Amandla Stenberg from her work as Rue in the first Hunger Games film, but it's time to get to know the inspiring 17-year-old and the incredible work she's doing even better. As Teen Vogue's February cover girl, Amandla took over their Snapchat and used the public platform to share some pretty important words about her personal identity, the importance of representation, and why it matters to speak up. In a nearly two-minute Tumblr post, Amandla shared all sorts of tear-jerkingly awesome words that prove there is some true hope and beauty in this young generation. 

"I cannot stress enough how important representation is, and so the concept that I can provide that for other black girls is mind-blowing! It's a really, really hard thing to be silenced, and it's deeply bruising to fight against your identity and to mold yourself into shapes that you just shouldn't be in. As someone who identifies as a black, bisexual woman, I've been through it and it hurts and it's awkward and it's uncomofrtable. But then I realized because of Solange and Ava DuVernay and Willow and all the black girls watching this right now, that there’s absolutely nothing to change. We cannot be suppressed."

Amandla goes on to discuss the necessity of representation of all types in the media, "This is just the beginning, though. We have a lot of work to do for all women of color. We need more representation in film and in television and we need our voices to be louder. And not just women of color - bisexual women, gay women, transgender women, mentally ill women. I'm sick of all the misogyny and homophobia and transphobia that I see around me and I know you are too."

Watch the whole video right here, it's incredibly worth your time:

You can read Amandla's Teen Vogue interview with Solange Knowles where they discuss the power of inspiration via the internet, how the public's response to her being cast in the Hunger Games changed her personal perspective, her original comic book, and more right here. We can't wait to see what the future holds for this incredible young woman and how she'll help mold it for so many more!