What makes a voice powerful? What makes one important? What makes one worthy of celebration or impossible to deny? These are the kinds of questions we asked ourselves in compiling this list of people, collectives, and choruses of individuals who are, in our estimation, Voices of Now. They are a diverse group of artists, writers, activists, and thinkers from across the cultural spectrum, each of them representing a perspective, a passion, a mission, and a distinct set of connections, ideas, and experiences. But it’s the way that they speak to us—and this moment—that sets them apart.
In putting together this list, we wanted to spotlight people who are not just at the vanguard of their respective fields but using their talents and platforms to shift narratives and conversations—and, in some cases, even presenting and starting new ones that need to be heard and had. It includes musicians and filmmakers, designers and creatives, activists and politicians, athletes and scientists, movers, makers, and multihyphenates. They are voices of joy and inspiration, of taste and fandom, of freedom and purpose, of equity and responsibility, of innovation and experience. They are the voices that empower us to find and use our own.
GRETA GERWIG, ACTOR, FILMMAKER & SCREENWRITER
Gerwig’s Barbie is at once a searing critique of gender relations and a jubilant celebration of female empowerment. It has also transformed the blockbuster landscape, becoming the highest-grossing film by a female director and establishing Gerwig as an industry power player.
THE SWIFTIES
Taylor Swift’s dedicated, joy-filled followers have taken fandom to new heights, traveling across the country to catch their idol’s Eras-tour performances—creating a huge economic influx within local communities in the process. It is estimated that the US leg of the tour will generate $5 billion in consumer spending. The Swifties have also curated a unique concert culture, beading friendship bracelets…
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