Five inspiring stories of resistance and rebellion from 2023
- Text by Huck

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.

Enjoyed this article? Follow Huck on Twitter and Instagram.
Support stories like these by becoming a member of Club Huck.
You might like

Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong tells ICE to “fuck off” in LA protest video
Saviors — The singer shared the post on Sunday, featuring the band’s recently released song ‘Fuck Off’ as its soundtrack.
Written by: Isaac Muk

Meet the Kumeyaay, the indigenous peoples split by the US-Mexico border wall
A growing divide — In northwestern Mexico and parts of Arizona and California, the communities have faced isolation and economic struggles as physical barriers have risen in their ancestral lands. Now, elders are fighting to preserve their language and culture.
Written by: Alicia Fàbregas

A new book explores Tupac’s revolutionary politics and activism
Words For My Comrades — Penned by Dean Van Nguyen, the cultural history encompasses interviews with those who knew the rapper well, while exploring his parents’ anti-capitalist influence.
Written by: Isaac Muk

A reading of the names of children killed in Gaza lasts over 18 hours
Choose Love — The vigil was held outside of the UK’s Houses of Parliament, with the likes of Steve Coogan, Chris O’Dowd, Nadhia Sawalha and Misan Harriman taking part.
Written by: Isaac Muk

Youth violence’s rise is deeply concerning, but mass hysteria doesn’t help
Safe — On Knife Crime Awareness Week, writer, podcaster and youth worker Ciaran Thapar reflects on the presence of violent content online, growing awareness about the need for action, and the two decades since Saul Dibb’s Bullet Boy.
Written by: Ciaran Thapar

The UK is now second-worst country for LGBTQ+ rights in western Europe
Rainbow regression — It’s according to new rankings in the 2025 Rainbow Europe Map and Index, which saw the country plummet to 45th out of 49 surveyed nations for laws relating to the recognition of gender identity.
Written by: Ella Glossop