We 'Ced Youth Media

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Merced, CA
We 'Ced Youth Media

Since 2011, We’Ced Youth Media has served the City of Merced and connected youth to their community and each other via the power of media.

A project of New America Media via the YouthWire collective, We’Ced is committed to changing the narrative around young people and challenging the status quo. We provide youth with training in journalism in order to uplift powerful stories through a hyper-local community health lens. Currently, We’Ced houses 15 youth reporters and mentors, publishes online year-round, and produces two publications per year.

10/05/2025

[Slide 1] We pulled up show our pride! It was refreshing to have the support of people passing by or cars honking to show their support. We had no agitators show up to harrass us which is also a positive!!

[Slide 2] "Alone" by Silver Matheson.
"Its a poem describing how I feel alone in this time of my life, despite having friends who actually like me."

[Slide 3] "The Beauty of Drag" by Ashe Aguirre.
"I've always loved drag so I wanted to make a piece of art and make my own character that loved to do drag and being part of the alternative community. I also wanted to make it into an alternative drag art piece. I was inspired heavily on Rouge The Bat's outfit, especially the boots from Sonic."

[Slide 4] We accept art from lgbtq+ youth. We accept many forms of art and there is no experience requirement. We want to showcase your stories and experiences through art. We can also provide a $100 stipend for your submission

[Slide 5] We host a biweekly book club, each month we read a different book written from lgbtq+ authors. You dont need to read it before or have the book to attend!

09/19/2025

"I.C.E. In My Community" details the story of migration to the Central Valley. And how those who have traveled different regions still experience the fears of being deported back, losing years of what they have built, including their families.

09/16/2025

**PEACEFUL RALLY**
Come support the Merced LGBTQ+ youth rally on Saturday 9/27 at the Merced Court House Museum from 10am - 12pm.

We want Merced to know that we still welcome the lgbtq+ youth in the Central Valley. Come gather with us as we create supporting posters and share our powerful voices. Now is a good time for us to come together.

Water and snacks will be provided.
Masks will be provided as well.

***r

09/12/2025

Merced's Nickel Arcade has brought years of entertainment and stories for many people. However, does the same experience still exist when you visit it today? We'Ced Youth report the differences from their memories to their current reality (and to have a fun day out from our meetings)

07/19/2025

We'Ced Youth Weighs In on Donald Trump in office and the impact he has done to our communities. Is this new, or is it the same pattern, but different president?

07/16/2025

Summer collection of LGBTQ+ art created by Merced County Youth! Every season, We’Ced showcases local artists' pieces on LGBTQ+ experiences. If you like to submit, check out the last slide of this post.

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[Slide 1]
Trans Pride
By Ashe Aguirre

I drew somewhat of a self portrait but added some little fun details to it, along with a quote.

“My name is Ashe Aguirre :) I'm a Mexican American transgender (FTM) artist. I'm 19 and currently attending college to pursue my career in art and hope to some day inspire others and make something for everyone to enjoy!”

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[Slide 2]
A Vase
By Victoria Mendez Leon

My poem, A Vase, is an embodiment of a reinforced thought that my voice is not enough. Because of this thought, I have remained complacent when my body is violated. I have let others treat me as an object, as if I was theirs.

“I am a q***r Chicanx student that cares deeply about art. I love expressing myself through paintings, poems, & essays.”

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[Slide 3]
Bisexual Love
By Natalia Stewart

The red represents the attraction to the same genders. The blue represents attraction to different genders. The purple represents the love toward both genders harmonizing them. This painting also represents the act of trying. Trying new things just as genders. The different layers of bi love when you break it down. It’s not that I prefer one gender over the other but I love both of them at the same time.

“I am currently 18 years old, bisexual, and I go to Merced College. My major is Psychology and I’m in my second semester”

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[Slide 4]
Quinton Nanez

Quinton, a We’Ced member, gives her speech on her identity and acceptance. The speech was presented at Merced’s 2025 LGBTQ+ Flag Raising event.

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Oh wow! I thought our captions can be longer but it wont let me add more than this. Ill credit the rest in the comments.

06/02/2025

Reposting
Get ready Merced! This year, the Pride Flag Proclamation ceremony is happening in front of the Merced County Courthouse Museum on June 4th, 2025, from 5 PM - 7 PM! Due to downtown construction, we're bringing the celebration to a new spot, but the spirit of unity and affirmation for our LGBTQ+ community remains stronger than ever.
Join us to celebrate every beautiful Q***r identity and hear heartwarming stories from community members. It's a chance to feel truly seen, cherished, and affirmed. See you there!
Merced County Courthouse Museum W 21st &, N St, Merced, CA

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06/01/2025

Reposting from

Get ready Merced! This year, the Pride Flag Proclamation ceremony is happening in front of the Merced County Courthouse Museum on June 4th, 2025, from 5 PM - 7 PM! Due to downtown construction, we're bringing the celebration to a new spot, but the spirit of unity and affirmation for our LGBTQ+ community remains stronger than ever.
Join us to celebrate every beautiful Q***r identity and hear heartwarming stories from community members. It's a chance to feel truly seen, cherished, and affirmed. See you there!
Merced County Courthouse Museum W 21st &, N St, Merced, CA
***r

05/14/2025

3rd annual give back at MacNamera Park Merced. .official inviting local performers, vendors, and barbers to give back to the community of Merced. Not only that, but the admission fee to enter the event was a donation of school supplies. All donations goes toward the students of Merced in marginalized communites! See you next year.

Speaking of parks and Merced, the second slide is a qr code to provide information to help build better parks in Merced. Youth United asks you to please share and fill out this survey for Merced Parks and Recreation to help them develop Merced's parks, recreation, and open spaces (PROS) plan. Help Merced parks identify the most important changes and improvements in our green spaces

04/26/2025

We'Ced reporter Niesha interviews Annie Delgado, Golden Valley and Yosemite High School Teacher. And the new Governing Board Represenative of Merced City School Disctrict Area 4.

No introduction needed! Just straight into the questions about her new position, her job as a teacher, her political views and life outside such a busy schedule. As well as the topic of youth in Merced County!
(and we forgot to include an introduction)

Thank you for reconnecting with your former students and being in the interview.

There are multiple questions that are split up into different slides, swipe to see the various questions.

03/03/2025

Wednesday February 5, Merced held a
rally in front of the Merced Mall. Family and students
rallied together to oppose the deportations that are
being highlighted under Trump's presidency.
The Central Valley has a large population of
farmworkers that are being impacted physically,
mentally, and economically.

Photos by: .photography

01/17/2025

First picture by:
Liliana Figueroa-Larios is a q***r artist whose works examines the idea of remembrance and how we as a society have purposefully forgotten the intersectional history of women, lesbiansim and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. As a result, material and techniques which are deemed nontraditional such sewing and forms of quilting are the cornerstone of her work.

This specific piece highlights a vintage found photo of two women holding hands. Whether the two are friends or lovers is unknown. However, this allows Liliana to play into the unknown lives of the previous owners and place them within a q***r narrative.

Second picture by Spencer Dunham: .s1nist3r_
Going to yosmite is a life changing experience, being able to get away from the town, stress, and people . The flora is absolutely breathtaking, walking along the rocks of the falls is extraordinary. The beads of water off the falls hitting your face feels so fresh and the daily stresses just melt away. Spending time in yosmite is another worldly experience and walking along the trails of beauty. The spirit of Yomsite is real and true, I know this because I felt something there that I couldn't put my finger on but it was speaking to me through the wind and water.

Address

470 West Main Street Suite 13
Merced, CA
95340

Website

http://wecedyouth.org/

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