Staries Azura
She/He/They
Fashion Obsessed/ ASylum Seeker/ human rights defender/ Leader speaker/ interpreter/ campaign planner
Staries Azura is a passionate human rights defender, asylum seeker, and dynamic speaker based in New York City. As she embarks on a unique journey to merge fashion with human rights advocacy, Staries draws on her extensive experience as a leader, speaker, and campaign planner. Her commitment to human rights began in Indonesia, and she now continues to make a powerful impact in NYC, where she is making strides in both her activism and creative endeavors.
Speaking engagement
Staries Azura has spoken at over 25 international queer-focused events and conferences, including her recent appearance at Lululemon’s Pride Festival 2024 in New York City. Beyond her speaking engagements, Staries is dedicated to leveraging these opportunities to strengthen her network and drive meaningful follow-ups. She is committed to integrating sustainability into her advocacy, viewing each speaking opportunity as a chance to further her impact and advance her goals in the queer community.
leadership
His extensive experience in leadership is demonstrated by his founding of two grassroots queer organizations in Indonesia, where he served as the National Coordinator. Additionally, he has a strong background in volunteering, teaching, and campaign planning. Four months after arriving in the U.S., he began representing New York State in advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C, and continues to do so every May. He frequently leads in-person and digital campaigns, with one of his largest digital initiatives garnering over 1 million impressions and 30 thousand follows in a single post.
Asylum seeker
Previously known as Bintang, Staries started their journey as an asylum seeker in the US in early 2023. From surviving to thriving, Staries has done impactful work in New York City, from being the Face of Pride 2023 for Lululemon, to representing New York state two years in a row to advocate for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in the US. Staries believes that “there will always be brighter days ahead”.
Rainbow Railroad: Donor Impact Report, Spring 2023
Image description: Rainbow Railroad’s report showcasing Bintang’s (Staries) journey in becoming an asylum seeker in the US.
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER
Their journey began unexpectedly at 18, driven by a passion for social justice. Initially aspiring to be a film director, they attended film school but soon shifted focus to human rights, influenced by their own experiences of rejection and abuse for being queer.They launched their activism career by organizing an international pride event, supported by friends from global NGOs. This debut event marked the beginning of their rise in activism, leading them to found two grassroots queer organizations, co-lead a feminist movement with over 100k followers, and implement queer programs in Indonesia.
After seeking asylum in New York City, they transitioned from merely surviving to thriving. In a short time, they have represented New York State for two consecutive years, spoken at NYC events, and been named the Face of Pride 2023 for Lululemon, and they’ve achieved so much more in less than two years. They have actively built partnerships with NYC organizations and individuals, and recently completed an internship at Rainbow Railroad, where they leveraged their network to support newcomers to the US.
They are currently exploring opportunities in the fashion industry to integrate their passion for fashion with their commitment to human rights. They believe that as a dedicated human rights defender, it is possible to leverage any platform or industry to advance human rights and create meaningful change.