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Unity and Pride Network

Kai Shappley TIME Magazine Kid of the Year finalist

Garrick Pattenden Jun 12 2023

TIME Magazine Kid of the Year Finalist Kai Shappley

Kai Shappley didn’t feel scared when she sat before the Texas Senate committee in April 2021. Wearing a flowing yellow blouse, floral skirt and cowboy boots, the then-4th grader calmly introduced herself. “I love ballet, math, science and geology. I spend my free time with my cats, chickens, FaceTiming my friends and dreaming of when I finally get to meet Dolly Parton,” she testified. “I do not like spending my free time asking adults to make good choices.”

Kai Shappley testimony fighting for trans kids

Garrick Pattenden Jun 28 2023

10-Year-Old Activist Kai Shappley on Fighting for Trans Kids

“I dislike using my leisure time to plead with adults to make wise decisions,” said ten-year-old Kai Shappley in a Texas legislative session on Monday. “It saddens me that certain politicians exploit trans children like me to win votes from those who despise me simply for existing,” she addressed the Senate Committee on State Affairs. Her testimony quickly became a viral sensation.

Garrick Pattenden July 20, 2023

What Life Is Like for Me & My Transgender Daughter – Kimberly and Kai Shappley

I used to say, “After this fight is won I’ll go back to my ‘normal’ life.” But I can’t. It’s been more than a year since I first shared the story about my transgender daughter, Kai, but the ball started rolling long before it published in April 2017. Kai transitioned publicly right before she entered kindergarten.

Garrick Pattenden July 22, 2023

Netflix “Babysitter’s Club”

Members of the LGBTIQ+ community have also been loving the series, with one particular episode - Mary-Anne Saves the Day - being praised for its inclusion of a young trans character, played by 10-year-old trans actor Kai Shappley. In the episode, Mary-Anne is looking after Bailey (Shappley), a trans child who needs to go to hospital after coming down with a fever.

Garrick Pattenden Sept 25, 2023

Kai Wins An Emmy!

In a move toward a more inclusive community, Kai Shappley and her family relocated from Pearland to Austin last year. Before their move, Kai became the focus of an influential 18-minute film that would later capture the hearts of many. "Trans In America: Texas Strong," a film highlighting the experiences of young Kai Shappley, a courageous eight-year-old transgender girl, has won the prestigious award for outstanding short documentary...

Garrick Pattenden Augu 9, 2023

VICE on HBO

Last season, VICE News investigated the complicated lives of trans kids and their families as they navigate decisions over medical transitions and how best to support their children’s identity. A year later, life for transgender Americans has become more uncertain as politicians dismantle key federal and state protections and introduce a slew of anti-LGBT bills. VICE's Gianna Toboni returns to Texas to see how the transgender community there is fighting to win acceptance and protection.

Empowerment begins with understanding. Together, we uplift every voice within the LGBTQ+ community. Don't wait until someone feels isolated to show your support; embrace and celebrate every identity from the start. Our strength lies in unity, and through education and advocacy, we foster a world where love and acceptance thrive.

Windsor Ontario Canada