Change Can Happen — What I Know Now by Political Strategist Kit Malone
By Kit Malone, Political Strategist and LGBTQ+ Advocate
Name and Pronouns:
Kit Malone — she/her
What you wanted to be when you were a teenager:
When I was young, I absolutely knew that I was going to grow up to be an author who was also a rockstar who was also an award winning actor.
What you do now:
Today I’m a freelance political strategist who builds coalitions to pursue justice, democracy, and civil rights. While this sounds very, very far from what I thought I’d be doing as a teen — it turns out to be a lot like being a rockstar. My job requires me to be conscious of my reputation and to be extremely good at finding common ground with all sorts of different people. It also gives me the opportunity to make a whole lot of friends.
What you’re most proud of:
I’m most proud of the people I’ve met, and the things we’ve been able to do together. Here’s an example that I carry with me:
A few years ago, Indiana passed a law banning transgender girls from participating in K12 sports. I led the fight against that law, and it was so hard — particularly for the young people and their parents who showed up to speak out against it. The debate in our capitol was gross and devaluing. It exposed us all to so much ugliness, and it was sometimes quite scary. The days and nights were long for everyone.
Even though we didn’t win, on the final day of the fight my team and I created a day of play for the youth who’d fought so hard. We brought coaches, equipment, and all kinds of games. We set it all out right on the lawn of the state capitol and the youth (along with a few of the adults!) had a great time.
I was proud of the bravery those young people showed. And proud that in the midst of our heartache we still had fun and made a very visible public statement of inclusivity. Creating joy out of hard times — to me that is the LGBTQ+ family in Indiana. That’s why we’ll win in the end.
3 words that describe your teenage self:
Scrappy. Creative. Stubborn.
3 words that describe you now:
Scrappy. Creative. Kind.
What you would tell your teenage self:
If I could tell my teenage self anything it would be: “All those things that people are teasing you about right now will be your greatest strengths as you grow up. Bet on yourself, every time.”
What you wish you knew about coming out that you know now:
Coming out changed so much about my life — nearly all of it for the better. One thing that I wish that I knew was just how much more effective I would become after I came out. Without the deadweight of a secret holding me down, I’ve been able to accomplish things I couldn’t even have dreamt of before.
What you wish you could have done differently as a teenager:
If I could go back and do anything differently, I’d definitely come out earlier! It might have been dangerous — because that was a different time. But I sincerely believe that I would’ve eventually won the support of my family and friends. I think the ability to really show up as my whole self in school would’ve helped me take better advantage of the opportunities I had.
What you love most about being a part of the LGBTQ+ community:
I love that we have hope, even in the darkest times. Think about how much raw hope it takes to step outside and be yourself even when you are afraid. I love that. I love it so much that sometimes I can’t help but cry when I see someone doing it for the first time.
Person you most admire:
I admire every youth I’ve ever seen stand up to the unthinking hatred of powerful people. And every parent who stands with them.
If you could change one thing about the world, you would:
I would never want to be the person with enough power to single handedly change the world … but I suppose if I had that power I would want to teach us all to value kindness a little more.
What inspires you now:
I’m inspired by the fact that I have personally watched extremely powerful people change their point of view about LGBTQ+ folks. Change can happen. We can change the world for the better, and we will.
About the Series
What I Know Now is a series on Matthew’s Place where adult members of the LGBTQ+ community write reflections on their lives and stories. Through this series we empower our young readers who learn valuable lessons from these queer role models.
