Austin Activist Kai Shappley Shares Her Favorite Things
Kai Shappley has already done extraordinary things in her young life. Not many 9-year-olds have visited Washington, D.C. in support of civil rights. There’s an Emmy-winning documentary about her life as a transgender child and the discrimination she faced at a Pearland, Texas school before moving to Austin. Kai and her mother, Kimberly, have also appeared on NBC’s “Today” and “Vice” on HBO, as well as the cover of Tribeza as one of seven people making an positive impact on our community this year.
“Kai is a brave, fierce, and wickedly smart little girl with a vibrant personality,” says Angela Hale, acting CEO at Equality Texas. “She puts a human face on what a transgender child looks like and has been a rock star, helping us communicate to Texans and the American public that there’s nothing to be worried about, that a transgender child is just like any other child, who should be loved and accepted.”
Kai may be a rock star and super hero activist but she’s also a typical little girl who loves Barbie, ice cream and playing on her iPad. As part of our story on Kai and her leadership as an activist, we wanted to hear from her about her everyday life, what she loves, what she watches and what she wants for Christmas.
Here are the answers (edited slightly for clarity) to 15 questions we asked Kai Shappley:
What’s your favorite book?
The Wishing Spell from The Land of Stories, a fantasy and adventure series by “Glee” star Chris Colfer.
What’s your favorite movie?
Maleficent.
Do you have a favorite super hero?
Queen Esther from the Bible, Dolly Parton and Wonder Woman.
What’s your favorite anime and anime character?
“Puella Magi Madoka Magica” and “Sailor Moon”
Who’s your favorite YouTuber?
Gamer LDShadowLady.
What are your favorite foods?
Sushi and rice with cilantro and oranges.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Talk to my friends on my phone and play on my iPad.
What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Cookies and cream.
What’s your favorite pizza place in Austin?
Southside Flying Pizza and Austin Pizza Garden.
What’s your favorite burger place in Austin?
Southside Flying Pizza. LOL.
What’s your favorite TV show?
“Young Sheldon.”
What’s your favorite Austin park?
Barton Springs.
What’s your favorite toy?
Barbie.
What’s your favorite piece of clothing or clothing brand?
Crop tops that mom won’t let me wear and fabulous dresses.
What are the top 3 items on your Christmas wish list?
Día de Muertos Barbie. I’m still on a wait list … ugh.
RoBux for Roblox.
Mami and Madoka costumes from Puella Magi Madoka Magica.