Ashton Mota and Kai Farr
Visions of the Future
What does leadership development look like to those at the beginning of their journey? We thought we'd understand by talking to Ashton Mota, 19 and Kai Farr, 21 but they've already been on a leadership path for a long time. Ashton and Kai share their inspiring and transformative journeys as advocates and as GenderCool Project Champions. From introducing the President at the White House to navigating the challenges of coming out at a young age, they discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their identities and reflect on the ongoing need for education and acceptance. Join us for an enlightening conversation that underscores the significance of love, support, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery.
What does leadership development look like to those at the beginning of their journey? We thought we'd understand by talking to Ashton Mota, 19 and Kai Farr, 21 but they've already been on a leadership path for a long time. Ashton and Kai share their inspiring and transformative journeys as advocates and as GenderCool Project Champions. From introducing the President at the White House to navigating the challenges of coming out at a young age, they discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their identities and reflect on the ongoing need for education and acceptance. Join us for an enlightening conversation that underscores the significance of love, support, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery.
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Highlights
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Guest Biography
Kai Farr is a creator and performer, currently studying media science and film production at Boston University, who plans to pursue a career in content creation. He is part of BU’s Digital Marketing Institute, the head of post-production for BU’s hit soap opera, a writer for the university’s satire newspaper, and a member of the school’s theater group. In high school, Kai was a member of his school’s drama club, served as class president, and was an elected representative in multiple district-wide leadership teams. In his free time, you can find him exploring Boston, working out, or playing guitar. -- Ashton Mota’s advocacy began in 2018 at the age of 14, a mere two years after he came out to his parents, when he became one of the youth faces of the “Yes on 3” campaign to uphold gender identity protections in Massachusetts. In 2019, he joined the Human Rights Campaign as a Youth Ambassador, spreading his message of acceptance and equality nationwide. In 2021, he partnered with The GenderCool Project to co-write A Kids Book About Being Inclusive to help educate others and share his story. Teen Vogue and GLAAD honored Ashton on their 2021 “20 Under 20” list of LGBTQ youth shaping the future. He is also a recipient of The Livingston Pangburn Award for Youth Activism presented by Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth and Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. Ashton aims to foster strong, vibrant neighborhoods. He believes that together we can create an environment that will foster love, acceptance, and partnership among the LGBTQ+ community and young people everywhere. |
Credits
Guest: Kai Farr Guest: Ashton Mota Host: Liz Cavallaro Host: Bree Fram Audio: Frieda Garcia |