Meet Kacen Callender: NowThis Next 2021 Honoree

Kacen Callender talks exclusively to NowThis about the importance of inclusivity and representation.

Credit: Kacen Callender
Credit: Kacen Callender

Throughout history, there have always been trailblazers and creatives from every generation who have led the world to the precipice of historical change through grassroots organization, self-expression, reclamation, and so much more. Youth have always been the leaders of our movements toward change, and here at NowThis, we give megaphones to the change-makers of the world.

Kacen Callender is among the 2021 class of NowThis Next honorees in the category of QTBIPOC. Read Callender's interview below.


What do you think is the biggest issue or challenge we face when it comes to QTBIPOC representation right now?

The doors are being opened for so many more QTBIPOC stories than ever before, which is exciting and invigorating — but a challenge I see is the publishing industry's tendency to choose "the one" book with QTBIPOC rep that will receive more financial support than others. The other books will often then depend on word-of-mouth buzz from readers and allies in order to break out, but often times readers mainly show enthusiasm for books featuring QTBIPOC rep during specific months or when someone with a large platform does or says something harmful or problematic. It can be challenging for QTBIPOC authors and creators to find financial, monetary support that allows us to thrive, beyond the symbolic support of allies.

How do you balance self-care with activism?

For me, self-care is activism. My definition of self-care is practicing self-love. Focusing on my self-love and following what brings me joy, and sharing that self-love and joy through writing with the hopes that readers will also feel even more love for themselves, is my form of creating change.

How do you handle hate online?

I've deleted my Instagram and created boundaries for myself on Twitter. I believe that people would rather distract themselves by showing hate to others, rather than looking at what they hate within themselves — at what they need to heal, and how they need to learn and grow. That won't change any time soon or easily, and it was up to me to realize that I have responsibility over how much access I give of myself to others online who will want to hurt because they are also hurting.

What would you say to someone who identifies as QTBIPOC and is struggling with being bullied right now?

There isn't anything I can say to make things better, and as someone who was bullied, I often felt like people were trying to dismiss the pain of being bullied because of their own discomfort of knowing that I was in pain. I don't want to dismiss anyone's struggles. I do want to offer that, though you might not know them yet, there are people in this world who love you and celebrate you just because of your identity alone, and just because you exist. You will meet people who will love you and celebrate you as you deserve to be loved and celebrated.