Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
@kitoconnell.com
🏳️🌈⭐👏Newsletter Writer & Contributor @The Barbed Wire, formerly Digital Editor @Texas Observer, bylines in Teen Vogue, etc. Austin, Texas. They/Them.
Home: https://kitoconnell.com/
Get Big & Bright: https://thebarbedwire.com/subscribe/
Home: https://kitoconnell.com/
Get Big & Bright: https://thebarbedwire.com/subscribe/
Pinned
‘Barbecue Saved My Life’: Meet Waco’s Antifascist Transgender Pitmaster
Kaleb Blain went from the fast-paced world of 911 dispatching to the “low and slow” of BBQ, where he’s built a following.
thebarbedwire.com
New for @thebarbedwire.com's Big & Bright 🌈⭐👏: Meet Waco's transgender BBQ pitmaster, who's going viral for his outspoken, antifascist TikTok videos.
Kaleb told us he lost his job at Terry Black's after being doxed after Charlie Kirk's death, but that hasn't stopped his big smoked meat dreams ...
Kaleb told us he lost his job at Terry Black's after being doxed after Charlie Kirk's death, but that hasn't stopped his big smoked meat dreams ...
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
"The richest man in the world posted about how the white race was under threat, made allusions to race science or promoted anti-immigrant conspiracy content on 26 out of 31 days in January"
Watching this sentient bath slime radicalize himself has been terrifying.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Watching this sentient bath slime radicalize himself has been terrifying.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Elon Musk posted about race almost every day in January
Many social media posts by Tesla CEO on his platform are indiscernible from those of white supremacists, say experts
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:09 PM
"The richest man in the world posted about how the white race was under threat, made allusions to race science or promoted anti-immigrant conspiracy content on 26 out of 31 days in January"
Watching this sentient bath slime radicalize himself has been terrifying.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Watching this sentient bath slime radicalize himself has been terrifying.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
I'm writing a story for @thebarbedwire.com on the intersection between pro-immigrant and pro-LGBTQ+ resistance... if you you're organizing intersectionally please get in touch... DM or I also have Signal or encrypted email if you need.
The Barbed Wire — All Things Texas
TRENDING In Case You Missed It — The Best of The Barbed Wire! PERSPECTIVE AND OPINION
thebarbedwire.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:23 PM
I'm writing a story for @thebarbedwire.com on the intersection between pro-immigrant and pro-LGBTQ+ resistance... if you you're organizing intersectionally please get in touch... DM or I also have Signal or encrypted email if you need.
I just signed a @theactionnetwork.bsky.social petition: Recognize International Long Covid Awareness Day in Austin Texas: Calling on the . Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/re...
Recognize International Long Covid Awareness Day in Austin Texas: Calling on the
We are calling on the City of Austin to officially recognize March 15 as International Long COVID Awareness Day (ILCAD) to acknowledge Austin residents and Texans living with Long COVID. March 15, 202...
actionnetwork.org
February 11, 2026 at 9:27 PM
I just signed a @theactionnetwork.bsky.social petition: Recognize International Long Covid Awareness Day in Austin Texas: Calling on the . Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/re...
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
EXCLUSIVE: When Senate Bill 17 went into effect in 2024, Texas universities were forced to enact anti-DEI policies. Since then, 12 queer resource centers or programs have closed — along with layoffs or transfers of at least 100 people.
thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/05/c...
thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/05/c...
‘Communities Ripped Apart’: On Texas College Campuses, LGBTQ+ Services Have Been Completely Decimated
Across the state, public universities that were once making strides toward inclusivity and support have faced devastating cutbacks.
thebarbedwire.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:06 PM
EXCLUSIVE: When Senate Bill 17 went into effect in 2024, Texas universities were forced to enact anti-DEI policies. Since then, 12 queer resource centers or programs have closed — along with layoffs or transfers of at least 100 people.
thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/05/c...
thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/05/c...
I was in theater club with James and it's so sad to lose someone my age so young. My condolences to his family and friends.
James Van Der Beek, a heartthrob who starred in coming-of-age dramas at the dawn of the new millennium, has died.
https://www.oregonlive.com/living/2026/02/james-van-der-beek-dawsons-creek-star-dies-at-48.html
https://www.oregonlive.com/living/2026/02/james-van-der-beek-dawsons-creek-star-dies-at-48.html
February 11, 2026 at 8:24 PM
I was in theater club with James and it's so sad to lose someone my age so young. My condolences to his family and friends.
I'm writing a story for @thebarbedwire.com on the intersection between pro-immigrant and pro-LGBTQ+ resistance... if you you're organizing intersectionally please get in touch... DM or I also have Signal or encrypted email if you need.
The Barbed Wire — All Things Texas
TRENDING In Case You Missed It — The Best of The Barbed Wire! PERSPECTIVE AND OPINION
thebarbedwire.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:23 PM
I'm writing a story for @thebarbedwire.com on the intersection between pro-immigrant and pro-LGBTQ+ resistance... if you you're organizing intersectionally please get in touch... DM or I also have Signal or encrypted email if you need.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
Please don't accuse people in knitted hats of only wearing their supposed politics if all you're doing is posting, which is basically just another way of wearing your politics. It's a silly thing to attack people over in any case. Using fashion to signal support for ongoing acts of rebellion is good
February 9, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Please don't accuse people in knitted hats of only wearing their supposed politics if all you're doing is posting, which is basically just another way of wearing your politics. It's a silly thing to attack people over in any case. Using fashion to signal support for ongoing acts of rebellion is good
My latest at @thebarbedwire.com ... I spent weeks interviewing current and former students, faculty, nonprofits and others about the way queer campus life has suffered over the past 2 years and how, in some cases, community members have stepped up to help.
EXCLUSIVE: When Senate Bill 17 went into effect in 2024, Texas universities were forced to enact anti-DEI policies. Since then, 12 queer resource centers or programs have closed — along with layoffs or transfers of at least 100 people.
thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/05/c...
thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/05/c...
‘Communities Ripped Apart’: On Texas College Campuses, LGBTQ+ Services Have Been Completely Decimated
Across the state, public universities that were once making strides toward inclusivity and support have faced devastating cutbacks.
thebarbedwire.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:32 PM
My latest at @thebarbedwire.com ... I spent weeks interviewing current and former students, faculty, nonprofits and others about the way queer campus life has suffered over the past 2 years and how, in some cases, community members have stepped up to help.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
This was a massive undertaking by @kitoconnell.com, and we’re very proud of how it turned out. There are maps, lists of universities impacted, and tons of stellar quotes.
EXCLUSIVE: When Senate Bill 17 went into effect in 2024, Texas universities were forced to enact anti-DEI policies. Since then, 12 queer resource centers or programs have closed — along with layoffs or transfers of at least 100 people.
thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/05/c...
thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/05/c...
‘Communities Ripped Apart’: On Texas College Campuses, LGBTQ+ Services Have Been Completely Decimated
Across the state, public universities that were once making strides toward inclusivity and support have faced devastating cutbacks.
thebarbedwire.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:29 PM
This was a massive undertaking by @kitoconnell.com, and we’re very proud of how it turned out. There are maps, lists of universities impacted, and tons of stellar quotes.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
Want to re-emphasize what this bill does. It implements a $1,000 bounty for anyone to sue someone they suspect is trans and using the bathroom.
January 29, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Want to re-emphasize what this bill does. It implements a $1,000 bounty for anyone to sue someone they suspect is trans and using the bathroom.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
If you see this, don't participate. It's a rigged study by Lisa Littman and unethical researcher J. Michael Bailey meant to undermine access to care. Spread the word.
January 30, 2026 at 5:28 PM
If you see this, don't participate. It's a rigged study by Lisa Littman and unethical researcher J. Michael Bailey meant to undermine access to care. Spread the word.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
Kenneth Zucker, one of the researchers on this study previously published a research paper where he asked adults to rate the physical attractiveness of children.
Just to give you an idea of the types of people behind this m
Just to give you an idea of the types of people behind this m
January 30, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Kenneth Zucker, one of the researchers on this study previously published a research paper where he asked adults to rate the physical attractiveness of children.
Just to give you an idea of the types of people behind this m
Just to give you an idea of the types of people behind this m
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
The nazis redistributed the stolen property of deported Jews to the German population. It was called Aryanization.
This is no different.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryaniz...
This is no different.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryaniz...
January 31, 2026 at 9:11 PM
The nazis redistributed the stolen property of deported Jews to the German population. It was called Aryanization.
This is no different.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryaniz...
This is no different.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryaniz...
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
One thing I realized is the timing of the pol board being opened after the Epstein meeting is that it occurred one month into the occupy wall street protests that 4chan played a role in promoting and organizing.
It's like the oligarch class wanted to takeover that ability to serve their interests.
It's like the oligarch class wanted to takeover that ability to serve their interests.
The Epstein 4chan /pol connection is breaking my brain. Couple that with claims that Ghislaine Maxwell was a power mod on reddit and it just seems like the entirety of the 2010s internet culture was influenced by Epstein and his associates.
January 31, 2026 at 10:22 PM
One thing I realized is the timing of the pol board being opened after the Epstein meeting is that it occurred one month into the occupy wall street protests that 4chan played a role in promoting and organizing.
It's like the oligarch class wanted to takeover that ability to serve their interests.
It's like the oligarch class wanted to takeover that ability to serve their interests.
“I’m here to raise my voice for myself, for my friends, and all the children that have been unjustly incarcerated. There shouldn’t be cages for children.”
Protests of ‘Abolish ICE’ Reach Texas Dems as Trump’s Agents Count the Holes in the Dead via @deceleration.news
Protests of ‘Abolish ICE’ Reach Texas Dems as Trump’s Agents Count the Holes in the Dead via @deceleration.news
Protests of ‘Abolish ICE’ Reach Texas Dems as Trump’s Agents Count the Holes in the Dead
The struggle against ICE has picked up in Texas since the killings of legal observers in Minneapolis and transporting of 5-year-old Liam Ramos to CoreCivic’s Dilley family detention center.
deceleration.news
January 30, 2026 at 8:27 PM
“I’m here to raise my voice for myself, for my friends, and all the children that have been unjustly incarcerated. There shouldn’t be cages for children.”
Protests of ‘Abolish ICE’ Reach Texas Dems as Trump’s Agents Count the Holes in the Dead via @deceleration.news
Protests of ‘Abolish ICE’ Reach Texas Dems as Trump’s Agents Count the Holes in the Dead via @deceleration.news
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
wait, so Visa, Mastercard et. al can go after video game storefronts for six fucking months for having porn games but the moment X/Grok starts generating ACTUAL CHILD PORN they CHANGE THEIR POLICIES? dawg,
wrote about an apparent policy change in the payments industry www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
Payment processors were against CSAM until Grok started making it
“The industry is no longer willing to self-regulate.”
www.theverge.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:10 PM
wait, so Visa, Mastercard et. al can go after video game storefronts for six fucking months for having porn games but the moment X/Grok starts generating ACTUAL CHILD PORN they CHANGE THEIR POLICIES? dawg,
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
Are you inadvertently supporting companies that support ICE?
Know before you spend: These 10+ companies profit from their partnerships with ICE. spendingspotlight.org/the-spot/pos...
Know before you spend: These 10+ companies profit from their partnerships with ICE. spendingspotlight.org/the-spot/pos...
January 27, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Are you inadvertently supporting companies that support ICE?
Know before you spend: These 10+ companies profit from their partnerships with ICE. spendingspotlight.org/the-spot/pos...
Know before you spend: These 10+ companies profit from their partnerships with ICE. spendingspotlight.org/the-spot/pos...
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
Reminder that, in recent days, children have rallied and protested for their freedom inside an ICE detention center where water has been described as "putrid" and meals reportedly contain “bugs,” dirt, and debris. This is where the kidnapped 5-year-old Liam Ramos is being held.
Protest breaks out at Dilley immigration detention facility holding 5-year-old Liam Ramos
A protest broke out Saturday at the ICE-run South Texas family detention complex in Dilley, where five-year-old Liam Ramos is being detained.
www.tpr.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Reminder that, in recent days, children have rallied and protested for their freedom inside an ICE detention center where water has been described as "putrid" and meals reportedly contain “bugs,” dirt, and debris. This is where the kidnapped 5-year-old Liam Ramos is being held.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
I promise that it's by happy accident that I wrote this after @kitoconnell.com's amazing profile, which you should ALSO go read and share because Kit is awesome: thebarbedwire.com/2026/01/21/b...
‘Barbecue Saved My Life’: Meet Waco’s Antifascist Transgender Pitmaster
Kaleb Blain went from the fast-paced world of 911 dispatching to the “low and slow” of BBQ, where he’s built a following.
thebarbedwire.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:03 PM
I promise that it's by happy accident that I wrote this after @kitoconnell.com's amazing profile, which you should ALSO go read and share because Kit is awesome: thebarbedwire.com/2026/01/21/b...
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
I spoke to Waco's Kaleb Blain, a transgender pitmaster working to create space for trans people in Texas BBQ. After being doxxed, attacked online and let go from Terry Black's, he's now forging his own path:
"I have to do this for the rest of my life."
www.chron.com/culture/arti...
"I have to do this for the rest of my life."
www.chron.com/culture/arti...
After a doxxing, a transgender Texan pitmaster forges his own way
"There's not a queer space in barbecue yet, so let's create one."
www.chron.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:01 PM
I spoke to Waco's Kaleb Blain, a transgender pitmaster working to create space for trans people in Texas BBQ. After being doxxed, attacked online and let go from Terry Black's, he's now forging his own path:
"I have to do this for the rest of my life."
www.chron.com/culture/arti...
"I have to do this for the rest of my life."
www.chron.com/culture/arti...
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
New for @thebarbedwire.com's Big & Bright 🌈⭐👏: Meet Waco's transgender BBQ pitmaster, who's going viral for his outspoken, antifascist TikTok videos.
Kaleb told us he lost his job at Terry Black's after being doxed after Charlie Kirk's death, but that hasn't stopped his big smoked meat dreams ...
Kaleb told us he lost his job at Terry Black's after being doxed after Charlie Kirk's death, but that hasn't stopped his big smoked meat dreams ...
‘Barbecue Saved My Life’: Meet Waco’s Antifascist Transgender Pitmaster
Kaleb Blain went from the fast-paced world of 911 dispatching to the “low and slow” of BBQ, where he’s built a following.
thebarbedwire.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:39 PM
New for @thebarbedwire.com's Big & Bright 🌈⭐👏: Meet Waco's transgender BBQ pitmaster, who's going viral for his outspoken, antifascist TikTok videos.
Kaleb told us he lost his job at Terry Black's after being doxed after Charlie Kirk's death, but that hasn't stopped his big smoked meat dreams ...
Kaleb told us he lost his job at Terry Black's after being doxed after Charlie Kirk's death, but that hasn't stopped his big smoked meat dreams ...
I'm still researching the effects of Sb17, the college anti-diversity law that closed resource centers for LGBTQ+ people (among others) at Texas public universities. Get in touch with me if you were affected by these closures.
January 26, 2026 at 2:38 PM
I'm still researching the effects of Sb17, the college anti-diversity law that closed resource centers for LGBTQ+ people (among others) at Texas public universities. Get in touch with me if you were affected by these closures.
Watching Reddit turn on ICE is interesting. Everything from porn to cute cat subreddits posting anti-ICE messages. Sorry, not sorry to ICE nazis who like to look at cats with curled tails or cuckolding or whatever without being reminded that you're evil.
January 26, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Watching Reddit turn on ICE is interesting. Everything from porn to cute cat subreddits posting anti-ICE messages. Sorry, not sorry to ICE nazis who like to look at cats with curled tails or cuckolding or whatever without being reminded that you're evil.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (🏳️🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽)
There's a prison revolt at a concentration camp in Texas in solidarity with Minneapolis:
January 24, 2026 at 11:04 PM
There's a prison revolt at a concentration camp in Texas in solidarity with Minneapolis: