Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
@kitoconnell.com
Movement journalist for hire, former Digital Editor at the Texas Observer, bylines in Teen Vogue, Deceleration, etc. Trans queerdo from Austin. They/Them. Religion: Chappell Roanism
Home: https://kitoconnell.com/
Support: https://patreon.com/kitoconnell
Home: https://kitoconnell.com/
Support: https://patreon.com/kitoconnell
Pinned
Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
@kitoconnell.com
· Sep 18
Some Texas Schools Are Making Teachers Deadname Trans Students After New Bill Passed
“This can’t be interpreted as anything else but an attack directly on trans kids.”
www.teenvogue.com
“This can’t be interpreted…as anything else but an attack directly on trans kids.”
In my first byline for @teenvogue.com, I spoke with trans students, with Texas teachers, and those who support them about this troubling law that's singling out trans, enby and gender nonconforming young folks:
In my first byline for @teenvogue.com, I spoke with trans students, with Texas teachers, and those who support them about this troubling law that's singling out trans, enby and gender nonconforming young folks:
Thanks to @annieknk.bsky.social's Truly Tradly Deeply podcast I now know the word "Heteropessimism" and have had occasion to use it in two separate, unrelated conversations over the last week.
November 10, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Thanks to @annieknk.bsky.social's Truly Tradly Deeply podcast I now know the word "Heteropessimism" and have had occasion to use it in two separate, unrelated conversations over the last week.
I hate that when I see videos of animals being cute, part of me now automatically assumes they are probably AI.
"Oh that cat sort of sat up while looking out the window? Impossible!"
"Oh that cat sort of sat up while looking out the window? Impossible!"
November 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
I hate that when I see videos of animals being cute, part of me now automatically assumes they are probably AI.
"Oh that cat sort of sat up while looking out the window? Impossible!"
"Oh that cat sort of sat up while looking out the window? Impossible!"
Y'all this is super scary. We need to protect each other.
A photojournalist was arrested by ICE at gunpoint — and his DACA status revoked.
“Ya’akub isn’t being accused of breaking immigration law — his DACA protection doesn’t expire until May 2026. In fact Ya’akub’s lawyers say he hasn’t been accused of any crime.”
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
“Ya’akub isn’t being accused of breaking immigration law — his DACA protection doesn’t expire until May 2026. In fact Ya’akub’s lawyers say he hasn’t been accused of any crime.”
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
When Storytelling Is Called ‘Terrorism’: How My Friend and Fellow Journalist Was Targeted by ICE
As a DACA recipient, Ya'akub Ira Vijandre’s arrest holds drastic implications for the state of free speech in America.
thebarbedwire.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Y'all this is super scary. We need to protect each other.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
Photojournalist @harmonli.bsky.social captured this "cute" photo of me, while we were on assignment for @texasobserver.org at Barking Springs. I wrote about a trans "takeover" day that took place after a brutal attack. Look for the story and photos in the Postcard feature in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue.
November 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Photojournalist @harmonli.bsky.social captured this "cute" photo of me, while we were on assignment for @texasobserver.org at Barking Springs. I wrote about a trans "takeover" day that took place after a brutal attack. Look for the story and photos in the Postcard feature in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
NOW: A small group of protesters briefly blockaded the entrance to the Tesla Gigafactory in Austin to demand shareholders reject a $1T pay package for the world’s richest man, Elon Musk.
The blockade dispersed after a Travis Co. Sheriff threatened to arrest protesters without any official warning.
The blockade dispersed after a Travis Co. Sheriff threatened to arrest protesters without any official warning.
November 6, 2025 at 7:24 PM
NOW: A small group of protesters briefly blockaded the entrance to the Tesla Gigafactory in Austin to demand shareholders reject a $1T pay package for the world’s richest man, Elon Musk.
The blockade dispersed after a Travis Co. Sheriff threatened to arrest protesters without any official warning.
The blockade dispersed after a Travis Co. Sheriff threatened to arrest protesters without any official warning.
This podcast is absolutely worth the price. Every episode is a fascinating 2+ hour deep dive into antifeminist currents in modern society.
The new episode of TRULY TRADLY DEEPLY is out now on CursedMedia.net! In this episode we dive into the tradosphere's advice on purity - tracing it from 90s purity culture to the new secular 'reactionary feminist' arguments. Also I go on an unscripted rant about 2001 romcom classic Kate and Leopold
CURSED MEDIA PODCAST NETWORK
CursedMedia.net
November 7, 2025 at 8:18 PM
This podcast is absolutely worth the price. Every episode is a fascinating 2+ hour deep dive into antifeminist currents in modern society.
Exactly... fewer trans people making editorial choices just when we most need them in these kinds of positions.
Two of the most significant politics editors in Teen Vogue’s history were working class trans people from Ohio and Philly, and their tireless, fearless work is a huge part of why so many people are mourning its demise now. @satansjacuzzi.bsky.social and @leximcmenamin.com you will always be famous
November 4, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Exactly... fewer trans people making editorial choices just when we most need them in these kinds of positions.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
Two of the most significant politics editors in Teen Vogue’s history were working class trans people from Ohio and Philly, and their tireless, fearless work is a huge part of why so many people are mourning its demise now. @satansjacuzzi.bsky.social and @leximcmenamin.com you will always be famous
November 4, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Two of the most significant politics editors in Teen Vogue’s history were working class trans people from Ohio and Philly, and their tireless, fearless work is a huge part of why so many people are mourning its demise now. @satansjacuzzi.bsky.social and @leximcmenamin.com you will always be famous
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
📚 Does your audio book app support Donald Trump?
💁♀️ And, if so, have you considered the alternatives?
⚠️Read more here: spendingspotlight.org/the-spot/pos...
💁♀️ And, if so, have you considered the alternatives?
⚠️Read more here: spendingspotlight.org/the-spot/pos...
November 4, 2025 at 7:50 PM
📚 Does your audio book app support Donald Trump?
💁♀️ And, if so, have you considered the alternatives?
⚠️Read more here: spendingspotlight.org/the-spot/pos...
💁♀️ And, if so, have you considered the alternatives?
⚠️Read more here: spendingspotlight.org/the-spot/pos...
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
I'm getting to this late but the news about the destruction of @teenvogue.com and the eradication of its political viewpoint is gutting. It's so disgusting to watch the rich destroy platform after platform like this in the second Trump era. They're deliberately hollowing out journalism.
As Condé Nast Folds Teen Vogue Into Vogue’s Website, NewsGuild Condemns the Plan
The union, which reps staffers, says the move was "clearly designed" to blunt the journalism of the brand, which has leaned in to progressive politics.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:17 AM
I'm getting to this late but the news about the destruction of @teenvogue.com and the eradication of its political viewpoint is gutting. It's so disgusting to watch the rich destroy platform after platform like this in the second Trump era. They're deliberately hollowing out journalism.
Reluctantly removing my Halloween mask a couple of daysd late, and going back to the normal, genderfluid alien sort-of-girl creature I exist as in day-to-day life.
November 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Reluctantly removing my Halloween mask a couple of daysd late, and going back to the normal, genderfluid alien sort-of-girl creature I exist as in day-to-day life.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
today’s information came out piecemeal, and people should be able to share their own situations on their own time, but I could share this much ^ as it is pretty cut and dry on the facts.
Teen Vogue also no longer has any trans staffers as of today.
Teen Vogue also no longer has any trans staffers as of today.
November 3, 2025 at 11:28 PM
today’s information came out piecemeal, and people should be able to share their own situations on their own time, but I could share this much ^ as it is pretty cut and dry on the facts.
Teen Vogue also no longer has any trans staffers as of today.
Teen Vogue also no longer has any trans staffers as of today.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
thank you for all the support; the statement from our union is now live here with some more reporting.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 11:25 PM
thank you for all the support; the statement from our union is now live here with some more reporting.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
now that this is public I can confirm that the majority of today’s layoffs were women of color. there are no longer any Black women working at Teen Vogue.
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
I am significantly more troubled and wounded by the layoffs of my colleagues than my own, in truth, and am struggling with minding my tongue as everything gets sorted out this week
November 4, 2025 at 12:07 AM
I am significantly more troubled and wounded by the layoffs of my colleagues than my own, in truth, and am struggling with minding my tongue as everything gets sorted out this week
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
as my fellow Teen Voguers come over here I’ll be sharing their accounts, throw them a follow, offer them work, and we’ll be launching a gofundme/something similar soon!
I was laid off from Teen Vogue this week, alongside multiple other phenomenal team members.
At our Summit, I was asked how it felt to be 1 of 2 Black women left and what that meant for representation. Now, there are no Black women at Teen Vogue and that is incredibly painful to think about.
At our Summit, I was asked how it felt to be 1 of 2 Black women left and what that meant for representation. Now, there are no Black women at Teen Vogue and that is incredibly painful to think about.
November 4, 2025 at 12:09 AM
as my fellow Teen Voguers come over here I’ll be sharing their accounts, throw them a follow, offer them work, and we’ll be launching a gofundme/something similar soon!
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 7:52 PM
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
I'm getting to this late but the news about the destruction of @teenvogue.com and the eradication of its political viewpoint is gutting. It's so disgusting to watch the rich destroy platform after platform like this in the second Trump era. They're deliberately hollowing out journalism.
As Condé Nast Folds Teen Vogue Into Vogue’s Website, NewsGuild Condemns the Plan
The union, which reps staffers, says the move was "clearly designed" to blunt the journalism of the brand, which has leaned in to progressive politics.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:17 AM
I'm getting to this late but the news about the destruction of @teenvogue.com and the eradication of its political viewpoint is gutting. It's so disgusting to watch the rich destroy platform after platform like this in the second Trump era. They're deliberately hollowing out journalism.
Photojournalist @harmonli.bsky.social captured this "cute" photo of me, while we were on assignment for @texasobserver.org at Barking Springs. I wrote about a trans "takeover" day that took place after a brutal attack. Look for the story and photos in the Postcard feature in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue.
November 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Photojournalist @harmonli.bsky.social captured this "cute" photo of me, while we were on assignment for @texasobserver.org at Barking Springs. I wrote about a trans "takeover" day that took place after a brutal attack. Look for the story and photos in the Postcard feature in the Nov/Dec 2025 issue.
Celebrating the 10 year birthday of the Festival Beach Food Forest in Austin with Blowcomotion marching band.
November 1, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Celebrating the 10 year birthday of the Festival Beach Food Forest in Austin with Blowcomotion marching band.
I'm working on a story about queer social clubs as an alternative to bars and drinking for our community. What are some of your favorite groups in Texas?
October 31, 2025 at 9:21 PM
I'm working on a story about queer social clubs as an alternative to bars and drinking for our community. What are some of your favorite groups in Texas?
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
"We have to create like our hair's on fire. We are witnessing the erasure of history and creativity."
Spooky: This article explores more of the damage Trump has done to our country. Send a message by making a switch, and support creativity!
Spooky: This article explores more of the damage Trump has done to our country. Send a message by making a switch, and support creativity!
Can art be too 'woke'? Museums, galleries across nation fight for expression and funding
Some institutions are hosting exhibitions cancelled elsewhere, while others strive to promote community.
www.usatoday.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:20 PM
"We have to create like our hair's on fire. We are witnessing the erasure of history and creativity."
Spooky: This article explores more of the damage Trump has done to our country. Send a message by making a switch, and support creativity!
Spooky: This article explores more of the damage Trump has done to our country. Send a message by making a switch, and support creativity!
Finally fall weather in Austin. I got my bike tuned up for the season and the ride home was like a dream. 🚴♀️
October 30, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Finally fall weather in Austin. I got my bike tuned up for the season and the ride home was like a dream. 🚴♀️
Every podcast I listen to: Damn AI is scary and hurting humanity
Every ad on every podcast: Convert your entire workforce to clankers today!
Every ad on every podcast: Convert your entire workforce to clankers today!
October 27, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Every podcast I listen to: Damn AI is scary and hurting humanity
Every ad on every podcast: Convert your entire workforce to clankers today!
Every ad on every podcast: Convert your entire workforce to clankers today!
Reposted by Kit O'Connell (For Hire)
NEW: ICE remains mum regarding prosecutor exposed as white supremacist.
"They want to signal to the other white supremacists...out there that under this administration things are going to be different and you’re not going to have to worry about losing your job"
www.texasobserver.org/ice-white-su...
"They want to signal to the other white supremacists...out there that under this administration things are going to be different and you’re not going to have to worry about losing your job"
www.texasobserver.org/ice-white-su...
ICE Still Won't Answer Questions About Prosecutor with White Supremacist X Account
Congressman Marc Veasey arrived at an ICE facility Monday in his latest attempt to follow up on the Observer's reporting.
www.texasobserver.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
NEW: ICE remains mum regarding prosecutor exposed as white supremacist.
"They want to signal to the other white supremacists...out there that under this administration things are going to be different and you’re not going to have to worry about losing your job"
www.texasobserver.org/ice-white-su...
"They want to signal to the other white supremacists...out there that under this administration things are going to be different and you’re not going to have to worry about losing your job"
www.texasobserver.org/ice-white-su...
“It is a 100% bluff. It just creates another bogeyman for them to fire up their base. Because really, when Stephen Miller says that s**t, he’s talking to a very limited amount of people in the United States. He’s not talking to the majority of people in the U.S.”
“It’s a 100% bluff”: DOGE and "stupidity" hamper Stephen Miller's war on the left
Experts say Trump deputy chief of staff's “war” on the left is more performance than policy.
www.salon.com
October 25, 2025 at 5:23 PM
“It is a 100% bluff. It just creates another bogeyman for them to fire up their base. Because really, when Stephen Miller says that s**t, he’s talking to a very limited amount of people in the United States. He’s not talking to the majority of people in the U.S.”