Twelve-year-old Kai Shappley has been a public figure since pre-K, when she first began advocating for herself and other trans youth against an onslaught of anti-trans bills in front of the Texas legislature. Now Shappley is sharing her story in a new way through her first novel, Joy, to the World, written with Lisa Bunker. Making the cheer team at Appleton East Middle School is one of the best things that’s ever happened to Joy—–until one of her teammates outs her as trans, and the school forces her off the team under a new Texas law. Joy and her family embark on an activist journey much like Shappley’s. We spoke with Shappley about her activism, becoming a novelist, and the importance of trans joy.
You won an Emmy as part of the Trans in America: Texas Strong documentary and recently appeared in Vogue. How did you know that the time was right for you to write Joy, to the World?
It’s been in the works for two years. I really didn’t know that it was the right time for it, I just wanted to do it. I’ve been writing my own little story since I was in the second grade. And it’s not the only story I’m writing—I have more in the works.
What was it like going from writing stories to writing your first novel? How did you approach developing Joy’s voice and writing about some of those big experiences and passions that both of you have?
I never thought it would get this far. Well, actually I did, but I’m trying to be humble like the rest of the writers. I had this vision in my head and then I met Miss Lisa [Bunker, co-writer and former New Hampshire state representative], and we started having Zoom meetings, and we eventually met in person. We were talking about some of my stories, and the one I kept coming back to was about how I made a cheer team in school. She helped me format that into words and then the editors just sprinkled their magic fairy dust and you could see the story. We worked together the whole two years. It was difficult, but we pulled through.
What’s the one thing that you hope readers take away from Joy, to the World and that really sticks with them for a long time?
I mean, the title of the book: there is joy in the world. The whole plan of this book is to give joy to the world, because there are lots of dark and sad things happening to trans youth. And I want to show that it’s not just bad, there’s also good, there’s also friendship, there’s joy, there’s laughter, there’s cheerleading.
What’s next for you, aside from hopefully meeting Dolly Parton very soon?
There’s not much information I can give about the stories I have in the works. They’re going to be amazing though. And I don't know if I’m meeting Dolly Parton soon, but I better.
Joy, to the World by Kai Shappley and Lisa Bunker. Clarion, $19.99 May 9 ISBN 978-0-06-324275-3
