H.R. No. 285
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Kimberly Shappley of Austin has distinguished
herself through her exceptional work as an advocate for the
transgender youth community in Texas; and
WHEREAS, The proud mother of a transgender daughter, Kai,
Ms. Shappley began her activism around the time that Kai entered
kindergarten; the family then resided in Pearland, and Ms. Shappley
spoke at school board meetings about anti-trans policies that
frequently reduced Kai to tears; in 2017, she and Kai testified in a
Texas Senate committee hearing against the so-called bathroom bill
that would have prevented transgender people from accessing
restrooms and locker rooms that matched their gender identity;
mother and daughter also shared their story in an
Emmy-Award-winning documentary; and
WHEREAS, In order to provide a more nurturing and affirming
school environment for Kai, Ms. Shappley moved the family to Austin
in 2018, and she has continued to fight for the rights of
transgender youth; in 2021, Kimberly and Kai received further
attention when Kai delivered powerful testimony before the Senate
Committee on State Affairs in opposition to three
transgender-related bills; video of her appearance went viral on
social media, raising awareness across the country of proposed
legislation targeting the trans community and their families; and
WHEREAS, By courageously speaking out in behalf of
transgender children and serving as a stalwart ally, Kimberly
Shappley has set an inspiring example for other parents and helped
the public gain a greater understanding of issues that affect
transgender youth and their families; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Kimberly Shappley
for her advocacy in behalf of the transgender youth community in
Texas and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success in
her important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Shappley as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Zwiener
A. Johnson of Harris
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 285 was adopted by the House on
October 18, 2021, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House