Meet The Interns: Kyler Sares
Field & Advocacy Intern Based in Tampa

1. Tell us a little about yourself…

My name is Kyler Sares and I am currently studying History and Women and Gender Studies at the University of South Florida as a Junior. I am an intersectional feminist, transman, animal lover, and staunch supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. I’ve participated in protests against hate speech on USF’s Tampa campus and have over 100 hours volunteering for the Jacksonville Humane Society as a foster parent for puppies and their mothers. Nothing is more important to me than equality and humanitarianism, and it is with that in mind that I decided to become a piece in the political process.

2. Why are you involved with LGBTQ activism?

Getting involved with LGBTQ activism was never a choice for me because I knew that if I wasn’t proud, active, and outspoken, I wouldn’t be serving my purpose. As someone who is trans, I know the harsh statistics that my brothers and sisters face everyday. We have a higher percentage of being victims to violent crimes and, on average, trans women of color have a life-span of only 35 because of these crimes. For me, it is a necessity to work for change because it saves lives.

3. Why did you want to intern at Equality Florida?

I wanted to intern at Equality Florida because I knew it would open a door for me that could assist me in creating change for LGBTQ+ individuals. That change, I believe, is made through personal connections and Equality Florida has given me the opportunity to make those personal connections with the movers and shakers of the LGBTQ+ movement.

4. What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a career in law that focuses on LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. I love the political process and I want to play a key role in it through law-making. I believe that it is my calling to help those who are discriminated against and I plan to do just that.