Episode 7: Kristen Guptill-Godfrey on socialism, linking struggles, and why we organize

Kristen Guptill-Godfrey (they/them) is a revolutionary socialist and organizer currently living in Arizona on unceded Tohono O’odham [The-ha-naw Awe-thumb] and Yoeme [YOH eh-me] ancestral and traditional lands. Kristen’s mom was born and raised in Columbus, and although Kristen moved a lot growing up, they consider Columbus home. They got the opportunity to live in Columbus from 2016-2018, and during that time they became a revolutionary socialist and joined their first political home. Kristen also worked as a social worker and supported queer and trans young people. They are a member of Tempest Collective and a PhD student at the University of Arizona. Kristen strives to organize and be part of a growing, imperfect left that’s rooted in solidarity and internationalism to fight back against the authoritarianism and liberal capitulation we’re currently facing. Their local work includes organizing on campus for Palestinian liberation and fighting back against the attacks on DEI.  Links and References Tempest Collective Tucson Tempest Branch No Desert Data Center Coalition Panel: Targeted Scholars, Targeted Institutions (2025) | Tempest Article: Borders are Prisons and Prisons are Borders (2024) | Tempest Award: Leader of the Month (June 2024) | Greater Tucson Leadership Panel: Fighting for Trans and Queer Liberation (2022) | Tempest Article: The Fight Continues for the Black Pride 4 (2018) | Socialist Worker Article: Why did the Police Attack at Columbus Pride? (2017) | Socialist Worker Reading: Assata Shakur, An Autobiography