The Backlash Against Belonging: Kaitlin Johnstone on Inclusive Books and Public Courage

Episode Summary What happens when kindness stops being performative and starts becoming dangerous? In this episode of The Audacity Tapes, I sit down with Kind Cotton co-founder Kaitlin Johnstone for a conversation about moral courage, public conviction, and the growing cultural backlash against inclusion, equity, and human dignity. Before launching Kind Cotton, Kaitlin spent eight years as a kindergarten teacher where she witnessed firsthand how access to books, and whose stories were represented inside them, shaped children’s sense of belonging and worth. What began as quietly purchasing books for students who could not afford them eventually evolved into a nationally recognized mission-driven company that has now donated more than 270,000 inclusive books to children across the United States. But Kind Cotton is not simply an apparel company centered on literacy. It is a public declaration that business, values, and justice cannot be separated for the sake of comfort. In this conversation, Kaitlin shares what happened when parents threatened protests over inclusive books, why she ultimately left both teaching and the state of Florida, and what it means to continue speaking publicly in a culture increasingly rewarding cruelty and silence. Together, we explore the difference between niceness and true kindness, why silence is complicity, and the responsibility of using privilege to advocate for those whose voices are increasingly under attack. This episode also marks the launch of the Audacity Impact Activation — a recurring global action initiative designed to align powerful conversations with measurable impact. The inaugural activation will support Kind Cotton’s mission by funding the donation of 100 inclusive books to children. We Discuss: Why inclusive books became a lightning rod for cultural backlash The difference between niceness and true kindness Leaving Florida amid escalating attacks on inclusive education Building a values-driven company despite financial risk Why silence is complicity in moments of injustice The normalization of cruelty and public hate The emotional impact of helping children feel seen Using business as a vehicle for social justice and human dignity Key Moments 00:00 — Opening introduction 01:09 — When Kaitlin realized stories shape visibility and belonging 08:10 — The backlash against Kind Cotton begins 11:15 —  Leaving teaching and leaving Florida 14:02 — Private beliefs vs. public conviction 20:15 — Kindness versus niceness 23:15 — Losing customers for speaking out publicly 26:14 — “Silence is complicity” 36:48 — The emotional impact of inclusive book fairs 44:31 — Launching the Audacity Impact Activation initiative About Kaitlin Johnstone Kaitlin Johnstone is the co-founder of Kind Cotton, a mission-driven apparel company she runs alongside her husband, Kevin, while supporting literacy, representation, and human rights initiatives nationwide. Prior to launching Kind Cotton, Kaitlin spent eight years as a kindergarten teacher and was honored twice as Teacher of the Year. Their work centers on the belief that kindness is rooted in justice, grounded in action, and open to change. Connect with Kind Cotton https://kindcotton.com/ Instagram: @kindcotton https://www.facebook.com/kindcottonclothing Continue the Conversation The thinking continues beyond the mic. Explore essays, reflections, and extended conversations on Substack: https://substack.com/@robbinjorgensen Connect with Robbin Jorgensen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbinjorgensen/ Supporting Sponsor As a woman navigating financial decisions — especially when the system wasn’t built with you in mind — having the right partner matters. For three decades, Godfrey Financial has intentionally centered women in financial decision-making — not as an afterthought, but as leaders. In a field where women are often expected to sit to the side, Godfrey Financial places women at the head of the table — creating space where women don’t just discuss confidence and agency, but experience it in practice. Learn more at: https://godfreyfinancial.com