Kaylin Ambrose’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

Kaylin Ambrose shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Kaylin, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning from my friends. Sometimes it’s in the jokes they make, other times in the conversations we share or even watching them interact with other people. I’m grateful for the perspectives they offer and through them, feel I’m always learning new things – not just about the world around me, but myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a queer filmmaker and community organizer dedicated to uplifting the voices of those around me and figuring out what it means to be human.

I’m currently working on a documentary that follows Savannah based performers in the drag and burlesque scene as they show the indomitable spirit of being queer in the South. You can find out more about us on our Instagram – @thesouthisourstage!

When I’m not filming, I’m working with some awesome organizers in the city to put together Savannah’s monthly lesbian event, Dyke Nights! On the last Tuesday of every month, we take over the basement of Savannah’s last standing gay bar for a themed party and some drag performances. You can find out more about us on our Instragram – @dyke.nights!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was in high school, I was on my schools speech and debate team. I did an event called ‘original oratory’ where you had to write, memorize and deliver a speech around a societal topic. After weeks of practicing, I got up to the front of the classroom for my first tournament. My speech was about the fear of rejection – something I still struggle with today. I spoke way too fast, definitely didn’t hold eye contact and stumbled over my words. However, when all was said and done, I had commanded a room, shared something important to me, and did it all to an audience of fellow high school sophomores. I felt powerful, strong and confident!

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Reading! I was an avid reader when I was younger and the books always gave me an escape for whatever was stressing me out. The escape didn’t need to be anything magical, just something better than whatever I was going through at the moment. I tend to gravitate towards dramas or horror books.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Definitely. I really value honesty and transparency in others so I try to practice that in my own life too. . If anything, the public me is a toned down version of the real me because I have mixed feelings on social media. That being said, all the thoughts and opinions I share online are entirely reflective of my own beliefs!

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. I think when we start doing things to seek out the praise of others, we’re doing it for the wrong reasons. I try to give everything my best, regardless of what it is, to make myself proud.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustbekaylin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylin-ambrose-a0aa6a1a2/

Image Credits
Beck Wolfe, Azure Kwok