Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kassie Thornton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kassie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Debuting my one-woman show, That Don’t Hurt My Feelings None, at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and recently selling out the U.S. premiere at Dynasty Typewriter has been a dream come true. This show is more than a performance; it’s a confessional—a reckoning with my roots in a Kansas farm town of just 500 people, coming to terms with God, family, and queerness. Taking it from Edinburgh to a sold-out stage in Los Angeles, I tell my story and peel back layers to explore the humor, heartbreak, and resilience it took to fully love and accept myself, unapologetically.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Kassie Thornton—actress, writer, and life coach with an emphasis in positive psychology. Growing up in a conservative Kansas town, I discovered acting as a way to explore stories and feelings that didn’t quite fit into Sunday sermons. From Kansas to comedy, I bring heart and humor to stage and screen, creating work that resonates with LGBTQ+ folks and anyone who’s ever felt on the outskirts of acceptance. My mission? To share stories of resilience, authenticity, and humor, inviting others to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal a little. That mission flows into my work as a coach too—because when we heal, we wake up, and when we’re awake, we have the power to change the world simply by being who we truly are.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
After coming out, I faced years of painful conversations and moments of feeling disowned by my first family, who were torn between their beliefs and their love for me. This journey was anything but easy—the letters, the awkward phone calls, the endless texts—it all took a toll. But my resilience? It’s been about holding onto my truth in the face of rejection, finding my people, and using my voice on stage and screen. I’ve created my own family now, one that celebrates every piece of who I am, and that’s a journey I’m proud to be on.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to tell the stories that rarely make it into “polite” conversation. One way I do this is through my morning motivations on TikTok, where I take a simple subject and break it down with real talk. It’s a chance to put my life coaching training to work and help others in a kind and truthful way. I’m rooting for you, and sometimes, just knowing there’s someone on your side can make all the difference. Because when even one person is with you, you’re no longer alone—you’re in it together.
My shows might look like comedy on the surface, but they’re really love letters to anyone daring to be their true selves, no matter the cost. I hope my work reaches kids growing up like I did, showing them that their story matters. And for the parents, I hope to encourage that when you open your heart, your mind often follows. As simple as it sounds, love does win—but sharing and experiencing unconditional love is the most powerful healing mission of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kassiethornton.com
- Instagram: kassiethornton
- Facebook: Kassie.thornton
- Twitter: kassiethornton
- Other: TIKTOK @kassie_thornton
Image Credits
Photos by Joanna DeGeneres