Jennifer Finney Boylan - Speaker

Jennifer Finney Boylan is a well-known American author, transgender activist, and professor. She graduated from The Haverford School and earned her degree from Wesleyan University. Boylan later studied English at Johns Hopkins University. She started her teaching career at Colby College in Maine, where she taught creative writing and American literature for many years and was named "Professor of the Year" in 2000. In 2014, she became a Professor of English and the Anna Quindlen Writer-in-Residence at Barnard College. As an author, Boylan has written thirteen books, including novels, short stories, and memoirs. Her most famous book, "She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders," was the first best-selling memoir by an openly transgender American and is an important work in trans literature. Boylan is also a strong advocate for transgender rights. She was the first openly transgender co-chair of GLAAD's National Board and is currently a Trustee of PEN America, where she promotes freedom of expression. She has written opinion pieces for The New York Times and co-authored the novel "Mad Honey" with Jodi Picoult. Boylan has received many awards, including the Spirit of Justice Award from GLAD for her work in the LGBTQ+ community. She lives in rural Maine with her wife, Grace, and their two sons. Boylan is dedicated to LGBT civil rights and continues to share her story and advocate for inclusivity in literature and beyond.