Photo by Chris Bogard // @chrisdoesportraits
Jordan’s BIO
Jordan (they/she/he) envisions a more just, inclusive, multicultural world where everyone thrives. Jordan is a community builder, LGBTQ+ historian, culture shifter, and network leadership enthusiast. Jordan grew up in Hueytown, Alabama in a devoutly religious, deeply conservative family. Jordan often says the great work of their childhood was to construct a version of themself that was pleasing to other people. One day, Jordan’s college professor, Cliff Simon, shared his life’s story. It was the first time Jordan had ever heard anyone talk openly about being LGBTQ+. Cliff’s story saved Jordan’s life.
At 25 years old, Jordan moved to New York City. Everything was different — geographic location, culture, community, family, and most importantly, Jordan’s sense of self.
Shortly after moving to New York, Jordan started working for TED. They helped start TED-Ed, TED’s education initiative. At first, Jordan led ideation, compiling a list of 1,000 ideas, many of which turned into the animated content for which TED-Ed is now famous. To date, TED-Ed content has been viewed billions of times online. At TED, Jordan saw firsthand the power of digital content to reach people. If Cliff Simon’s story saved Jordan’s life, what is the power of hundreds of LGBTQ+ stories to save lives all over the world?
Jordan left TED, and In 2016 started VideoOut. They traveled all over the United States and have built one of the world’s largest libraries of LGBTQ+ narratives — all recorded during the Trump administration. Most recently, VideoOut partnered with Google to build the Language and Media Literacy Program, a deep exploration of LGBTQ+ language as it evolves into (and sometimes out of) mainstream culture. VideoOut has also worked with partners like Marriott International, Hulu, Verizon, P&G, Airbnb, and AARP. VideoOut’s last project was to start construction on the world’s first comprehensive database of educational resources that delve into LGBTQ+ identity, history, and culture. VideoOut started winding down its operations in 2003.
In 2020, Jordan co-founded VOE to tell stories that are too often missing in the canon of television and film. They have worked with HBO to develop a pitch for a TV project, and they are currently building a diverse slate of LGBTQ+ entertainment content.
Jordan is a queer trans nonbinary community builder that leads trainings and creates learning opportunities that guide people to a place of expanded understanding of the shared human experience. Jordan is an Executive Director with adept strategy skills, and an Executive Producer keen on creating inclusive, diverse, and authentic narratives for TV and film.
JORDAN’S WORK
The Queer History of The South
VideoOut
Producer
This video combats misinformation surrounding the LGBTQ+ experience, starting with the fact that one third of the entire LGBTQ+ population in the U. S. lives in the South. It highlights some heroes, events, and places important to the movement.
Periods don’t define people
This is L. & The Phluid Project
Producer
This video amplifies the voices of trans and nonbinary folks as they share their experiences with menstruation — a genderized bodily function.
Love Calls Back
Verizon + PFLAG
Contributing Producer
This video shows estranged LGBTQ+ folks reconnecting with their family members.
It’s never too late for love to call back. Verizon and PFLAG are committed to connecting and reconnecting all families. Find support for LGBTQ families at pflag.org
A Living History of the LGBT Movement
AARP + NextDayBetter
Producer, Writer, Historical Researcher
In collaboration with AARP, we present "A #LivingHistory of the LGBT Movement" powered by AARP - a storytelling series honoring past, present and future heroes of the LGBT movement. We know that the history of the LGBT movement is still being written. By understanding our history, we can create a better future for everyone, especially for our aging LGBT older adults.
National Coming Out Day
Grey + VideoOut
Producer
What’s it like to be LGBTQ+ in advertising? The folks at Grey share their stories about an industry that has been not only welcoming, but embracing. From their personal lives to their professional experiences, they shine a light on what it means to be LGBTQ+ at work.
This video was filmed in partnership with New York-based advertising agency, Grey, as part of a special series for National Coming Out Day 2017.
LGBTQ+ Visibility Matters
Hulu + VideoOut
Producer
What’s it like to be LGBTQ+ in the entertainment industry? The employees at Hulu share their stories about being who they are and working for a company that values your individuality.
VideoOut partnered with Hulu, the only service that gives viewers instant access to current shows from every major U.S. broadcast network, to highlight the stories of their LGBTQ+ employees.
Love, Really?
The Tylt
Producer
Everything you've missed on people falling in love (or pretending to) on reality TV.
Tell Me Everything
The Tylt
Producer
Traveling behind the "why" to answer your questions about building something different and cool in the world.
TED-Ed Highlights
While At TED-Ed, I helped create countless videos. These are a few of my favorites.
A TapDancer’s Craft
Tap dance, born out of the marriage of African and European dance traditions, went from extremely popular to barely existent to grand revival, all in under a century. Professional tap dancer and TED Fellow Andrew Nemr taps into the history of this truly American art form.
MUSIC AS A LANGUAGE
Music is a powerful communication tool--it causes us to laugh, cry, think and question. Bassist and five-time Grammy winner, Victor Wooten, asks us to approach music the same way we learn verbal language--by embracing mistakes and playing as often as possible.
Beatboxing 101
There's no need for instruments to make music; you can use the greatest instrument of all, your own body. Members of BEAT NYC teach the basics of beatboxing (think trumpets, bass drums, and everything in between), all while driving around New York City picking up a few friends.