Jordan Reeves

Finding Our Way Back to Ourselves and Each Other

Stories are the Guide. Connection is the Cure.

My story starts in Hueytown, Alabama where I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, drank enough sweet tea to fill an ocean, and believed that I had a responsibility to save the world from it’s moral decline. Turns out, I’m way different now than I was back then. But I’ve always been way different than the world expected me to be.

I’m a queer storyteller, spiritual rebel, and recovering people pleaser who’s spent the last 20 years trying to make peace between my heart, my family, and the world.

When I left Alabama in 2010, I moved to New York City. I got to work with some amazing people. I helped start TED-Ed with Logan Smalley, I helped build Understood.org with Kevin Hager, I helped launch a consumer product for endurance athletes with Selena Roberts, and I started VideoOut with so many incredible queers!

VideoOut shaped me into the person I’ve become. We produced programs in 36 states in partnership with small, local, grass-roots community initiatives and LGBT Centers. We were primarily funded by the people we served, but also had assistance from fortune 500 companies like Google, Marriott, Airbnb, Hulu, Whole Foods, Walgreens, Verizon, Procter & Gamble, AARP, Fremantle, and more. Including VideoOut, I’ve helped raise over $25 million for education and advocacy.

When I left Alabama, I left the Christian church and joined the church of shared humanity. I speak, write, and preach the gospel of radical authenticity. I just finished my first fiction book, Infinity Hotel, about a group of friends that help save the multiverse from The Chaos. I’m currently working on my first non-fiction book, In Memoriam of the Middle Class — an exploration of economic inequality throughout history and a bold vision for a future where everyone thrives.

My proudest accomplishments are learning to love myself, forgiving and asking for forgiveness, being okay with letting go, and building a community rooted in love.

Check out some of my favorite work below.

SpeakOut

Events Producer

I produce dynamic, monthly live events spotlighting storytellers who share their most compelling stories in 10 minutes or less. These events are designed to foster connection through shared humanity, highlighting diverse experiences and perspectives. The stories are then shared with community organizations, including LGBTQ+ centers, mutual aid initiatives, and grassroots movements, amplifying advocacy efforts and strengthening community bonds.

The Queer History of The South

VideoOut

Producer, Story Consultant

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.

Fellow Travelers

Fremantle / Paramount / Showtime

Dramaturgical Consultant

I presented historical context about LGBTQ+ history, The Lavender Scare, McCarthyism, and the AIDS crisis ensuring the cast, crew, and production team understood the real-world impact of these social, political, and public health phenomenon on the people who lived through them.

Love Calls Back

Verizon + PFLAG

Producer, Story Consultant

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.

Tell Me Everything

The Tylt

Producer, Story Consultant

The series is about traveling behind the "why" to answer your questions about building something different and cool in the world. This video is about one of the first people to have COVID in New York City.

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.