Jennifer Finney Boylan, born on June 22, 1958, is a multifaceted individual with a wide range of accomplishments. She is a professor at Barnard College, a bestselling author, and a prominent transgender activist.
Boylan's academic journey began at Wesleyan University, where she graduated in 1980. She then pursued graduate studies in English at Johns Hopkins University.
Her teaching career spans over three decades, with stints at Colby College from 1988 to 2014 and Barnard College since 2014. During her time at Colby, she was named "Professor of the Year" in 2000.
Boylan's commitment to the transgender community is evident in her numerous leadership roles. In 2013, she became the first openly transgender co-chair of GLAAD's National Board of Directors, serving until 2017. She also serves on the Policy Advisory Board of Gender Rights Maryland and the Board of Trustees of the Kinsey Institute for Research on Sex, Gender, and Reproduction.
Boylan is a prolific author, having written thirteen books, including novels, short story collections, and her memoir. Her memoir, She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, published in 2003, was the first book by an openly transgender American to become a bestseller. The book was hailed by The Advocate as "a seminal piece of the trans literary canon."
In addition to her writing, Boylan has also been a Contributing Opinion Writer for The New York Times from October 2007 to April 2022. Her latest novel, Mad Honey, co-written with Jodi Picoult, was published in October 2022.
Boylan's personal story is one of resilience and determination. Her memoir, Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs, published in 2020, is a testament to her journey and her love for her dogs.
Throughout her career, Boylan has been a champion for the transgender community, using her platform to raise awareness and promote acceptance. Her work has had a profound impact on the literary world and beyond.
