Jonathan P. Higgins (They/Them) is an award-winning strategic communications leader, educator, author, podcaster, and cultural critic. They have been recognized as a Pride Month Honoree by the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and received the Centennial Excellence Award for their work in the classroom from the University of Redlands. Their work sits at the intersection of storytelling, social justice, and youth empowerment, shaping narratives that advance equity, belonging, and cultural transformation.

Holding a Doctorate in Leadership with a concentration in Educational Justice from the University of Redlands, Higgins brings a rare combination of academic rigor and creative vision. They design transformative learning experiences for educators and advise nonprofit and media leaders on building culturally responsive strategies that center marginalized communities.

As the inaugural Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy at Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance (RPYA), Higgins leads narrative strategy that uplifts LGBTQ+ youth voices across Southern California, helping to reframe public discourse and strengthen community-based advocacy.

Their influence extends across entertainment and media, with previous roles at Chernin Entertainment and Edith Productions, and consulting work on inclusion-driven initiatives with United Artists, Amazon, Fox, the NFL, Apple, Disney, Instagram, BuzzFeed, GLAAD, and Ulta Beauty.

A sought-after speaker and thought partner, Higgins has presented at more than 100 educational institutions nationwide and authored over 250 articles in outlets including Essence, Ebony, Complex, MTV News, Out Magazine, BET, Paper, and Entertainment Weekly. Their insights have also been featured on major stages and platforms such as TEDx, SXSW, Coachella, Electric Forest, Netflix, Fuse, ABC, and Hulu.

They are the author of Black Fat Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and How to Love Yourself (Wiley), a critically acclaimed work praised for its cultural insight and affirming vision. Higgins is also the creator, executive producer, and host of the Webby-honored, Shorty Award–winning, and two-time Signal Award–winning Black Fat Femme podcast, originally developed through iHeartMedia’s Next Up Initiative and recognized by Essence, Ebony, and Apple Podcasts as a leading voice in Black queer media.

Across classrooms, boardrooms, and global media platforms, Higgins remains committed to shifting narratives, amplifying marginalized voices, and building a more just and imaginative cultural landscape.