Welcome to the Evolving Folks Project’s “Evolved Man of the Week” profile. Each week, we will highlight an individual who embodies what it means to be an evolved person, famous and non-famous individual alike. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the activist, actor, political candidate, and founder of the Trans Empowerment Project, Jack Knoxville.
At 22 years old, a disabled, multiracial transgender man, Jack Knoxville, having experienced homelessness from childhood, began his activism work. Following Matthew Shepard’s murder in 2001, Knoxville was living in Charleston, SC, where he witnessed a conservative, homophobic agenda attempting to use antiquated sodomy laws to criminalize the LGBTQIA community, which enraged him.
A desperate plea echoed through the punk shows as Knoxville and his allies toured South Carolina, their music a last-ditch effort to fight the encroaching tide of discriminatory legislation, every chord a desperate cry for justice.
Teaming up with SC Pride, Knoxville established Free2Be, his personal project, and quickly amassed more than 140 participants in every major city across the state, forming a vibrant and growing community. With a mission focused on fighting violence and hate crimes through education and awareness, the group’s efforts were so impactful that they earned recognition from Rosa Parks and Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Wall of Tolerance project, a tribute to the rising generation of civil rights leaders; the group’s work resonated deeply with those in the racial justice work.
Navigating adulthood, Knoxville found success with a string of online ventures, each a testament to his ability to foster community and culture. The hum of servers and the vibrant energy of online interactions fueled his artistic vision of change. His impressive entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of Queerd Magazine and The HomeGrownZine, as well as the publication of five self-published books before his 27th birthday, demonstrating his commitment to creative expression.
When Knoxville launched his campaign for mayor of Knoxville, TN, in 2015, he became a trailblazer, the first openly trans masculine candidate in the Southern United States. The campaign was a high-profile event that drew attention to issues of gender identity and representation in the political sphere. Though the election didn’t go his way, a surge of defiant hope propelled Knoxville to launch the Trans Empowerment Project.
Beyond his activism, Knoxville takes pride in his talent for designing and building widely accessible, inclusive support systems. Jack Knoxville has been featured in Fatal Attractions, Homicide Hunters, and Snapped, not only as a producer but also as an actor. Knoxville enjoys acting. Often, outside of work, he’s surrounded by the joyful chaos of family life, lost in the creative process of art, or hiking through sun-dappled trails, the earth beneath his feet. Here’s Jack Knoxville in his own words about his passion for helping others
“As a formerly homeless trauma survivor my joy comes from helping others find their power.”
I had the pleasure of working with Jack Knoxville for a couple of years. We at the Evolving Folks Project wish him continued success as he starts a new life in my hometown of Chicago. Today, we honor Jack Knoxville as our Evolved Man of the Week.
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