Jody Wilson

Writer, director and producer Jody Wilson stands out as one of many dedicated folks working behind the scenes to make the industry run. If you’ve seen Uh Huh Her’s “Human Nature” video, or the short films Indigo or Takumi’s Dream, you’ve seen her work. Wilson, who describes herself as “equal parts city and country girl,” spends half her time in Los Angeles and the other part in Alberta, Canada. She enjoys her two dogs, Roux and Francis; flying; writing sci-fi and fantasy, bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones, and activism. “All the stories I tell expose some sort of issue that needs addressing, that needs a voice. I love the challenge of having to create characters that provide that voice within storylines that are palatable for all types of audiences,” she explains. “It all roots back to activism for me — a lot of my personal driving force each day, even, is to kick ass and take no shit so I can help continue to pave the way for other females in my industry.” At the same time, though, she acknowledges those who came before. “I think my biggest role models are ‘regular’ queer women in history, who even through potentially dangerous persecution and cultural pressure loved who they loved anyway. There is nothing more admirable to me than someone who follows their heart with conviction. Love isn’t always convenient, and these women remind me of just how precious that kind of love is — and it’s worth protecting.” Something to think about this and every Pride. —GH