Jaden Janak

Jaden Janak is an Assistant Professor of History at St. Olaf College and a Senior Fellow with the Center for Applied Transgender Studies. Their research focuses on U.S. prison abolition organizing, LGBTQ+ radical politics, and popular culture. They are affiliated with the departments of History, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Race and Ethnic Studies. Current research includes a book project on prison abolitionist organizing from the 1990s to the present, titled Experiments in Freedom: Present Histories of an Abolitionist Future.

Research interests span intersectional abolitionist frameworks, transgender studies, and Black trans geographies. Their work critiques carceral systems and advocates for community-based alternatives. Publications appear in GLQ, Behemoth, and Communication/Critical Cultural Studies.

Professional service includes organizing with Black Youth Project 100 and other abolitionist collectives. Awards include the Senior Fellow appointment at the Center for Applied Transgender Studies.

Teaching emphasizes inclusive pedagogies and trans history integration in secondary education. Office hours are held Wednesdays and Fridays.