Thomas J. Billard

Thomas J. Billard is an Associate Professor at the School of Communication, Northwestern University, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Sociology. They are a William T. Grant Scholar and founding Executive Director of the Center for Applied Transgender Studies in Chicago, editing its journal Bulletin of Applied Transgender Studies. Additionally, they are a Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Information Technology and Public Life, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Education:

• PhD, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California
• BA (Hons), School of Media and Public Affairs, The George Washington University

Research Interests: Billard’s work centers on media’s role in transgender equality, focusing on digital activism, movement-media relations, and the interplay of design with political branding. Their research critically examines how misinformation shapes anti-transgender policies and public opinion, as well as how transgender communities leverage media strategies for civic engagement. They also explore typography’s influence on political perception in campaigns like the 2016 US election.

Publications Trends: Their articles span political communication, sociology of social movements, and transgender studies, emphasizing media’s dual role as both a tool for activism and a vector for misinformation. Recent work highlights strategies to counter disinformation’s impact on transgender rights.

Awards & Fellowships:

• William T. Grant Scholar
• Consortium on Media Policy Studies Fellow
• Archival Fellow at the National Center for Transgender Equality

Grants & Advising: Billard’s current research, supported by a five-year William T. Grant Foundation award, investigates disinformation in anti-trans movements. They have no listed advisees but contribute to interdisciplinary mentorship through affiliated centers. Courses taught include research methods, media activism, and political branding.

Labs & Affiliations: Affiliated with Northwestern’s Center for Communication & Public Policy, Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, and Institute for Policy Research. They also lead the Center for Applied Transgender Studies, fostering applied transgender scholarship and policy engagement.