Better Together w/ Jack Jackson

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How Dogs Help Empower The LGBTQ+ Community

Jack Jackson DSTP cover.jpg

About The Episode

Growing up on a small conservative island in the English Channel, Jack Jackson always had dogs. At an early age, he realized that dogs were more than just man’s best friend –– they were every human’s best friend.

In 2012, Jack, a transgender man (he/him), escaped his old life of finance and heteronormativity by moving to Toronto to live with a partner. While they only stayed together for a brief period, he decided to stay in his new Canadian home. While mid-transition, Jack was dealing with the recent separation, unemployment, and finding his way in a new place.

When a friend suggested adopting a puppy, Jack only had to think about his situation and whether it was the right time to bring a dog into it. Could he provide the right home and needs? He decided to go for it, and soon adopted a Boxer puppy named Jet in 2017.

Jet lit a fire inside of Jack, both on a personal and professional level. She helped him get motivated to get out of bed, to maintain healthy habits, find a way to meet other people, and more. Then with his career, Jack got into dog photography and even started a dog-walking business named Doggy Dates Toronto (which started with the idea of taking photos of the dogs while out on the walks, providing two services in one). Through his work, Jack also met another portrait and dog photographer, Deb Klein. Due to their shared interests, they became fast friends.

Deb and Jack decided to start the Don’t You Want Me Project, with the goal of highlighting the strength and healing that the trans and queer community have found through their dogs. They go about this by photographing people with their dogs and sharing a written excerpt of their story alongside the imagery.

They also even recently started the “Don’t You Want Me Rescue Grant,” where each funded campaign facilitates the adoption of a rescue dog by a member of the LGBTQ+ community. This ensures that dogs will not only find a loving home but that those struggling with their mental health will find a source of love and friendship as well. It’s a win-win.

By capturing the pure love that dogs have for their humans, Jack hopes that his work serves as a reminder that happiness is just around the corner and that we are all worthy of love and celebration – regardless of how you identify.

About The Guest - Jack Jackson

Jack Jackson is a transgender portrait and dog photographer. After getting into dog photography, he started Doggy Dates Toronto as a dog walking and photography company. In recent years, he co-founded the Don’t You Want Me Project, which aims to highlight the strength and healing that the trans and queer community have found through their dogs.

Featured Links

InterviewJack SommerMental Health, LGBTQ+