Kortney Ryan Ziegler, an award-winning African-American artist, filmmaker, and scholar, was born on December 15, 1980, in Compton, California. Growing up in Southern California, Ziegler developed a passion for film and digital media at a young age. He went on to pursue his interests and received a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Digital Media from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Ziegler's academic journey led him to Northwestern University, where he earned his Ph.D. in African-American Studies. It was during his time at Northwestern that he began working on his groundbreaking film project, "STILL BLACK: a Portrait of Black Transmen," which would later earn him critical acclaim and recognition in the film industry.
Ziegler is known for his thought-provoking works that explore themes of race, sexuality, and identity. His film project, "STILL BLACK," sheds light on the lives of Black Transmen and challenges traditional narratives surrounding gender and race. In addition to his film work, Ziegler created the popular blog, blac (k) ademic, which tackles issues of feminism, queer identity, and racial justice.
Ziegler's contributions to the LGBTQ+ community have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, he was honored with the Outstanding Transgender Service, Esteem Award for his advocacy and activism. Ziegler's open and honest approach to discussing his own experiences as a Black, queer man has helped many individuals feel seen and heard.
Ziegler's commitment to education is evident through his work as a teaching assistant for a course at Northwestern University on The Cinema of Spike Lee. He uses his platform to educate others about issues of race, gender, and sexuality, fostering important conversations and driving social change.
Despite facing challenges related to his racial and sexual identity, Ziegler has remained steadfast in his commitment to living authentically and inspiring others to do the same. His fearless approach to storytelling and advocacy has made a lasting impact on the arts and academia.
As an artist, filmmaker, and scholar, Kortney Ryan Ziegler continues to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. His dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for social justice sets him apart as a trailblazer in the world of contemporary art and activism.