J.R. Jamison has keynoted over 100 conferences and speaker’s series around the nation and world, and his work has been widely used in libraries, high schools, colleges/universities, and nonprofit networks. Here’s what people have had to say:

“J.R. Jamison’s book and personal testimony were very heartfelt and honest. His ability to focus on the dynamics of his relationship with his father, and open his mind to finding not only common ground with him but obtaining a better understanding of his father’s journey, was inspiring. J.R. had the ability to not only communicate this understanding to his audience in the book but, also, in speaking to our campus and encouraging us to be more compassionate in applying empathy when building and rebuilding relationships. J.R. is a delight and I hope we have an opportunity to learn from him again.” — Charla Gilbert, Vincennes University

“J.R. was an excellent speaker. He was easy to work with before the program, brought great personality to the session, and did a great job personalizing his approach to our audience. I would recommend him for your program(s)!” — Indiana Library Federation, 2024

“J.R. Jamison has quite a story to tell–it’s an important message for EVERYONE to hear. He provides a map to connecting, and re-connecting, as human beings. As a speaker, he’s prepared, articulate, and engaging–our attendees found his message compelling. Personally, it was wonderful to meet J.R.; I feel I’ve made a friend!” 
— Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippencanoe County, 2024

“J.R. Jamison has written one of the most humane and challenging memoirs to come out of the Midwest.” 
— Ashley C. Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Somebody’s Daughter and former host of the HBO podcast Lovecraft Country Radio

“J.R. Jamison is definitely an effective ‘agent of change’ who inspires others to change the world around them one community at a time.” — Julianna Breithaupt, Georgia Highlands College (Rome, Georgia)

“J.R. Jamison is a North American cultural leader who helps us confront today’s political polarization.”
 — Arts Midwest (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

“In an age when our politics and our nation can feel broken, Hillbilly Queer shows us the messy glue of love that still holds families together.”
 — Samantha Allen, GLAAD award-winning journalist and author of Real Queer America

“My first impression of J.R. during the workshop he led was of someone who deeply cares and realistically engages the community in which he lives and works. J.R.’s instruction on creative ways to engage our neighbors sparked new ideas and gave me courage to act.” — Amy Newcomb Rowe, Talloires Network (Medford, Massachusetts)

“Hillbilly Queer picks at the American cultural fiction of a monolithic heartland filled with stereotypical blue-collar people. Underneath the scab of his own childhood alienation, Jamison is able to rediscover nuance in what he’s left behind.”
 — Foreword Reviews Magazine (Traverse City, Michigan)

“Hillbilly Queer is a pure and thoughtful reflection of growth and identity.”
 — Dive In Magazine (Seattle, Washington)

“J.R. is a well-informed and passionate advocate for social change through education, commitment, and partnerships.” — Katrina Boedeker, University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, Indiana)