Basil is the Communications Associate – Writer for JSP and a multidisciplinary writer, communications strategist, and digital storyteller committed to crafting narratives that inform, spark meaningful dialogue, and drive social change. 

A first-generation college graduate, Basil holds a BA in Creative Writing from The New School and an MA in Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement from NYU’s Graduate School of Arts and Science. At NYU, he deepened his craft through poetry workshops while independently developing digital humanities projects from the ground up. 

Basil’s creative nonfiction has appeared in esteemed publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, INTO, Them, and The Advocate. He is the founder of Transilient, a nationally and internationally recognized multimedia documentary project led by trans people, created to challenge and expand the narratives the media tells about trans and nonbinary lives. The project has been featured in BuzzFeed, Bustle, and Refinery29, and amplifies the message that trans people are #MoreThanTrans. 

Professionally, before joining the JSP team, Basil has served as Communications and Advocacy Manager at SAGE, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ elders, as a Senior Digital Campaign Manager at the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Alongside his nonprofit work, he continues to pursue personal creative projects that center justice, identity, and the power of storytelling.

 basilvaughnsoper.com                                                                                                                         wearetransilient.com