Justin Barker is a San Francisco-based writer, producer, and animal rights activist. He is the author of the young adult nonfiction book "Bear Boy: The True Story of a Boy, Two Bears, and the Fight to Be Free," which chronicles his teenage activism to rescue two black bears from deplorable zoo conditions. His work blends advocacy with storytelling, aiming to inspire young readers to champion justice for animals and marginalized communities.
Barker began his activism at age 13 by founding Citizens Lobbying for Animals in Zoos, an effort that earned him recognition in "Teen People Magazine" as "One of Twenty Teens Who Will Change the World." His advocacy has been featured in "National Geographic", "Animal Planet", and major news networks. As a producer and director, he has worked on television shows, documentaries, and educational series, traveling extensively to amplify underrepresented voices.
A Sacramento native, Barker holds a BA in Communications, Media Arts, and Production from the University of Technology, Sydney. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and son, both of whom identify as queer, and their rescued dog, Beatrice. Through his writing and activism, Barker continues to advocate for animal welfare, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice.