Joe Nickols (they/them) has recently completed their MA at SOAS, University of London and specialises in East Asia, with a particular focus on Japan and Korea. Joe’s research primarily explores discourse relating to identity construction, queerness, and gender. Their MA dissertation explored the 1920s Japanese anarchic group Mavo and their transgender performance art as an act of political protest. Joe is currently a regular contributor to the SOAS History Blog and more of their articles can be found there, including discussions of gender regulations in Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) Japan. Outside of SOAS, Joe has worked internationally in arts education, lecturing in Japan and Italy on various topics. Additionally, Joe is a freelance curator and works closely with contemporary artists on various projects. 

Joe was named as the Sasakawa Scholar for 2023/24 by the Sasakawa Insitute. This was awarded for established research into Mavo and will fund Joe's further research into the movement at SOAS, University of London. 

In May 2023, Joe launched NCLUSIV WORLD, a platform dedicated to celebrating queer and trans arts and culture. Joe developed graphics for empowering apparel as well as producing the NCLUSIV WORLD podcast. Joe has interviewed a number of celebrated queer creatives and pioneers.