London’s Top Ten LGBT Speakers of 2020

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world and has a huge LGBT community. In 2017, London’s Pride event saw over 25,000 people gather for the annual celebration - the largest amount of people in the event’s 45-year history. Despite many 2020 Pride events being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these LGBT+ speakers are still raising awareness for inclusion and acceptance.

There may not have been as many rainbow flags in the streets this year, but our influential activists are helping audiences to open their minds and hearts through insightful webinars and virtual discussions on diversity.

Here at Champions Speakers, we have a whole host of eye-opening LGBT+ speakers, whose heart-wrenching experiences will leave audiences with a new perspective of sexuality. With plenty of fascinating anecdotes about their life, here is just a selection of the remarkable LGBT speakers we can offer.

Kellie Maloney

Former boxing promoter Kellie Maloney made global news when she announced in 2014 that she would undergo gender reassignment surgery. Having worked with some of the UK’s biggest boxers throughout her career, Kellie can discuss a wide range of topics at her speaking events, including sports, politics and diversity. She leaves audiences with a new perspective, having revealed the hard truths faced by many transgender people across the globe.

Gareth Thomas

The first openly gay rugby player, Gareth Thomas is a former Wales international who made 100 appearances for his country. Throughout his 16-year sporting career, Gareth played at the highest level of domestic and international rugby, before coming out as gay in 2009. Since then, he has become a popular television personality, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother and The Jump. Gareth is dismantling stereotypes surrounding homosexuality and masculinity with every speech he presents.

Jake & Hannah Graf

International speakers, Jake and Hannah Graf, are rewriting the rulebook for love and family. The pair made history by becoming the first transgender couple to have a child, with the birth of their daughter in 2020 bringing hope for similar couples across the globe. When booked for events, Jake and Hannah share their story with guests, opening their eyes to the normalcy of transgender families. Encourage inclusion, with these highly influential speakers.

Kate Richardson-Walsh

Kate Richardson-Walsh is one of Great Britain’s history-making hockey players, who won a gold medal during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Playing alongside her wife, Helen, Kate and her team captured the nation’s imagination when they defeated Netherlands in the nail-biting final. The couple are not just talented athletes, but inspiring role models to young members of the LGBT+ community. Their love is truly empowering, when booked for events Kate can melt even the coldest of hearts with her story.

Dr. Ranj Singh

Resident Doctor on Good Morning Britain, Dr. Ranj Singh is a vocal member of the LGBT+ community. Since coming out as gay, he has become a pinnacle figure in the fight for equality, with his regular television appearances serving to normalise LGBT+ presenters in mainstream media. Additional onscreen appearances include Get Well Soon on children’s television, and Save Money: Good Health, a testament to the NHS Doctor’s immense popularity.

Nicola Adams

The first openly LGBT+ boxer to win an Olympic gold, Nicola Adams shot to fame in 2012 when she triumphed at the 2012 London Olympics. At the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, she became the first-ever female boxer to successfully defend her Olympic title and the first British fighter to do so in 92 years. In 2017, Nicola turned professional and to date has won all three of her bouts. An Olympic speaker like Nicola does not just inspire sporting greatness, but acceptance and inclusion with her story of discrimination online. Despite the hate, she became the first Strictly Come Dancing celebrity to compete in a same-sex pair in 2020!

Martina Navratilova

One of the most successful female tennis players of all time, Martina Navratilova has won all four of tennis’ Grand Slams on numerous occasions. Most notably, she took the title at Wimbledon on nine occasions, more than any other female player. Since her retirement, Martina competed in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, where she opened up on coming out to her family. At her speaking events she can discus sexuality, sport and politics, giving her fascinating insight into these topics.

Dame Inga Beale

When Dame Inga Beale was appointed CEO of Lloyd’s of London, a prestigious title in its own right, she smashed through the glass ceiling and broke a 328-year string of male business leaders. As not just the first female CEO, but an openly bisexual professional, she is carving a path for herself despite the rampant sexism and homophobia in society today. When booked for events, Inga promotes the power of inclusion to her audience.

Gok Wan

A TV presenter and fashion expert, Gok Wan has spent years giving the nation style tips. Throughout his career, Gok has seen his work published in some of the world’s biggest magazines, including Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and Glamour. As well as this, he has hosted such shows as Gok’s Fashion Fix, How to Look Good Naked and Gok’s Clothes Roadshow. He is one of the most prominent LGBT+ presenters on television, a feat that has increased understanding for the community. At events, Gok can discuss the impact of homophobia on his wellbeing.

Mark Foster

A former professional swimmer who represented Great Britain at the Olympics and World Championships, Mark Foster has become a household name in the UK. He has also become a popular television personality, and can regularly be found on BBC Sport’s swimming coverage giving his expert insight into the biggest competitions. As an openly gay athlete in a highly masculine environment, Mark has shown immense strength to rise above and secure countless gold medals for his country.

All of our LGBT+ speakers are able to demonstrate their excellent keynote speaking ability at every event or conference they attend. For more information get in touch with Champions Speakers by calling 0207 1010 553 or by filling in our online contact form.