Jake and Hannah Graf are the history making duo, redefining the modern perception of relationships. Both Jake and Hannah identify as transgender, but that hasn’t stopped them pursuing their dreams of becoming an award winning director and actor, and decorated British Army Officer, respectively. Two people, defying adversity, to embark on inspirational careers, and break boundaries for the LGBTQ+ community, this pair are truly mesmerising speakers.
Known in her career as Captain Hannah Graf, Hannah is a revered Officer of the British Army, serving as one of the highest ranked transgender soldiers in the force. On coming out in 2013, Hannah aimed to be a role model to the LGBT community, and took on the position of the Army’s Transgender Representative, offering guidance on policy, inclusivity and support to others transitioning in the force. Despite being met with a mixed reaction, Hannah has lived unapologetically as herself and served in Afghanistan, Kenya and Canada in her Army career, overcoming any obstacles she faced. The bravery and awareness Hannah has encouraged has seen her awarded with an MBE in 2019, Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards and the British LGBT Awards.
Accomplished actor, writer and director, Jake Graf has been equally successful in the British media. Recognised for his roles in The Danish Girl, Colette, and Butterfly, Jake has not been discouraged by the challenges he’s faced as an openly transgender man. After Transitioning in 2008, Jake continued to make pioneering films, often drawing on his experiences to change perceptions through the medium of film. Appearing on every major media outlet, including Lorraine, Good Morning Britain and ITV News, Jake has used his platform to raise awareness for trans issues, and has been listed on The Independent’s Pride Power List and The Guardian's LGBT Power List for his efforts.
Each offering a compelling personal story, regarding the adversity faced in their respective careers and journey in gender transitioning, combined with their tale of reaching transgender milestones together, such as having their first baby in 2020, Jake and Hannah are truly unique speakers. Named 'The UK's Most Influential LGBT Power Couple' by The Guardian, they have spoken across the world, for the likes of Warner Brothers, Lloyds and InterBank, instilling the strategies they used to overcome adversity in their audiences. For an open and honest discussion, offering value on an individual and company wide level, Hannah and Jake Graff are the inspirational pair for your occasion.
How to hire Jake & Hannah Graf
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Jake & Hannah Graf for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
FEEDBACK FROM VIRTUAL EVENTS & WEBINARS:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jake & Hannah Graf attended many virtual events, booked as exciting guest speakers. Read the feedback they have received below.
"Jake and Hannah were absolutely phenomenal - the feedback we have received is truly outstanding. They were so genuine, authentic and inspirational." - Jane, Respiratory Representative, GSK
"The whole business was truly inspired by them. They were so open and honest and we all said we could've carried on the conversation for a lot longer. They were both very at ease and were open to questions, which is always a good thing. The videos that were shown during the talk were a real insight into the challenges that people face, so it was great that they shared them. Thank you again and I look forward to working with you in the future" - David, Executive Assistant, Beiersdorf
"Just a note of thanks from myself and Rosie for your help with this. It was a great session and Jake and Hannah were amazing, we could've carried on talking for hours" - David, Executive Assistant, Beiersdorf
"Please pass on, on behalf of all of us at SAP, our gratitude to Jake and Hannah. They were outstanding and authentic, honest and engaging. They gave our event a very natural and relaxed feel and this allowed our audience to ask questions they may not have asked before. Jake and Hannah were a pleasure to work with and we wanted to pass on all of the messages that were coming through for them: 'One of my daughter’s best friends and roommate is a great guy. He was forced into a girls' dorm and he was never fully happy. He completed his transition recently and a few months ago I saw a picture where he was smiling for the first time ever that I had seen. thank you for sharing your stories. I know not a question, but both of your stories are so important for kids like him. Thank you so much for sharing. I do my best as an ally and I appreciate you both. So happy you found happiness in the end.' 'Watching with my nine-year-old daughter. Quote: "Cutest picture ever!' 'Beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing!' 'Thank you for sharing your stories! So happy for you both. And your adorable children.' 'Hannah, Jake...no question, only a comment. If we had more courageous people like yourselves in the world, we'd all be living in a better place.' 'Thank you Hannah & Jake for sharing your story and congrats on your two beautiful children!' 'THANK YOU! I so appreciate your visibility" - Alix, SAP
"I don’t really know how to thank you for suggesting Jake & Hannah Graf as speakers for our very first Pride Month Event at Camunda. Their story was so touching and everybody really enjoyed it." - Julia, Camunda
I wanted to send a very BIG THANK YOU from all of us at Micron, and especially from those of us lucky enough to work directly on the event, to Jake and Hannah - the event today was outstanding - absolutely authentic, heartfelt and genuine. We've received fantastic feedback - so many wanted the conversation to continue much longer than our allotted event time. - Lisa, Micron
FEEDBACK FROM IN-PERSON EVENTS:
Jake & Hannah Graf are regularly booked to engage audiences at in-person events, read their latest feedback below.
"Not only are Jake and Hannah charismatic, passionate, and informed speakers, but Jake's films generated a lot of important discussion and questions from our audience. Their honesty around transition and candid answers to questions was endearing, and we have had only positive feedback from our event. Jake and Hannah were a pleasure to work with – happy to adapt to whatever style of speech we wanted them to deliver, and their charity work brought a lot of new faces to our company." – Alexandra, Business Analyst, Citi
"I just wanted to thank you again so much for your work organising the event with the Army last night. It is up there as my favourite D&I event yet. Super informative and left us all with proper practical tips for addressing this complex area. Very timely with the announcements yesterday re the new head of the Army and UK Armed Services (both of whom, from what I hear, have been major drivers behind the Army’s significant advance in the area of D&I)." - Head of HR, BNP Paribas
"We recently booked Jake and Hannah to speak as our keynote address at a large-scale InterComms LGBT+ Network event and we can safely say they were an incredible opener to our panel discussion 'Why just the G in LGBT? Let's start with the LBT'. Their story was personal, inspiring, touching and delivered with aplomb to an extremely engaged audience. They also got involved with the panel debate afterwards, delivering well-thought out and balanced answers to our attendees questions. Jake and Hannah are consummate professionals, and incredible ambassadors for the Trans and LGBT+ communities." - Ethan, Chair of InterComms LGBT Network
“Listening to Jake and Hannah's story and having the opportunity to watch Jake's film was educational, emotional and enjoyable. Huge thanks to them for their honesty, openness and for being their authentic selves.” – Sara, MD, EMEA CEO Chief of Staff, Citi
Joanne and all of the Team at Champions went above and beyond to secure the speaker for our Global Pride Event. Despite the tight deadlines we presented, and the time difference with the American Team from our company – The team was always there to get the job done (and at times alleviate my worry) From start to finish, we were presented with a wealth of choice of speakers, and was fully supported through the entire process. A very professional team, who I have no doubt we will work with again in the future. - Alix, UK User Support Desk Team Lead, Concur Technologies
- 2020 - The pair were subject of Channel 4 Documentary 'Our Baby'
- 2019 - Hannah was awarded an MBE
- 2015 - Hannah became the first Patron of the charity Mermaids
- 2015 - Jake wrote and starred in Brace
- Jake has been listed in OUT Magazine’s OUT100 List, The Independent’s Rainbow List and The Guardian’s Pride Power List.
- Jake is a patron of the Mermaid's charity and the Albert Kennedy Trust
- Jake is an ambassador for Age Uk
- Jake is a judge for The National Diversity Awards, The European Diversity Awards and The Rainbow Honours.
- Hannah is the recipient of an Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff University
- Hannah was one of the highest-ranking transgender soldiers in the army
- Named 'The UK's Most Influential LGBT Power Couple' by The Guardian
