Katie Neeves is a woman on a mission – but not just any woman and not just any mission! She lived for 48 years as a man while struggling with her gender from the age of 3 and hiding her big secret from the world. She was thrown into turmoil when her gender dysphoria increased dramatically, causing her to go on a voyage of discovery before finally admitting to herself that she is a transgender woman and that she needed to live her truth.
She then came out very publicly via a coming-out video, which she posted on her social media and sent to all the clients of her photography business, risking her livelihood and reputation in the process. Katie formed Cool2BTrans to support and inspire other trans people and to educate everyone else, by showing them that trans people are just ordinary people who want to be happy – just like everyone else.
She is a presenter and event host and helps organisations with diversity and inclusion by providing trans awareness training and inspirational speaking in an entertaining way, using humour to break down barriers. Katie’s talks have been described as “engaging, hilarious and exciting,” “inspirational storytelling at its best!” and “the most exciting training in years.” She appears regularly in the media, being on ITV, the BBC, and Channel 5’s lists of experts and as a BBC presenter too.
Katie won the British Diversity Awards Hero of the Year 2023 award, is on the Global Diversity List 2023, and is on the Top 100 Influential People in the UK 2024 list. She is also a National Diversity Awards Positive Role Model for LGBT Award 2024 finalist. Her other awards include the Trans in the City Trans Community Champion 2022 Award, the This is Us Training & Development Award 2023, the Women's Awards East Midlands Outstanding Female LGBTQIA+ Champion 2023 Award, and Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce for her work as a trans ambassador. She was also a DIVA Awards Unsung Hero of the Year 2023 finalist and listed on the DIVA Power List 2023. Katie is a tireless campaigner for trans rights, as shown by her constant stream of social media posts, correcting misinformation and holding politicians and the media to account.
How to hire Katie Neeves
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Katie Neeves 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.
Katie's official speaking topics are listed below:
- My long walk to womanhood
- What's it like to be transgender and how can I support those who are?
- Positively managing change
- Preventing trans discrimination at work
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"The trans awareness workshop with Katie made a lasting impact and impression on the team. Many have said that it was the most exciting training in years. They said that they had thought about it a lot afterwards and would like a follow-up for further discussion. I would 100% recommend Katie to others." - Katrin, Vice President Diversity & Global Talent, Deutsche Telekom
I would not have the slightest hesitation in recommending Katie for anyone who is looking for a speaker and educator in the Trans/LGBTQIA+ area. Katie was extremely open and honest about her journey and spoke extremely well about allyship and advocating for the Trans community. Katie spoke in such a way she was able to make a connection with so many, and at all levels of knowledge and experience. As the host of the talk I have received a number of messages/emails from those who attended, each and everyone thankful and inspired by her words, several of who are looking to speak to Katie separately. One of the pieces of feedback I received said that Katie was the best speaker they have heard in the entire LGBTQIA+ area and I wouldn't disagree with that at all. I will be hoping to work with Katie again soon, I feel her level of candor gets away from the sensationalism we often see portrayed elsewhere and allows people to see the true experience of a Trans person." - Tim, Team Administrator & Lead of the Pride Steering Committee, National Grid
"The event was a success. Katie was a true inspiration to all who attended the event. I have had so many positive comments even from upper management! I hope to have Katie back again for other events. She truly is an inspiration!" - Bob Eastman
"Overwhelming feedback highlighted how valuable it was to hear a first-hand experience of someone navigating gender and having Katie speak in a way that was so open, emotive, educational and also humorous helped everyone better understand the importance of trans awareness and the gender spectrum. In particular, many were grateful to learn more about what gender dysphoria is, and how both sex and gender go beyond the binary as a means of then better understanding the trans experience and the issues the community face. Overall, everyone found the talk very inspiring and incredibly educational - thank you Katie for your time!" - Josh, Account Executive, WE Communications
"Katie has been a joy to work with for our session at Aviva. Katie talked to us about her own transition along with tips on good allyship. The session was really well received and we had lots of good questions and feedback. Katie’s sessions are filled with lovely humour making the audience feel at ease. I would love Aviva to work with Katie again and I can’t recommend her sessions highly enough. Thanks again Katie" - Joanne, Aviva
"Katie delivered a powerful, insightful and engaging session on her own personal journey and tips for being a trans ally. She is very open and honest about her own lived experience and has a unique way of telling her story and educating people in a humorous and uplifting way. Thank you Katie!" - Kelly, Ofcom
"I had the pleasure of working with Katie on an online Pride event. She's one of the most articulate and entertaining people I have seen in this format. Good humoured, well educated and a consummate professional. I would happily work with Katie again and sincerely hope we will. She's very talented and I could see her presenting a talk show on a major TV channel." - Natalie, Rhondda Pride
"I just wanted to drop you a message to say how much I enjoyed your webinar on Friday, really insightful and also your sense of humour kept it so engaging. Will def check out your company to see if we can do any work together in the future. Thanks Katie for me it was the most interesting webinar so far and definitely the funniest" - Emma Buckley
"I had been following Katie's journey for some time, I found her story not only inspirational but her approach made me connect and really want to work with her. I love Katie's approach, she shares her stories with warmth, wit and stacks of humour. Her story really captures the challenges she has faced. After working with Katie you will truly understand why she creates game-changing noise about Trans Rights and the role that you play as an Ally. Katie's mission to educate and push for real change is critical, she has found the perfect way to connect with individuals and businesses. Her work will change the way people think, behave and will ultimately change the world for sure. Katie is a true professional and a beautiful person with an incredible story to tell. I look forward to working with her again in the future." - Jo, The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).
"Katie provided a great Trans Awareness session to colleagues from emh group last week. People are still talking about how enlightening and informative it was. She also made it personal, poignant, accessible and, characteristically for Katie, good fun! I highly recommend Katie as a Trans Ambassador to any organisation committed to equality, diversity and inclusion – if you are interested in learning more about trans issues, and how to be an inclusive employer, a learning and development session with Katie Neeves is a great place to start. Thank you Katie!" - Joanne, emh group
"Inspirational storytelling at its best. I was lucky enough to listen to Katie’s story and can openly and honestly say it was incredible to hear. I can honestly say it was eye opening, informative and inspirational to say the least. What a journey you’ve had Katie. Thank you for sharing it." - Byron, Virgin Media
"An excellent session which was funny, moving and educational. Katie is a skilled speaker who really engages her audience. The feedback we have received has been incredible. Thank you Katie!" - Mick Lawlor, Partner on the disputes practice at DLA Piper.
"Katie attended our International Women’s Day panel at Virgin Media yesterday and what an honour that was. An inspirational speaker with a fantastic sense of humour that really shone through. Katie has been incredibly engaged throughout all the planning and a real joy to partner with on our IWD plans. In a very short time I’ve already learnt a huge amount from Katie and I’d really encourage others to take the opportunity with Katie to learn and grow.”- Danielle Peel, Project Delivery Lead at Virgin Media
"We booked Katie to run two Trans Day of Visibility workshops for Virgin Media belonging networks. She was engaging, hilarious and amazing. Every bit of feedback we received from those who attended was beyond positive. I personally have never laughed and learnt so much in one hour!" - Chloe, Mobile Trading & Online Sales Graduate, Virgin Media
- 2023 - Named on the DIVA Power List 2023
- 2023 - Winner of the Boots Hero of the Year, Burberry British Diversity Awards
- 2023 - Winner of the Training and Development Award, This is Us Awards
- 2022 - Nominee for the LGBT+ Positive Role Model award, National Diversity Awards
- 2022 - Trans Community Champion, Trans in the City
- 2022 - Awarded the Trans in the City Trans Community Champion Award
- 2021 - Nominee for the LGBT+ Positive Role Model award, National Diversity Awards
- 2021 - Nominee for the LGBT+ Positive Role Model award, National Diversity Awards
- 2019 - Founder & Trans Ambassador for Cool2BTrans
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts Manufactures & Commerce