Paris Lees

Paris Lees is an author and journalist described as “the voice of a generation” and “one of the most distinctive voices in British writing”. Her debut book What It Feels Like for a Girl, a literary memoir about growing up poor and trans in the Nottinghamshire countryside at the start of the Millennium, has received rave reviews and been named as one of the must-read releases in 2021 by the Evening Standard, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and The Guardian.

Paris has received multiple awards for her work as a journalist and broadcaster, and is one of the most prominent transgender individuals in the public eye. She kick-started a conversation about trans rights in the UK at a time when there were no voices from the community taken seriously by the mainstream. She is also a rare working-class voice in the British media, and has written candidly about her experiences. Her honesty, humour and openness have seen her become a sought-after public speaker. Paris inspires audiences to be authentic, creating a safe space to ask questions which she seeks to answer through the prism of her personal experiences, and equips corporate clients with strategies to become inclusive employers.

Throughout her impressive career as a journalist, Paris has completed many firsts, including becoming the first openly transgender columnist for British Vogue, a testament to her influence. Other iconic moments from Paris’ journey to date include being the first trans presenter on Radio 1, Channel 4 and as a panellist on BBC’s Question Time for which she received universal praise. From establishing herself as a writer in the Gay Times to being an essential voice for equality in the likes of The Independent, and The Guardian, Paris is ensuring the plight of those in the community is brought to the forefront of the media.

Growing up Paris endured a turbulent time of bulling, displacement, and issues with the law. Having her identity suppressed and years of discrimination led Paris to suffer from severe mental health problems, and after moving to Brighton to pursue a new life as a woman, Paris found herself suicidal. However, a referral to a specialist London gender clinic was a turning point in Paris’ gender journey and was the catalyst for lasting positive change. She has since claimed the Positive Role Model Award for LGBT at the 2012 National Diversity Awards, been named as the Most Influential LGBT Figure in the UK and been named on the 2014 Rainbow List.

She is the Co-Founder of All About Trans, an organisation that supports trans media representation, and an Honorary Doctor of Letter appointed by the University of Brighton, Paris has made an undeniable impact on the industry. In 2019, Paris become one of three ambassadors for Pantene, a haircare brand embracing diversity, and she recently published her first book ‘What it Feels Like for a Girl’. Having topped The Independent on Sunday's Pink List, Paris’ position as an unstoppable anti-bullying campaigner is solidified and her contribution at speaking engagements is truly transformational, which makes Champions Speakers proud to be an official speaker representative of Paris Lees.