Equally as hilarious as he is enlightening, Reverend Richard Coles is a pioneer of inclusivity and diversity. From an 80s chart-topping band to becoming one of the most recognisable gay Reverends in the world, the priest is rewriting the rulebook for religion with every public speech he gives. As an after dinner speaker, Reverend Coles uses his platform to tell his story, opening his audience’s eyes to a perspective unlike any other. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Don’t Leave Me This Way or want to learn more about the life of a gay priest, Reverend Coles is a brilliant addition to your conference, after dinner event or awards evening.
With his faith grounded in inclusivity, Reverend Coles conducted an atheist funeral for Labour MP, Mo Mowlam, in 2005. Six years after he was ordained, he was appointed the Vicar of St Mary the Virgin in 2011, an achievement that he explores in his book Lives of the Improbably Saints, Legends of the Improbable Saints, and his memoirs Fathomless Riches and Bringing in the Sheaves. Prior to his career as a religious leader, he had a successful music career. But, despite the soaring highs of fame, Reverend Coles struggled with his sexuality, often speaking of a “mental crisis”. When booked for events, he recounts the Church of England’s history-defining ruling to allow civil partnerships for priests, in 2005.
Reverend Coles found his Christian fate later in life, in his late twenties. Following a troubling start in life as a young gay man in the 1980s, he struggled with the deaths of his close friends to HIV – through his faith, Reverend Coles could find peace. In the early 90s, while at University, he became a Roman Catholic, and later started training for priesthood in the Church of England. Reverend Coles was ordained in 2005, and since then has been a chaplain of the Royal Academy of Music. His speeches supply a unique insight into the journey to priesthood, a story that very few will have had to pleasure of hearing before.
With an MA from the University of Leeds, honorary doctorate from the University of Northampton and a fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, Reverend Coles is a highly respected academic, religious and music figure. He was also appointed Honorary Chaplain of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers in 2019, after being elected Fellow of King’s College London and Chancellor of the University of Northampton. Whether he is on Have I Got News For You, Songs of Praise and Out in the World: A Global Gay History, or presenting his after dinner speech titled From Pop Star to Parson, Reverend Coles is the living embodiment of “be yourself”. Since appearing in the Gay Youth Video Project film, Framed Youth: The Revenge of the Teenage Perverts, in 1983, he has taken it upon himself to increase inclusivity, awareness and understanding for the LGBT+ community.
How to hire Richard Coles
Contact the Champions Speakers agency to provisionally enquire about Richard Coles for your event today. Simply call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at agent@championsukplc.com for more information.
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When he is at corporate events, Reverend Richard Coles is known to cover the following topics.
Inclusion & Diversity - Having experienced first-hand the devastating effects of discrimination on the LGBT+ community, Reverend Richard Coles is a passionate inclusion and diversity speaker. This emotive perspective resonates with audiences, teaching them the importance of understanding and acceptance on our journey to equality. An event featuring Reverend Coles is sure to open your audience’s eyes to the battles faced by the LGBT+ community.
Religious Faith - Since first joining the Christian faith in the 1980s, Reverend Coles has risen through the ranks to be appointed a Church of England parish priest. He has gone on to shape the faith for the better, improving the level of inclusivity and dismantling the LGBT+ discrimination prevalent in religion. Reverend Coles discusses this journey at events.
80s Music Scene - Well-adept at the saxophone, clarinet and keyboard, Reverend Coles’ move to London resulted in a thriving music career with The Communards. He provides audiences with a unique insight into the 80s music scene, supplying context for their UK Number One hit, Don’t Leave Me This Way.
Broadcasting & Journalism - From Strictly Come Dancing to Would I Lie to You?, Reverend Coles is no stranger to the screen. He has worked closely in the broadcasting and journalism industries, leading him to appear on a wealth of popular television shows. Reverend Coles provides audiences with a behind the scenes view of British broadcasting.
“We were delighted with Richard Coles’ presentation, it was amusing, well delivered and appropriate for the day. We also appreciated the efforts he made to network with our guests before his presentation.” – AXA
