Sue Sanders has spent her life facing adversity head on. Never turning her back on who she is, she’s an out and proud lesbian who’s dedicated to uplifting the voices of the LGBT community. Whether she’s educating audiences on the importance of freedom of expression in schools across the UK, or advocating for the end of homophobia in universities and various educational facilities, Sue brings great passion to the art of speaking.
From the moment she began teaching back in 1967, Sue discussed her sexuality without shame. Even when Section 28 threw the LGBT community into a state of fear and uncertainty, she remained steadfast in her self-expression. As a result, she was able to pull through and become a management consultant and trainer for the public voluntary sector. First as a member of the LGBT Advisory Group, then as an independent advisor of the National Union of Teachers’ LGBT Working Party. Eventually, Sue would go on to become the Co-Founder of Chrysalis in 1996, and the Co-Chair of Schools OUT in 2000.
Since becoming a part of the Schools OUT committee, Sue has managed to institute the UK’s First LGBT History Month alongside Co-Chair Paul Patrick – an event that was originally launched in 2004 and still exists to this day. Following this exciting step forward for the LGBT community, Sue focused her efforts on giving teachers the tools needed to tackle LGBT issues across all key stage curriculums. This came to a head in 2011, when she instigated The Classroom. Finally, teachers had access to over 50 free lesson plans, each designed to dismantle the homophobia riddling schools and curriculums across the nation.
Sue Sanders is so much more than just an inspirational speaker for LGBT and allied audiences. Author of poetry, short stories, articles, and brochures on feminist issues, she’s an outstanding woman who’s determined to be seen. Whether she’s appearing on television, radio programmes, and the beloved "Pause. And Rewind" podcast to discuss equality and LGBT struggles, or speaking at events and workshops across the globe, Sue has never lost sight of her vision for the future. If you’re wanting to empower your event with the enthusiasm and wit of an unapologetically LGBT speaker, Sue Sanders is a great choice indeed.
How to hire Sue Sanders
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Sue Sanders 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.
Sue Sanders' official speaker topics are listed below:
LGBT + History
How Schools OUT and LGBT+ History Month was founded and its influence in the UK and beyond
2024 - Recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Education Union
2024 - Recipient of the Centrica30 Years of Diva Honouree Award
2022 - Recipient of the Golden Tupilik Award from the International Lesbian & Gay Cultural Network
2019 - Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rainbow Honours Board
2014 - Short-Listed for the Lifetime Achievement Award in the National Diversity Awards
2012 - Recipient of Commendation from the Metropolitan Police Service for her long-standing involvement to the LGBT Advisory Group
2009 - Recipient of the first Derek Oyston Award
2005 - Recipient of the Clio's Silver Cup Award from the International Lesbian and Gay Cultural Network
2004 - Instituted the UK's first LGBT History Month
2002 - Recipient of the Crown Prosecution Award for Equality & Diversity
2000 - Became Co-Chair of Schools OUT
1996 - Co-Founded Chrysalis
1967 - Became a Teacher, Tutor, and Lecturer on Women's Studies, Drama, and Homophobia in schools
