Katie Neeves 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. This was a massive risk, as she had built up a great reputation over 31 years as one of the UK’s top photographers, photographing everything from royalty, to wars and riots.

She needn’t have worried though, as she was inundated with hundreds of messages of support.

This led to her vlogging about her transition journey in a very open, honest and humorous way, which makes the subject accessible to all. Her story was picked up in the media and it wasn’t long before she was a regular in the radio and TV studios, becoming a trans ambassador along the way.

Katie Neeves – Founder: Cool2BTrans

Katie Neeves formed Cool2BTrans to support and inspire other trans people and also to educate everyone else about trans people by showing them that trans people are just ordinary people who want to be happy – just like everyone else. She helps organisations with diversity and inclusion by providing trans awareness training and inspirational speaking in an entertaining way, using humour to break down barriers. She is also available for presenting work.

Katie Neeves in the Media

Katie Neeves appears regularly in the media, being on both ITV’s and the BBC’s lists of experts as well as being a BBC Sounds podcast presenter.

Katie Neeves Award Winning Trans Campaigner

Also, Katie Neeves was awarded British Diversity Awards “Hero of the Year 2023”, the Trans in the City “Trans Community Champion 2022 Award”, the This is Us “Training & Development 2023 Award”, Fellowship of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce and she’s a Diva Awards “Unsung Hero of the Year 2023” finalist as well as being listed on the DIVA Power List 2023.

Katie Neeves Trans Speaker

Katie Neeves Keynote Talk Topics

Katie Neeves on: My Long Walk to Womanhood

(approx 35 minutes)
This is the raw, emotional, educational and humorous story of my transgender transition, mixed with explanations of all things trans.  It is the most powerful section upon which all my other presentations are built.  It can be performed either with or without slides to any size of audience.  It was recently described as “a masterclass in storytelling” and “Inspirational storytelling at its best.”

Katie Neeves on: My Long walk to Womanhood + Q&A

(approx 1 hour, depending on the size of audience and number of questions)
As above plus a Q&A session.  This is a safe space where the audience can ask me anything!  I am always happy to extend the Q&A session if there are a lot of questions (subject to fitting in with the client’s schedule of course) for no extra charge.

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Katie Neeves on: What’s it like to be transgender?  And how can I support those who are?

(approx. 1.5 hours, depending on the size of audience and number of questions)
This is my most popular presentation.  It gives the audience a very real appreciation for what life is like for trans people and practical tips for being an ally.  It can be performed to any size of audience, large or small.  However, the larger the audience, the less chance each person will have to ask a question.  It was recently described as “the most interesting webinar so far and definitely the funniest”.

The presentation consists of the following sections:

My Long Walk to Womanhood (raw, emotional, educational and humorous story of my transgender transition, mixed with explanations of all things trans) – approx. 35 minutes
Top tips for being a trans ally – approx. 20 minutes
Q&A – 15 to 35 minutes

Katie Neeves on: Positively Managing Change: A Very Personal Journey

(approx 1.5 hours, depending on the size of audience and number of questions)
This presentation is themed around how I handled such a major change in my life and my business. This fits in very well with business conferences and groups as business owners regularly have to manage change, whether it is forced on them or something of their making.  It can be performed to any size of audience.  However, the larger the audience, the less chance each person will have to ask a question.

It consists of the following sections:

My Long Walk to Womanhood (raw, emotional, educational and humorous story of my transgender transition, mixed with explanations of all things trans) – approx. 35 minutes
The 13 emotional stages of change – approx. 15 to 20 minutes
Q&A – approx. 5 to 35 minutes

Katie Neeves Speaker Deliverables

Participants and audience members will leave Katie Neeve’s uplifting talks and training feeling both entertained and educated. Katie Neeves said “Many people focus on the negative aspects of being trans, but I prefer to approach the subject from a much more positive angle. I am exactly the same person I was before my transition – but far happier!”

Katie Neeves Trans Training Sessions, in-person or virtual delivery.

This can be in a set session or learning lunch session.
The ‘For everyone’ session content is outlined below, but Katie Neeves offers specific sessions for Leaders, HR Professionals and Medical Professionals.

Ideal for everyone, this training session gives in-depth information about all things trans. It equips participants with the knowledge to really understand trans people and the vocabulary necessary to prevent them from inadvertently offending trans people. It is perfect for small groups of no more than 15 people as I like to get the participants involved and treat it as more of a conversation rather than death by PowerPoint!

This session by Katie Neeves consists of the following sections:
Ice-breaker / assessment of prior knowledge (interactive)
Why is trans-awareness training needed?
My Long Walk to Womanhood (raw, emotional, educational and humorous story of my transgender journey, mixed with explanations of all things trans) – This is the section that wins hearts and minds.
Q&A about my journey
15 minute break
Trans terminology explained (interactive)
Typical stages of a transgender journey
Top tips for being a trans ally
Q&A
N.B. Sections can be added if you wish to tailor the workshop to a specific audience. Please ask for a quote if you would like specialist sections to be added.

Katie Neeves is one of our amazing team of Diversity & Inclusion, Pride Month, Trans and LGBTQ at Great British Speakers.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book LGBTQ Trans Speaker Katie Neeves for your next event.

Contact us.