Celebrate Zero Discrimination Day by Hiring LGBT Advocates

What is Zero Discrimination Day?

Zero Discrimination Day, observed annually on March 1st, is a global celebration promoting inclusion, equality, and human rights. Organised by the United Nations, the day emphasises the importance of tackling all forms of discrimination and creating societies where everyone is valued and respected.

Why is Zero Discrimination Day Important?

Discrimination remains a pervasive issue worldwide. According to UNAIDS, nearly 50% of people living with HIV report experiencing stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings. For LGBT communities, surveys indicate that 65% of LGBT individuals in Europe have faced harassment in the past five years.

By raising awareness, Zero Discrimination Day highlights the urgency of addressing systemic inequities and empowering marginalised groups. It provides an ideal opportunity for organisations to host impactful events by inviting inspirational speakers to share their stories, insights, and expertise.

Why Hire an LGBT Speaker?

Inspirational LGBT speakers bring unique perspectives that educate and motivate audiences. By discussing their personal journeys and professional achievements, they foster understanding, challenge stereotypes, and inspire positive change. Hiring a speaker can elevate the impact of your Zero Discrimination Day event, ensuring lasting benefits for your audience.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an LGBT Speaker?

The cost to hire an LGBT speaker varies depending on factors such as their expertise, public profile, and the event’s scale. Typically, fees range from £1,000 to £50,000 or more. Whether you’re organising an intimate gathering or a large-scale conference, there is a speaker to suit every budget. Contact The LGBT Speakers Agency to explore your options. Our experienced team will match you with the perfect speaker to deliver impactful messages within your budget.

Who Are the Top LGBT Activists and Speakers Trending Globally?

This curated selection of the Top LGBT Activists and Speakers globally is founded on meticulous market research from over 400 diversity-focused events. These leaders stand out for their proven expertise, impactful advocacy, and exceptional ability to captivate and inspire audiences across diverse settings.

1. Armistead Maupin
2. Billie Jean King
3. Briana Scurry
4. Gareth Thomas
5. Helen & Kate Richardson-Walsh
6. Inga Beale
7. Jonathan Lovitz
8. Rob Harkavy
9. Shaun Dellenty
10. Simon Callow

These speakers bring unique perspectives to topics such as equality, mental health, leadership, and personal empowerment, making them ideal for Zero Discrimination Day and other inclusion-focused events.

1. Armistead Maupin

Armistead Maupin, author of Tales of the City, is renowned for his groundbreaking literary work and advocacy for LGBT equality. He has played a pivotal role in elevating LGBT voices in mainstream literature. His compelling narratives and wit make him a sought-after speaker for events promoting diversity and inclusion.

Armistead’s official speaker topics:

• The Evolution of LGBT Representation in Literature and Media
• The Intersection of Art and Activism in LGBT Advocacy
• San Francisco’s Role in LGBT History and Culture
• Humor as a Tool for Queer Resilience and Storytelling
• Queer Intergenerational Dialogue: Bridging the Gap
• Tackling Prejudice Through Narrative

2. Billie Jean King

Legendary tennis player Billie Jean King has been a trailblazer for gender and LGBT equality in sports. As the founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and an advocate for equal prize money, she has championed equality throughout her career. Her speeches inspire action, focusing on resilience, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations.

Billie’s official speaker topics:

• 1973: Battle of the Sexes
• Inclusion in Sport
• Overcoming Adversity
• Equal Pay, Equal Work

3. Briana Scurry

Former U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team goalkeeper Briana Scurry is a powerful voice for inclusion in sports and beyond. A two-time Olympic gold medallist and World Cup champion, Briana’s advocacy extends to mental health and equality. Her experiences as an openly gay athlete provide invaluable lessons for overcoming adversity and striving for excellence.

Briana’s Testimonials

“True Colors hosts the largest LGBT youth conference in the country. Briana’s story, which she shared at a keynote session, was an inspiration to youth and adult attendees, alike. We appreciated her candor, her realness and her ability to relate not only to such a large audience, but one-on-one as youth lined up to speak with her after.” – Robin McHaelen, True Colors

“Briana Scurry has served as an incredible role model for youth in our after-school program, particularly girls. Briana has a special ability to relate to and connect with soccer players of all ages and experience levels and has made an indelible impact on those she’s taught and spoken to. We couldn’t be more thankful to Briana for her investment in DC SCORES and our poet-athletes!” – Jake Lloyd, DC SCORES

4. Gareth Thomas

As the first openly gay professional rugby player, Gareth Thomas uses his platform to advocate for LGBT equality and mental health awareness. He has been recognised for his bravery in addressing stigma around HIV and promoting compassion in sports. His speeches inspire courage, authenticity, and breaking barriers in both professional and personal spheres.

Gareth’s Testimonials

“Just to say a huge thank you! The session went perfectly and the feedback I’ve had so far has been great. Appreciate all your time prepping for the session” – Ben, Pepsico

“I just want to thank you for helping organise the talk with Gareth. It was incredible. He spoke with such honesty and you could clearly tell it was the real him. It’s the best turn out we’ve had for a talk as well and the feedback has been amazing. Please do send on our thanks to Gareth – we would love to have him back!” – Rowena, Canopius

“I would like to add my personal thanks to Gareth for his openness and for helping to move the dial on D&I in bp considerably. It was an honour to be on the call with him” – Neil, BP 

5. Helen Richardson-Walsh & Kate Richardson-Walsh

Olympic gold medallists Helen and Kate Richardson-Walsh share their experiences as LGBT athletes and advocates for inclusion in sports. As members of the Great Britain women’s hockey team, they have inspired countless individuals with their resilience and dedication. Their talks highlight the importance of teamwork, representation, and authenticity.

Helen & Kate’s official speaker topics:

• Leadership and Communication
• Team Building: Creating Unity of Standards, Spirit, Culture & Belonging
• Maintaining Peak Performance
• Ambition & Goal Setting
• Change Management: How to Turn Performance Around
• High Performance Under Pressure
• Diversity & Inclusion – Female Leadership, LGBT+
• Grass Roots Sport & Inspiring a New Generation

6. Inga Beale

As the first female CEO of Lloyd’s of London, Inga Beale is a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in the corporate world. She spearheaded initiatives like Pride@Lloyds to foster an inclusive workplace culture. Her insights inspire transformative change in workplaces and highlight the value of embracing diversity in leadership.

Inga’s Testimonials

“I wanted to thank you for presenting at the MOD IKX Symposium last week. It is obvious that you are an authority in your subject and your presentation was informative, enlightening and thought provoking. We have received many complimentary comments about your presentation and more than a few who want to release the potential of their team. One such example was “Dame Inga was very very inspirational. What a great speech.” Your contribution to the day was significant, tying together the benefits to the organisation and individual of valuing individual contribution and also the techniques and challenges of achieving it. Thank you again.” – Stew MacLeod, Ministry of Defence

“It was great.  She has a fantastic story to tell.  The feedback noted Inga’s spirit, openness and honesty and found it a privilege to have had the opportunity to hear her speak.  One even said that he was upset that as a British gay man, working in insurance, he was upset with himself that Inga’s story was new to him.  He wanted to thank us for correcting his oversight. I echo the sentiments that it was a privilege to hear from Inga and to hear how she has continued to learn from her experiences and is an ally and ‘champion’ to other minority groups.” – Florence, Moody’s

“Your speech was well received and brought the perfect synergy to our group. It was very interesting hearing about how you overcame adversities and your accomplishments. We have received amazing feedback, particularly on your openness in owning, and learning from your experiences. I believe your story will have a lasting impact and will serve as an immediate benefit to our BRGs. Again, thank you and we hope to have the opportunity to work with you on future events.” – DK, Moody’s

7. Jonathan Lovitz

Jonathan Lovitz is a policy advocate and LGBT activist whose speeches motivate audiences to engage in activism and community building. With experience in business development and public policy, he works tirelessly to champion equal rights. His expertise and passion make him a dynamic speaker on social justice and community engagement.

Jonathan’s Testimonials

“An amazing business partner and community advocate. His energy, passion and commitment shows through his work. Jonathan has great tenacity and is fantastic at engaging others, empowering them to move forward. He has natural skill and talent for public speaking, any company or organisation would be of great benefit with Jonathan on the team and leading business efforts.” – Andrea, Senior Manager, RE Tech Advisors

8. Rob Harkavy

Journalist and advocate Rob Harkavy offers engaging talks on the intersection of media, representation, and LGBT rights. Known for his incisive commentary and dedication to elevating underrepresented voices, Rob provides a compelling perspective on the power of inclusive storytelling. His talks encourage meaningful dialogue and reflection.

Rob’s Testimonials

“Rob’s knowledge of LGBTQ+ media and the business landscape for diversity is both extensive and impressive.” – Linda Riley, CEO, DIVA Media Group 

“I have known Rob for several years and his commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, diversity and inclusion in business is unrivalled. Highly recommended.” – Sajda Mughal OBE, CEO, Jan Trust

9. Shaun Dellenty

Shaun Dellenty is an award-winning speaker and educator focusing on LGBT inclusion and tackling homophobic bullying in schools and workplaces. Drawing from personal experiences, Shaun delivers heartfelt talks that resonate with diverse audiences. His work has been instrumental in creating safe spaces for marginalised communities.

Shaun’s Testimonials

“It was great, thank you – Shaun was a fantastic speaker and really captured the interest/ questions from our colleagues!” – Christopher, Project Manager, Pladis

10. Simon Callow

Acclaimed actor and writer Simon Callow captivates audiences with his reflections on the arts, identity, and the LGBT experience. Known for his commanding presence and eloquence, Simon shares insights from his illustrious career and personal journey. His speeches are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Simon’s Testimonials

“It went really well thanks!! Simon is a joy to work with and we had great attendance” – Luke, Head of Data Connect, Danone UK & Ireland

Book a Speaker for Zero Discrimination Day

Celebrate Zero Discrimination Day with an inspirational speaker who can make your event memorable and impactful. Contact The LGBT Speakers Agency to secure the perfect speaker for your event. Call 0203 9816 295 or complete the online contact form today.