Top 10 LGBTQ+ Speakers Specialising in Mental Health and Wellbeing in 2026

Mental health is now a board-level priority, yet LGBTQ+ employees continue to face unique challenges that directly affect wellbeing, engagement and performance. Experienced keynote speakers bring lived experience and practical insight, helping organisations create inclusive cultures where people feel safe, supported and able to perform at their best.

Why Is Mental Health Awareness Important?

Mental health awareness is essential because it directly influences inclusion, engagement and overall organisational performance. In the UK, 52% of LGBTQ+ people reported experiencing depression in the past year, highlighting a significantly higher prevalence than the general population. Research from Mental Health UK also shows that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, often linked to discrimination, stigma and lack of support (Source: Mental Health UK).

In addition, government data found that one in seven LGBTQ+ people avoid seeking healthcare due to fear of discrimination, which can lead to worsening mental health outcomes over time. These challenges do not stay outside the workplace. Employees who feel unsupported are more likely to disengage, take time off or leave altogether.

Organisations that actively prioritise mental health awareness, particularly through inclusive policies and education, create environments where people feel safe to contribute. This leads to stronger retention, better collaboration and improved long-term business performance.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Mental Health and Wellbeing Speaker?

Hiring a mental health and wellbeing speaker brings immediate and long-term value to organisations by turning awareness into action. LGBTQ+ individuals are 2.2 times more likely to self-harm and face significantly higher risks of poor mental health outcomes, reinforcing the need for informed leadership and proactive support.

A skilled speaker helps leaders and employees recognise the signs of mental health challenges, while also providing practical strategies to respond effectively. This can include improving communication, reducing stigma and building psychological safety across teams. Research consistently shows that organisations investing in mental health initiatives experience higher employee engagement and reduced absenteeism, both of which have a direct impact on productivity.

Who Are the Best LGBT Mental Health and Wellbeing Speakers Trending in the UK?

This official selection of the best mental health and wellbeing speakers based in the UK is informed by vetted data from 232 industry-focused events, alongside speaker evaluations and audience feedback.

1. Ben Smith – Endurance athlete and mental health advocate
2. Daniel O’Shaughnessy – Inclusive fitness and wellbeing coach
3. Dr Mark McBride-Wright MBE – DEI and LGBTQ+ inclusion leader
4. Dylan Holloway – Trans advocate and mental health speaker
5. Jen Atkin – Mental health campaigner and author
6. Lee Carter – Diversity and inclusion consultant
7. Matthew Todd – Author and LGBTQ+ mental health authority
8. Rebecca Adams – Trans inclusion and wellbeing speaker
9. Rob Sykes – Neurodiversity and mental health advocate
10. Matt Lindley – Inclusive Leadership, Mental Health & Human Performance Speaker

Ben Smith

Ben Smith is an internationally recognised mental health advocate and endurance athlete, best known for completing 401 marathons in 401 days through his “401 Challenge.” His journey began as a response to bullying, identity struggles and poor mental health, which gives his story strong authenticity and relevance for workplace audiences.

Ben’s talks focus on resilience, mindset and sustained performance under pressure. He connects personal experience to organisational wellbeing, helping employees understand how small habits can improve mental health over time. His delivery is honest and motivating, making him a strong choice for conferences and wellbeing programmes.

Daniel O’Shaughnessy

Daniel O’Shaughnessy is an inclusive wellbeing coach who blends fitness, mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy into a modern approach to workplace wellbeing. He has worked with major global brands, helping them rethink how health and performance are supported across diverse teams.

Daniel’s sessions focus on practical behaviour change, linking movement, mindset and identity to everyday productivity. He makes wellbeing feel accessible and relevant, particularly for younger and diverse workforces. His energetic and engaging style ensures audiences leave with clear, actionable steps they can implement immediately.

Dr Mark McBride-Wright MBE

Dr Mark McBride-Wright MBE is a leading diversity and inclusion expert and founder of EqualEngineers, with a strong focus on LGBTQ+ mental health in STEM industries. His work has driven measurable change across organisations seeking to improve representation and inclusion.

Mark brings a strategic, data-led approach to mental health and wellbeing, connecting inclusion directly to performance and retention. His sessions are structured and insightful, offering clear recommendations for leaders. He is particularly valuable for executive audiences who want practical, evidence-based strategies to improve culture and psychological safety.

Dylan Holloway

Dylan Holloway is a trans advocate and mental health speaker who shares powerful personal insights into identity, resilience and lived experience. His work centres on improving understanding of trans experiences and the mental health challenges that often accompany them.

Dylan’s talks are honest and relatable, helping audiences build empathy and confidence when discussing gender identity. He highlights how workplace culture can either support or harm mental wellbeing, offering practical ways organisations can become more inclusive. His conversational delivery encourages open discussion and lasting impact.

Jen Atkin

Jen Atkin is a mental health campaigner, author and speaker who focuses on anxiety, self-esteem and identity in modern life. Drawing on personal experience, she delivers talks that break down stigma and make mental health conversations more accessible across different workplace settings.

Jen’s sessions explore the pressures individuals face both inside and outside of work, including social expectations and identity challenges. She provides practical tools to help manage stress, build confidence and improve resilience. Her warm, engaging delivery connects particularly well with early-career professionals, making her a strong choice for organisations looking to support wellbeing across all levels.

Lee Carter

Lee Carter is a diversity and inclusion consultant specialising in LGBTQ+ workplace culture and mental wellbeing. He works closely with organisations to help create environments where employees feel safe, respected and able to bring their full selves to work.

Lee combines lived experience with professional insight, exploring how leadership behaviour, communication and organisational policies directly impact mental health. His sessions are honest and thought-provoking, encouraging leaders to take accountability for culture. He provides clear, practical guidance that organisations can implement immediately to improve inclusion, strengthen engagement and support long-term wellbeing outcomes.

Matthew Todd

Matthew Todd is a respected author and former editor of Attitude magazine, widely recognised for his work on LGBTQ+ mental health. His book “Straight Jacket” explores the psychological impact of identity, shame and societal pressure on wellbeing.

Matthew’s talks combine research, cultural insight and personal experience to provide a deeper understanding of mental health within LGBTQ+ communities. He focuses on the root causes of challenges rather than surface-level symptoms, helping organisations develop more informed approaches. His reflective and insightful delivery is well suited to audiences seeking meaningful, long-term cultural change.

Rebecca Adams

Rebecca Adams is a trans inclusion and wellbeing speaker who works with organisations to create supportive, inclusive workplace cultures where individuals feel seen and valued. Her advocacy centres on visibility, allyship and practical steps that improve everyday employee experience.

Rebecca delivers clear, actionable guidance on how organisations can support trans employees, from inclusive policies to respectful communication. Her sessions are collaborative and engaging, encouraging audiences to take ownership of inclusion within their teams. She is particularly effective for organisations looking to strengthen diversity strategies while improving wellbeing, retention and overall employee confidence.

Rob Sykes

Rob Sykes is a neurodiversity and mental health speaker who brings a unique perspective on the intersection between LGBTQ+ identity and neurodivergence. His work focuses on helping organisations better understand difference and create environments where everyone can succeed.

Rob’s sessions offer practical strategies for improving communication, reducing stigma and supporting diverse thinking styles. He translates complex topics into clear, accessible insights that audiences can apply immediately. His engaging delivery makes him a strong choice for organisations looking to broaden their approach to inclusion, wellbeing and performance across diverse teams.

Matt Lindley

Matt Lindley is a former RAF fast jet pilot and British Airways Captain who brings a powerful perspective on mental health, identity and high-performance culture. As one of the RAF’s first openly gay pilots, he experienced first-hand the pressure of hiding identity, offering a unique lens on psychological safety and wellbeing at work.

Matt’s talks focus on speak-up culture, resilience and human factors, helping organisations understand how fear, stigma and silence impact performance. He translates lessons from aviation into practical strategies that improve communication, reduce error and support mental wellbeing. His delivery is clear, grounded and highly relevant for leadership audiences navigating inclusion and performance together.

Book a Mental Health and Wellbeing Speaker Today

Mental health and wellbeing are central to building inclusive, high-performing organisations. For LGBTQ+ employees, the stakes are even higher, with clear evidence showing increased risk and barriers to support. That is why experienced speakers play such an important role. They bring credibility, lived experience and practical insight that leaders can apply immediately.

Organisations planning events, leadership sessions or wellbeing initiatives in 2026 should consider the long-term value of expert voices. Explore a wide range of trusted professionals.

If you are interested in hiring a workplace culture keynote speaker, call a booking agent today on 0203 9816 295, or via our online contact form.