Katie Neeves

Founder of Cool2BTrans and Award-Winning Photographer

  • Founded ‘Cool2BTrans’ in 2019
  • Established the Award-Winning Martin Neeves Photography & Film in 1996
  • Came Out as a Transgender Woman Aged 48

When Katie Neeves is booked for events, they are known to discuss the following speaking topics:

My Long Walk to Womanhood
What’s it Like to be Transgender & How Can I Support Those Who Are?
Positively Managing Change
Preventing Trans Discrimination at Work
Trans Awareness Training Sessions

Katie Neeves is a woman on a mission – but not just any woman and not just any mission! She is a trailblazing figure in the LGBTQIA+ community, having embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery at the age of 48 after living for decades as a man and struggling with her gender from the age of 3. Her courageous decision to publicly transition, documented through a heartfelt coming-out video, marked a turning point in her life and career as a renowned photographer. Katie founded Cool2BTrans, a pioneering platform aimed at supporting and empowering transgender people while fostering greater understanding and acceptance across society.

As a charismatic presenter and sought-after speaker, Katie delivers engaging trans awareness training and inspirational talks globally, using humour to dismantle stereotypes and bridge divides. Her media appearances on ITV, BBC, Channel 5, and in international printed media have solidified her influential role in advocacy and education. Katie’s talks have been described as “engaging, hilarious and exciting,” “inspirational storytelling at its best!” and “the most exciting training in years.” She helps organisations with diversity and inclusion, breaking down barriers with her entertaining style.

Katie is a diversity champion on the Global Diversity List 2023, she is on the Top 100 Influential People in the UK 2024 list, and she was on the DIVA Power List 2023. She is also a National Diversity Awards Positive Role Model for LGBT Award 2024 finalist. Her other accolades include the Trans in the City Trans Community Champion 2022 Award, the This is Us Training & Development Award 2023, and the Women’s Awards East Midlands Outstanding Female LGBTQIA+ Champion 2023 Award. Her work as a trans ambassador has also earned her Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

Katie continues to be a tireless campaigner for trans rights. Her constant stream of social media posts helps correct misinformation and hold politicians and the media to account. She was the British Diversity Awards Hero of the Year 2023, further highlighting her impactful advocacy. Despite risking her livelihood and reputation with her public transition, Katie remains committed to empowering others and fostering a world where trans people are seen as ordinary individuals who, like everyone else, just want to be happy.

Official Testimonials

Katie Neeves is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:

“Katie has been a joy to work with for our session at Aviva. Katie talked to us about her own transition along with tips on good allyship. The session was really well received and we had lots of good questions and feedback. Katie’s sessions are filled with lovely humour making the audience feel at ease. I would love Aviva to work with Katie again and I can’t recommend her sessions highly enough. Thanks again Katie”

Joanne, Aviva

“Katie attended our International Women’s Day panel at Virgin Media yesterday and what an honour that was. An inspirational speaker with a fantastic sense of humour that really shone through. Katie has been incredibly engaged throughout all the planning and a real joy to partner with on our IWD plans. In a very short time I’ve already learnt a huge amount from Katie and I’d really encourage others to take the opportunity with Katie to learn and grow.”

Danielle Peel, Project Delivery Lead at Virgin Media

“I had the pleasure of working with Katie on an online Pride event.  She’s one of the most articulate and entertaining people I have seen in this format. Good humoured, well educated and a consummate professional. I would happily work with Katie again and sincerely hope we will. She’s very talented and I could see her presenting a talk show on a major TV channel.”

Natalie, Rhondda Pride

“We booked Katie to run two Trans Day of Visibility workshops for Virgin Media belonging networks. She was engaging, hilarious and amazing. Every bit of feedback we received from those who attended was beyond positive. I personally have never laughed and learnt so much in one hour!”

Chloe, Mobile Trading & Online Sales Graduate, Virgin Media

“Overwhelming feedback highlighted how valuable it was to hear a first-hand experience of someone navigating gender and having Katie speak in a way that was so open, emotive, educational and also humorous helped everyone better understand the importance of trans awareness and the gender spectrum. In particular, many were grateful to learn more about what gender dysphoria is, and how both sex and gender go beyond the binary as a means of then better understanding the trans experience and the issues the community face. Overall, everyone found the talk very inspiring and incredibly educational – thank you Katie for your time!”

Josh, Account Executive, WE Communications

“The event was a success. Katie was a true inspiration to all who attended the event. I have had so many positive comments even from upper management! I hope to have Katie back again for other events. She truly is an inspiration!”

Bob Eastman

“The trans awareness workshop with Katie made a lasting impact and impression on the team. Many have said that it was the most exciting training in years. They said that they had thought about it a lot afterwards and would like a follow-up for further discussion. I would 100% recommend Katie to others.”

Katrin, Vice President Diversity & Global Talent, Deutsche Telekom

I would not have the slightest hesitation in recommending Katie for anyone who is looking for a speaker and educator in the Trans/LGBTQIA+ area. Katie was extremely open and honest about her journey and spoke extremely well about allyship and advocating for the Trans community. Katie spoke in such a way she was able to make a connection with so many, and at all levels of knowledge and experience. As the host of the talk I have received a number of messages/emails from those who attended, each and everyone thankful and inspired by her words, several of who are looking to speak to Katie separately. One of the pieces of feedback I received said that Katie was the best speaker they have heard in the entire LGBTQIA+ area and I wouldn’t disagree with that at all. I will be hoping to work with Katie again soon, I feel her level of candor gets away from the sensationalism we often see portrayed elsewhere and allows people to see the true experience of a Trans person.”

Tim, Team Administrator & Lead of the Pride Steering Committee, National Grid

To enquire about Katie Neeves for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@lgbt-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0203 9816 295.