Keegan Hirst is a name that has become synonymous with courage, resilience, and advocacy within the sports community and beyond. As Britain’s first rugby player to openly come out as gay, Keegan has navigated through a myriad of personal challenges, transforming them into a powerful narrative of self-acceptance and inclusivity. His journey from a young rugby talent, who began playing at the age of 11 and excelled through the ranks of teams like Bradford Bulls, Batley Bulldogs, and eventually Wakefield Trinity, to a prominent LGBT speaker is not just a tale of sporting prowess but a beacon of hope for many. In 2015, Keegan embarked on a new chapter, choosing to live authentically and share his experiences, thereby becoming a sought-after voice for events that aim to foster understanding and support for the LGBT community.
Throughout his career, Keegan wrestled with his identity, a struggle intensified by the traditionally masculine and often less inclusive environment of professional rugby. His decision to come out publicly was a watershed moment not only for him but for the world of sports at large, demonstrating the possibility of being openly gay in a domain where such disclosures were rare. This bold step earned him widespread respect and has paved the way for others in similar situations. Post-retirement, Keegan has shifted his focus towards speaking engagements and online coaching, leveraging his platform to mentor others in the LGBT community, encouraging them to embrace their identities proudly and challenge the stereotypes that often hinder their paths.
Keegan’s contribution to the dialogue on sexuality and identity extends beyond mere advocacy; he offers a personal, relatable perspective that resonates deeply with audiences. His TEDx Talk, ‘A Talk about Hope’, candidly explores the highs and lows of his journey, serving as a testament to the transformative power of openness and hope. Through his online coaching platform, he continues to inspire men in the LGBT community, empowering them to navigate the challenges of stereotypes and societal expectations with confidence and pride. Keegan’s work in breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive society speaks volumes of his character and dedication to making a difference.
Keegan Hirst stands as an inspirational figure within the LGBT+ community and beyond, embodying the virtues of bravery and authenticity. His trailblazing journey from a professional athlete grappling with his sexuality to a celebrated LGBT speaker illustrates the potential for change within traditionally conservative fields like male-dominated sports. Keegan’s ability to connect with and inspire a diverse audience, coupled with his accolades and media appearances, underscores his impact not just as a speaker but as a symbol of progress and acceptance. As he continues to share his story and support others through coaching and speaking engagements, Keegan Hirst remains a powerful advocate for authenticity, inclusivity, and the strength found in embracing one’s true self.
Keegan Hirst is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“Everyone loved it! I’ve had so much good feedback so here are a couple of messages that were sent to me following his session: ‘I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed listening to Keegan Hirst share his story; it was provocative and moving. His message of being true to oneself was positive and relatable; I was very shy during adolescence and found it difficult to express myself for many years, so Keegan’s story certainly resonated’ and ‘I really got a lot out of this today, as did my team. It was inspirational and relatable in lots of ways – thanks for organising – was a great session!’. I was also really moved as we had an employee that took Keegan’s story home to share with his wife and daughters, and the following day his daughter discussed her sexuality with him for the first time ever, he has shared that this was a life-changing moment and it’s made their family really happy. We had so many great comments and Keegan was relatable for so many reasons, his ability to use his own story and bring it to life in a way that can resonate with everyone was something that really blew all of my expectations out of the water, and I am really glad we chose Keegan for our Pride Day event.”
“Keegan hosted a Pride Month event for us and shared his personal story of coming out in the face of adversity and how vital it is that allies of the LGBTQ+ community support their colleagues by creating safe spaces and challenging any unacceptable behaviour. Keegan’s story was very well received and people commented on how down-to-earth and empowering they found him to be. Thank you to Keegan for helping us to celebrate Pride Month!”
The LGBT Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender speakers since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all demographics receive tailored, impactful strategies for inclusion.
Copyright © 2025 The LGBT Speakers Agency. All rights reserved.