Sue Sanders

Sue Sanders is an out and proud lesbian whose life’s work has been dedicated to uplifting LGBT voices and championing equality in education and society. Whether addressing freedom of expression in schools or tackling homophobia in universities and training institutions, Sue brings an extraordinary mix of passion, resilience and expertise to her speaking. Her voice resonates not only because of her professional achievements, but also because of the authenticity and courage with which she has lived her life, making her an inspiring figure for audiences of all backgrounds.

Sue began teaching in 1967, where she openly discussed her sexuality at a time when such honesty was rare and often dangerous. During the hostile climate of Section 28, when LGBT people were silenced in education, she refused to hide who she was, setting an example for both colleagues and pupils. Alongside her teaching, she built a career as a management consultant and trainer in the public and voluntary sectors, and later served as an advisor on LGBT equality through the National Union of Teachers and the LGBT Advisory Group. Her leadership was further established with the co-founding of Chrysalis in 1996 and her role as Co-Chair of Schools OUT from 2000.

Her commitment has resulted in landmark achievements. In 2004, she co-founded the UK’s first LGBT History Month, still celebrated nationally two decades later. In 2011, she launched The Classroom, a resource providing over 50 free lesson plans to combat homophobia across curricula. She has authored poetry, short stories and feminist essays, and created the ‘Pause. And Rewind’ podcast to reflect on LGBT struggles and equality. Her efforts have earned her wide recognition, including the Rainbow Honours Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, the Centrica 30 Years of Diva Honouree Award in 2024, and the National Education Union’s Lifetime Achievement Award the same year.

Sue is hired as a speaker because she exemplifies both courage and creativity in the fight for equality. She is able to connect history with lived experience, combining decades of activism with practical solutions for today’s challenges. Her talks inspire audiences to understand the power of visibility, the need for inclusivity in education, and the importance of standing unapologetically for who we are.