Katie Neeves

Trans Ambassador, Diversity Champion & Award-Winning Speaker

Introduction:

Katie Neeves transforms how organisations and individuals understand transgender experiences through her unique blend of heart, humour, and humanity. After living for 48 years as a man, she came out publicly as transgender in 2018, risking her established career as a top UK photographer. This courageous journey became the foundation for her mission: showing that transgender people are simply ordinary individuals seeking happiness, just like everyone else. As founder of Cool2BTrans, Katie breaks down barriers through authentic storytelling and education, approaching sensitive topics with refreshing candour and her trademark cheeky humour. Her presentations have been described as “engaging, hilarious and exciting” and “inspirational storytelling at its best,” making complex topics accessible while leaving lasting impressions on diverse audiences worldwide. 

 
Expertise & Impact:

Named British Diversity Awards Hero of the Year 2023 and listed on the Global Diversity List as a Diversity Champion, Katie brings many years of professional photography experience, covering everything from wars and riots to royalty and celebrities, to her role as a transgender ambassador. Her expert status is recognised by major media outlets, with both the BBC and ITV including her on their lists of experts, and she’s expanded into presenting for BBC Sounds. Katie’s impact extends beyond media appearances to transformative corporate training sessions described as “the most exciting training in years” by Deutsche Telekom, proving that education on transgender issues can be both enlightening and entertaining.

Speaking Style:

Katie delivers presentations that seamlessly blend raw emotion with disarming humour, creating safe spaces for authentic conversation about transgender experiences. Her approach is deliberately un-corporate and approachable, focusing instead on human connections that transcend preconceptions. Each presentation balances powerful personal narrative with practical education, engaging audiences through storytelling that makes them both laugh and cry. Her natural comfort on stage, cultivated through years as an event host and presenter, ensures polished delivery while maintaining the authenticity that has become her hallmark.

Signature Topics:

  • My Long Walk to Womanhood: A raw, emotional, and humorous journey of transgender transition
  • What’s It Like to Be Transgender? And how to be an effective ally
  • Positively Managing Change: Lessons from a very personal transformation
  • Trans-Inclusive Workplaces: Practical guidance for leaders and HR professionals
  • Trans Awareness for Medical Professionals: Improving patient experience

Additional Expertise:

  • Event Hosting and Panel Moderation
  • Photography and Visual Storytelling
  • Creating Inclusive Organisational Cultures
  • LGBT+ Workplace Policy Development
  • Crisis Communication During Major Life Transitions
  • Building Allyship Programmes

Perfect For:

  • Corporate Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
  • Medical and Healthcare Conferences
  • Educational Institutions and Universities
  • HR and Leadership Development Programmes
  • Diversity Panels (host or panelist)
  • Change Management Workshops
  • Professional Association Events
  • After-Dinner Speaking Engagements
  • Award Event Hosting and Presenting

Career Highlights:

  • British Diversity Awards Hero of the Year 2023
  • Listed on the Global Diversity List 2023 as a Diversity Champion
  • National Diversity Awards 2024, Positive Role Model for LGBT Award Finalist
  • Trans in the City Trans Community Champion 2022
  • This is Us Training & Development Award 2023
  • The Women’s Awards East Midlands Outstanding Female LGBTQIA+ Champion 2023
  • Fellowship of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (2021)
  • BBC presenter and listed expert for BBC, ITV, and Channel 5
  • Professional photographer for over 38 years, covering major historical events
  • Model at London Fashion Week, breaking barriers in the fashion industry

Key Message:

“Education about transgender experiences doesn’t have to be intimidating; when approached with authenticity, humour, and humanity, it can transform hearts and minds while saving lives.”

Impact Story:

“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. Katie spoke in such a way that she was able to make a connection with so many, 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 every one thankful and inspired by her words, several of whom 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+ are, and I wouldn’t disagree with that at all. 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 Riecken, Team Administrator & Lead of the Pride Steering Committee at National Grid