Celebrate the legacy of Pride with programming dedicated to equality, visibility, and recognizing the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have made around the world.

 

In candid and empowering remarks, comedian, entrepreneur, and NYT bestselling author LILLY SINGH shines a light on the importance of finding a cause larger than yourself and being a change-maker in today's world. Opening up about her own obstacles and triumphs as an openly LGBTQ+ woman of Indian descent, and about her work championing women's rights worldwide, she inspires audiences to find their own voice and start their own movement. 

Groundbreaking Emmy award-winning writer, creator, producer, actor, and CEO LENA WAITHE is an advocate for queer representation throughout the entertainment industry and has been honored with such recognitions as The New York City LGBT Community Center’s “Trailblazer Award,” a GLAAD “Media Award,” The Trevor Project's “Hero Award,” named OUT Magazine’s “Artist of the Year” and featured on the cover of the OUT 100 annual issue, and more.

 

ABBY WAMBACH | FIFA Women's World Cup Champion and Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist; NYT Bestselling Author

"I just wanted to let you know the event went AMAZING! So many students were impacted by Abby’s amazing story. Abby's message was so powerful and to truly impacted those in attendance. Thank you so much for your help along this journey!"

- Ohio State University

GLENNON DOYLE | Author, Activist, and Founder of Together Rising

"Everything was absolutely fabulous. Glennon was such a gift and special speaker for our entire group of attendees. The feedback was all so positive. The bar has been set for all future events and speakers."

- Associated Luxury Hotels International

 

Comedian, Actress and Advocate MARGARET CHO lends her name, time, and tireless work ethic to several charities, especially those involving gay rights and anti-bullying campaigns. She has been honored by GLAAD, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), PFLAG and LA Pride, who gave Margaret a Lifetime Achievement Award for leaving a lasting imprint on the LGBT community.

A history maker as Saturday Night Live’s first out Black lesbian cast member, PUNKIE JOHNSON is one of the most fearless forces on the comedy scene. When it comes to representation, Johnson said she was honored by the messages of support she received when she was cast. “My heart just opened up,” she said. “I want this responsibility.” Her comedy and her talks are direct and honest. She pulls from her personal life, speaking about queer relationships, the gay community and her family. 

 

TAN FRANCE | Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur & Star of Emmy-winning Netflix hit, Queer Eye


"I just wanted to email to say how AMAZING Tan was. His energy is infectious, he speaks so well and he’s fabulous. In case you can’t tell, I was already a huge fan and I’m even more so now; I could have talked to him all night. His insight for the students was invaluable and we are delighted to have had a chance to work with him."

- Ernst & Young

KATIE SOWERS | First Openly LGBTQ+ Coach in the NFL and at the Super Bowl

"Thanks for your support in helping bring Katie to T-Mobile! She did a fantastic job and we have gotten great feedback from our employees."

- T-Mobile

 

Journalist, author, podcaster, and cultural figure JENNA WORTHAM co-edited the critically acclaimed visual anthology Black Futures, and is currently a staff writer for the New York Times Magazine. Jenna uses her platforms as nourishment for those who often go underrepresented and unheard, especially black people, LGBTQIA people and women.

Producer, actor, director, and writer EUGENE LEE YANG is one of today’s most recognizable queer Asian-American performers, with his work as a digital producer receiving billions of views, distinguishing him as a preeminent culturally influential YouTube creator. His viral video I’m Gay raised $150,000 for The Trevor Project

 

GUS KENWORTHY | Freestyle Skier and Olympic Silver Medalist; TV Personality and Actor; LGBTQ Advocate

"The talent, sponsors, press and executives who participated in our programming found his authenticity, insights and passion to be unparalleled. His personal story and perspectives on diversity, representation, corporate responsibility, competition and LGBTQ+ issues are truly inspirational. He is an enthusiastic and accommodating speaker."

- CNN

TYLER OAKLEY | LGBTQ+ Vlogger & Influencer; Social Rights Advocate; Pop Culture Phenomenon

"The panel last night was a great success and I know SCAD is so pleased with how everything turned out. Thank you for all of your help getting Tyler signed on to participate!"

- Savannah College of Art & Design

 

Chef MELISSA KING is best known as the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All Stars: Los Angeles Season 17 and is also the winner of All Star’s Fan Favorite. As a proud Asian-American, queer woman, Chef King is passionate about cultural inclusivity, media representation, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Most notably, she donated her $10,000 Fan Favorite prize money in support of marginalized Black, Asian and LGBTQI communities, and she continues to support them through active work, help raising awareness, and funding through her entrepreneurial ventures.

Award-winning journalist and editor PHILLIP PICARDI is best known for his role in helping to re-brand and reinvigorate Teen Vogue. Dubbed "The Prince of Condé Nast" by The New York Times, Picardi went on to launch a community-driven platform for LGBTQ+ youth called them. It was during them's growth period that Picardi was tapped to re-brand and relaunch Out Magazine, the largest and most influential publication for the queer and trans community. There, Picardi increased digital traffic by over 150% while leading the most diverse staff and creating the most representative publication in the brand's history. 

 

From his successes in authoring Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son and producing award-winning shows on Broadway, television, and film, RICHIE JACKSON consistently receives rave reviews for his talks: "Richie’s ability to tell his amazing journey as a son, partner, & parent and have the audience personalize it through their own lens and experience was remarkable. He pulled in the audience from the beginning and had us fully engaged to the very end!" (Twitter)

Named Forbes’ #1 travel influencer, BRIAN KELLY is Founder of The Points Guy (TPG), the leading voice in loyalty programs, points, miles, credit cards and travel. He has grown TPG to be a powerhouse travel and lifestyle media platform that reaches over 10 million unique monthly visitors around the world. In addition to speaking on travel trends, points and miles, his entrepreneurial journey and more, Brian talks about being an LGBTQ leader.

 

Want to explore further? Find more great speakers on LGBTQ+ themes or visit our website for additional programming inspiration.