Each year, Pride Month takes place from the 1st of June to the 30th of June, as a celebration of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. This year also sees WorldPride hosted in Amsterdam, running for 15 days from 25 July to 8 August under the theme of ‘Unity’. For many organisations, Pride Month is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on inclusion in the workplace. Choosing the right voice is key to making that reflection impactful. The Top 10 LGBTQ+ Speakers to Hire for Pride Month 2026 highlights credible and inspiring speakers who can inform, engage, and spark meaningful conversations across your workforce, helping to build a more inclusive culture and create a lasting sense of unity.
Sources: Awareness Days & I Amsterdam
What Is Pride Month?
Pride Month, celebrated each June in the UK and around the world, recognises the LGBTQ+ community and commemorates the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the fight for equal rights. It is both a celebration of identity and progress and a time to reflect on the ongoing work needed to achieve inclusion and equality. For organisations, Pride Month also provides an opportunity to support LGBTQ+ employees and demonstrate a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Source: Awareness Days
Why hire LGBTQ+ speakers for corporate events?
Hiring LGBTQ+ speakers for Pride Month events can play a meaningful role in strengthening employee engagement, inclusion, and leadership development. According to Pride in London, visible allyship combined with education helps foster safer, more supportive workplaces. When businesses host live, experience-led talks, they often see improved internal dialogue and stronger participation in diversity initiatives—factors that contribute to both employee retention and a healthier organisational culture.
Beyond internal impact, LGBTQ+ keynote speakers can also enhance employer branding and reinforce a company’s commitment to diversity. Insights from advocacy platforms consistently show that inclusive workplace cultures are linked to higher productivity and greater innovation. When Pride Month events are thoughtfully delivered and aligned with long-term DEI strategies, they can build trust not only among employees but also with clients and external stakeholders, making inclusion a visible and credible part of the organisation’s identity.
Source: Pride UK
The Top 10 LGBTQ+ Speakers to Hire for Pride Month 2026
This exclusive selection of the top 10 LGBTQ+ speakers was handpicked by Kenny Donaldson, using vetted data from 275 Pride Month events held between 2023 and 2025. These experienced LGBTQ+ speakers bring a combination of lived experience, professional achievement and cultural relevance. Each offers valuable perspectives suited to corporate Pride Month programmes, leadership events and internal engagement initiatives.
- Nicola Adams – 2x Olympic Gold Medalist Boxer & First Same-Sex Partnership On ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
- Phyll Opoku-Gyimah – Co-Founder & Executive Director of UK Black Pride
- Dame Kelly Holmes – 2x Olympic Gold Medallist Athlete & Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
- Dame Inga Beale – First Female & Queer CEO of Lloyd’s of London
- Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE – Former Olympic Gold Hockey Player & LGBT+ Inclusion Advocate
- Joe Lycett – Comedian & BAFTA Award-Winning Host
- Nigel Owens – First Openly Gay Rugby Official & Stonewall’s Gay Sports Personality of the Decade
- Cat Burns – BRIT Award-Nominated Singer-Songwriter & LGBTQ+ Advocate
- Will Young – BRIT Award-Winning Artist & Author of ‘To Be a Gay Man’
- Steph McGovern – BAFTA -Nominated Journalist & Host of ‘Steph’s Packed Lunch’
1. Nicola Adams
Nicola Adams made history as the first female and openly LGBTQ+ boxer to win Olympic gold. Her achievements at London 2012 and Rio 2016, alongside her public profile on Strictly Come Dancing, where she became the first contestant to dance in a same-sex couple, have positioned her as a visible role model. Recognised on the DIVA Powerlist, Nicola speaks on representation, resilience and breaking barriers. Her perspective is particularly valuable for organisations focused on equality, confidence and inclusive leadership during Pride Month.
Official Testimonial for Nicola Adams:
“I thought it was fabulous. She is truly remarkable and we were thrilled to have her” – Blackstone
2. Phyll Opoku-Gyimah
Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, known as Lady Phyll, is a powerful and inspiring Pride Month speaker. As co-founder of UK Black Pride and Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust, she uplifts LGBTQI+ people of colour and champions global LGBTQ+ equality. Named among 100 Great Black Britons, she delivers impactful talks on inclusion, leadership and social justice. Her authenticity, activism and global perspective make her an exceptional choice for organisations seeking meaningful, engaging Pride Month events.
Official Agent Recommendation for Phyll Opoku-Gyimah:
“Phyll Opoku-Gyimah comes highly recommended as a Pride Month speaker, known for her powerful advocacy, authentic voice and ability to inspire meaningful conversations around inclusion, race and LGBTQ+ equality across organisations.” – Kenny Donaldson
3. Dame Kelly Holmes
Dame Kelly Holmes is a double Olympic gold medallist whose story combines elite performance with personal resilience. Having served in the British Army at a time when homosexuality was prohibited, her journey highlights the importance of psychological safety at work. Her documentary ‘Being Me’ further explores these themes. Kelly’s talks focus on overcoming barriers, identity and leadership, making her highly relevant for organisations seeking to link Pride Month with wellbeing and performance.
Official Testimonial for Dame Kelly Holmes:
“Wow Wow Wow! Kelly was fantastic yesterday. We got really great feedback from attendees. Inspirational, Genuine, Authentic were words that were used.” – Brad, Head of Events, Rothesay
4. Dame Inga Beale
Dame Inga Beale is a trailblazing business leader and compelling Pride Month speaker, best known as the first female CEO of Lloyd’s of London. Openly bisexual, she brings a powerful perspective on inclusion in corporate leadership. Her talks explore authenticity, breaking barriers and LGBTQ+ representation at the highest levels. With global experience and candid storytelling, she inspires organisations to build inclusive cultures and empowers individuals to lead with confidence and pride.
Official Agent Recommendation for Dame Inga Beale:
“Inga Beale is a great Pride Month speaker, known for her trailblazing leadership, openness about her identity and ability to inspire meaningful conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion, authenticity and diversity in the workplace.” – Kenny Donaldson
5. Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE
Kate Richardson-Walsh is an Olympic gold medallist and former captain of the Great Britain and England hockey teams. As an openly gay athlete and advocate for gender equality and LGBT+ inclusion, she shares powerful insights on leadership, resilience and authenticity. Her experience as part of the first same-sex couple to be recognised on the Queen’s honours list adds a unique perspective, inspiring organisations to champion inclusion both on and off the field.
Official Testimonial for Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE
“Kate was amazing, her talk was so inspirational and she was so humble and honest. The feedback from our customers and staff following the event and Kates talk has been so positive they really took so much away from it, as did I.” – Sarah, Events & Education Manager, Straumann Group
6. Joe Lycett
Joe Lycett is an award-winning comedian and presenter, known for hosting ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ and winning a BAFTA for ‘Late Night Lycett’, making him a standout Pride Month speaker. Openly gay, Joe blends sharp intelligence with warmth and humour to explore LGBTQ+ issues in an engaging, accessible way. His ability to connect with diverse audiences ensures impactful, memorable talks that spark conversation while championing inclusion.
Official Agent Recommendation for Joe Lycett:
“Joe Lycett brings a distinctive blend of humour and advocacy, using his platform to highlight LGBTQ+ issues in a way that feels fresh, relatable and genuinely engaging for a wide range of audiences.” – Kenny Donaldson
7. Nigel Owens
Nigel Owens is one of rugby union’s most respected referees and the first openly gay official in the sport. His career at the top level of international rugby gives him authority on leadership under pressure. Nigel speaks candidly about his experiences in a traditionally masculine environment, offering practical insight into inclusion and authenticity. His sessions are particularly effective for corporate audiences seeking relatable, real-world perspectives during Pride Month events.
Official Testimonial for Nigel Owens
“I just wanted to extend my thanks to Nigel for his talk; we had a great turnout and have already received some very positive feedback about the talk. It was very powerful and engaging and was exactly what we had hoped the talk would be. An example of some of the feedback we’ve had ‘Nigel was very real and I think it was very easy to empathise with him. I think that was the most crucial element – he didn’t have a corporate agenda or aim, he was just a real person sharing a real issue. It was brilliant!’. Many thanks” – Victoria, Head of Responsible Business, Berkeley Homes Limited
8. Cat Burns
Cat Burns is a BRIT Award-nominated, Mercury Prize-shortlisted artist and chart-topping musician. Open about her queer identity, mental health and neurodiversity, she brings authenticity and visibility to LGBTQ+ experiences. Her storytelling and music create an emotional, relatable connection with audiences, helping organisations spark honest conversations around inclusion, representation and belonging while delivering a memorable and meaningful Pride Month experience.
Official Agent Recommendation for Cat Burns:
“Cat Burns brings an authentic queer perspective and connects with audiences through honest storytelling, creating a space for meaningful conversations around identity, representation and belonging.” – Kenny Donaldson
9. Will Young
Will Young rose to prominence as the winner of the first series of Pop Idol and has since built a sustained career in music and theatre. With multiple UK number one singles, award recognition and a Laurence Olivier Award nomination, he brings both cultural credibility and personal insight. As an influential voice within the LGBT+ community, his work and his book ‘To Be a Gay Man’ explore identity, mental health and belonging. Will’s talks resonate with organisations seeking to foster authenticity, inclusion and open dialogue during Pride Month.
Official Agent Recommendation for Will Young:
“Will Young is known for his openness about his experiences as a gay artist and his thoughtful approach to discussing identity, inclusion and mental health, making his talks both engaging and genuinely impactful for a wide range of audiences.” – Kenny Donaldson
10. Steph McGovern
Steph McGovern is a respected broadcaster known for presenting the BBC Breakfast business segment for a decade. Her experience in business journalism gives her a strong understanding of workplace culture and leadership. As a recognised LGBTQ+ broadcaster, she speaks with clarity on inclusion in professional environments. Steph’s sessions are particularly relevant for organisations wanting to connect Pride Month with leadership communication, representation and visibility in the workplace.
Official Testimonial for Steph McGovern
“Thanks for all your support with our recent LGBTQ+ client dinner. Feedback on Steph has been fantastic, and we want to pass on our personal thanks for her fantastic and insightful speech.” – DJ, Chief Operating Office Corporate & Institutional Banking, Lloyds Banking Group
Hire an LGBTQ+ Pride Month Speaker Today!
Selecting the right voice for your event is essential to delivering meaningful outcomes. This guide to The Top 10 LGBTQ+ Speakers to Hire for Pride Month 2026 highlights individuals who bring credibility, insight and relevance to business audiences, supporting inclusion strategies that extend beyond a single month.
If you are interested in hiring an LGBTQ+ Pride Month Speaker, after-dinner speaker, comedian, host or presenter, contact us today by calling us on 02039580428, or alternatively, fill out our online contact form.
