Freddy McConnell | LGBTQ+ Advocacy 

Freddy McConnell has become a dedicated advocate for LGBT+ equality, particularly focusing on the rights of transgender individuals and their families. Leveraging his substantial online following, he collaborates with brands to endorse carefully chosen initiatives and products.

His Brand Partners include Audible, Merrell, Dove, Tommee Tippee, Yoto, Close Parent, and the Positive Birth Company.

Furthermore, he offers consultancy services to organizations seeking to enhance LGBTQ+ family inclusivity and assists creative teams in crafting authentic LGBTQ+ narratives. Freddy’s eloquence also extends to speaking engagements for a variety of audiences, including universities, non-profits, law firms, and FTSE 100 companies. His talks cover a wide array of topics, from queer family dynamics and improvised overland travel to accurate trans representation in the media.

Freddy McConnell | Journalism

Joining The Guardian without formal journalism training, Freddy served as a multimedia news journalist for six years, based in London and Sydney. His diverse portfolio of articles ranged from immigration challenges on the Kent coast to the multifaceted experiences of transgender individuals. He also engaged in projects such as dissecting TV show reviews in the Guardian’s Token podcast and discussing the best Sports Documentaries.

Freddy’s passion for storytelling led him to host “Pride & Joy” on BBC Sounds and contribute a parenting column titled “Dad Bod” for Vice. His involvement with Vice World News included hosting an episode of the groundbreaking documentary series “Transnational,” which received prestigious accolades like the Peabody and GLAAD Media awards in 2021.

Freddy McConnell continues to expand his literary contributions, with an upcoming episode for the second series of “Transnational” and his debut children’s book “Little Seahorse and the Big Question” published by Puffin in 2022.

Freddy McConnell | Travel

Freddy’s academic background includes a degree in Arabic, and he has spent extensive periods in Yemen, Syria, and the West Bank. Documenting his travels through written and visual accounts, he traversed vast distances overland. As a student, he embarked on a solitary overland expedition from Delhi to Dover, passing through Tibet and Siberia. He notably chose to reach the Middle East via rail and sea instead of air travel. Freddy even taught skateboarding in Afghanistan before transitioning into a career in journalism in 2013.

Freddie McConnell | Speaking Topics

Freddy McConnell is a dynamic speaker who covers a range of engaging and thought-provoking topics in his keynotes. His presentations captivate audiences by drawing from his diverse experiences as a journalist, writer, and LGBTQ+ advocate. His speaking topics include;

1. Transgender Parenthood and Identity: Sharing his personal journey as a transgender man who experienced pregnancy, Freddy discusses the complexities of identity, parenthood, and the challenges faced by transgender individuals in navigating societal norms.
2. LGBTQ+ Representation in Media: Drawing from his journalism background, Freddy delves into the importance of accurate and diverse LGBTQ+ representation in the media, exploring how authentic narratives can challenge stereotypes and foster inclusivity.
3. Journey of Self-Discovery: Freddy’s overland travels from Delhi to Dover via Tibet and Siberia serve as a backdrop for discussing personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. He highlights the transformative power of embarking on unconventional paths.
4. Inclusivity and Diversity in the Workplace: Drawing on his experiences as a consultant for organisations aiming to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ families, Freddy discusses the significance of creating welcoming work environments that celebrate diversity and respect.
5. The Power of Storytelling: As a writer and presenter, Freddy underscores the impact of storytelling in raising awareness, challenging biases, and fostering empathy. He explores how narratives can shape perceptions and drive social change.
6. Parenting in Non-Traditional Families: Using his own experiences as a starting point, Freddy engages audiences in a conversation about unconventional family structures, shedding light on the joys and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ parents.
7. LGBTQ+ Rights and Advocacy: Freddy’s commitment to advocating for the rights of transgender individuals and their families comes to the forefront as he discusses the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ equality and the role each person can play in supporting these efforts.
8. Navigating Adversity and Overcoming Challenges: Sharing his personal journey, Freddy speaks about overcoming obstacles, embracing vulnerability, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment.
9. The Intersection of Travel and Identity: Combining his love for travel with his exploration of identity, Freddy discusses how traversing different landscapes can parallel the journey of self-discovery and understanding.
10. Breaking Gender Norms: Freddy challenges traditional gender norms and expectations by sharing his experiences and insights into the fluidity of gender identity, encouraging audiences to embrace authenticity.
11. Media Ethics and Responsibility: Leveraging his background as a multimedia journalist, Freddy explores the ethical responsibilities of media professionals in accurately representing LGBTQ+ stories and issues.
12. Creating Inclusive Communities: Freddy emphasizes the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals within communities, schools, workplaces, and beyond.

Freddy McConnell’s keynotes offer a unique blend of personal anecdotes, journalistic insights, and advocacy messages, making them enlightening and impactful for a diverse range of audiences.

To hire LGBTQ+ Speaker Freddy McConnell, contact the team at Great British Speakers today.  Email Jane and Steve at [email protected] or call +44 1753 439 289

CONTACT US