Katie Neeves
Video
Katie Neeves - Transgender woman talks to ITV News about her transition
Speaking Topics
Katie’s journey to womanhood
Transgender
Managing change
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
LGBT
Conquering your fears
Bio
Katie Neeves is a transgender woman who lived for 48 years as a man while struggling with her gender from the age of 3 and hiding her big secret to the World. She was thrown into turmoil when her gender dysphoria increased dramatically, causing her to go on a voyage of discovery before finally admitting to herself that she is a transgender woman and that she needed to change her body.
She then came out very publicly via a video on social media and sent to all the clients of her photography business, risking her livelihood and reputation in the process. This was a massive risk, as she had built up a great reputation over 31 years as one of the UK’s top photographers, photographing everything from royalty, to wars and riots. Katie was inundated with hundreds of messages of support which led to her vlogging about her transition journey in a very open, honest and humorous way, which makes the subject accessible to all. Her story was picked up in the media and it wasn’t long before she was a regular in the radio and TV studios, becoming a trans ambassador along the way.
Katie formed Cool2BTrans to support and inspire other trans people and also to educate everyone else about trans people by showing them that trans people are just ordinary people who want to be happy - just like everyone else. She helps organisations with diversity and inclusion by providing trans awareness training and inspirational speaking in an entertaining way, using humour to break down barriers.
Katie appears regularly in the media, being on both ITV's and the BBC's lists of experts as well as being a BBC Sounds podcast presenter. In March 2023 Katie was delighted to be awarded ‘Hero of the Year Award at the British Diversity Awards’. Other awards include Trans in the City "Trans Community Champion 2022 Award", This is Us "Training & Development 2023 Award" and Fellowship of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Katie is also a finalist for the Diva Awards Unsung Hero of the Year 2023 Award.
Participants and audience members will leave Katie’s uplifting talks and training feeling both entertained and educated.
Katie is also an experienced Host.
VP Diversity & Global Talent, Deutsche Telekom
"The trans awareness workshop with Katie made a lasting impact and impression on the team. Many have said that it was the most exciting training in years. They said that they had thought about it a lot afterwards and would like a follow-up for further discussion. I would 100% recommend Katie to others."
Virgin Media O2
“We booked Katie to run two Trans Day of Visibility workshops for Virgin Media belonging networks. She was engaging, hilarious and amazing. Every bit of feedback we received from those who attended was beyond positive. I personally have never laughed and learnt so much in one hour!"
Legal Counsel, Aviva
"Katie has been a joy to work with for our session at Aviva. Katie talked to us about her own transition along with tips on good allyship. The session was really well received and we had lots of good questions and feedback. Katie’s sessions are filled with lovely humour making the audience feel at ease. I would love Aviva to work with Katie again and I can’t recommend her sessions highly enough. Thanks again Katie.”
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