Book a Speaker
Book Your LGBTQIA+ Speaker Today
Our expert speakers educate and inspire action on LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
At Out for Australia, we offer a range of expert speakers with both expertise and lived experience as LGBTQIA+ professionals and community leaders.
Booking one of our speakers for your event, conference or LGBTQIA+ day of significance is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing. It also supports the vital work of our charity.
Our speakers bring invaluable insights that raise awareness of issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community, share personal insights and help cultivate an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, heard, and empowered.
Enquire now to book a speaker for your next event.
Selected Speakers
David Brine
Rachel Mead
Lisa Harvey-Smith
Lisa Harvey-Smith (she/her) is the Chief Executive Officer of Out for Australia, a leading charity supporting LGBTQIA+ professionals. As Australia’s former Women in STEM Ambassador, she worked with the Australian Government to increase participation in the science and technology sectors. A respected academic and science communicator, Lisa is renowned for her advocacy in both science and social justice, making her a sought-after speaker on LGBTQIA+ topics in the workplace. Lisa is an astrophysicist, a Professor of Practice at UNSW Sydney, a former presenter on ABC television’s Stargazing Live and the author of seven books for adults and children.
Gabriel Filer
Harriet Cameron-Whyte
Frank Costigan
David Brine (he/him) is a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Out for Australia Board, and member of an executive advisory group at Pride in Diversity. Passionate about how we can build confidence and acceptance in any workforce, he has been a mentor with Out for Australia for over 9 years. David has worked in professional services and as a consultant working on large business transformation programs, providing people-centred thinking to initiatives. His experience has spanned industries including financial services at CBA and ASX. David recently was Chief Operating Officer for the Technology division, Australia & NZ at Accenture.
Rachel Mead (she/her) is a Non-Executive Director at Out for Australia and People Lead - Group Transformation at Woolworths Group. Formerly Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Woolworths Group, Rachel’s contribution to progressing LGBTQ+ inclusion was recognised in 2020 when she was named one of the Outstanding 50 LGBTI+ Leaders by Deloitte. Rachel is passionate about creating a culture of inclusion and belonging, where people feel valued. She believes you can only unlock the value of diversity by fostering an environment where people are free to be themselves, have equitable access to opportunities and can contribute their best.
Gabriel Filer (he/him) is an LGBTQIA+ activist and author who is passionate about social justice and uplifting vulnerable communities. At age seventeen he successfully fought to pass the School Violence Prevention Act, which shielded LGBTQIA+ students from bullying in North Carolina schools. In 2012 he collaborated with leaders in Seattle’s gay community to help pass marriage equality in Washington state. Since moving to Australia, he serves as Grants Director at Out for Australia and is a member of The Greens NSW - State Delegation Council where he influences policy decisions at the national level.
Harriet Cameron-Whyte (she/her) is a Non-Executive Director at Out for Australia and Executive Director with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Harriet is a testament to Out for Australia’s mentoring program - having received valuable early career advice and guidance as a mentee, and now a proud mentor to younger members of the LGBTIQA+ community. Harriet lives and works in regional NSW, and is a strong believer that diversity and inclusion should be valued in every workplace, industry and community across Australia. Her insights cover the benefits of mentoring, the power of allyship, and the need for authentic leadership from out and queer leaders in diverse workplaces.
Frank is a Non-Executive Director of Out for Australia having joined the inaugural board in 2015. With more than 30 years experience as a senior executive in Australian financial services, Frank’s career spans insurance, investment banking and chartered accounting. Most recently, Frank was Managing Director of SafetyCulture Care. Prior to this he served as the CEO of QBE Australia/Pacific and the CEO of Youi Insurance. Frank was the CFO for Australia largest insurer, NRMA, and also a Managing Director with UBS Investment Bank. Frank is known as an exceptional people leader with a focus on inspiring the workforce, developing strong performers and building exceptional business leadership teams. Frank’s personal journal to being comfortable as an LGBTI+ leader in Australian financial services has inspired him to be a role model for others and resulted in him being named in the inaugural Deloitte/AFR Top 50 LGBTI+ leaders 2016.
LGBTQIA+ days of significance
Transgender Day of Visibility – March 31
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) – May 17
LGBTQIA+ Families Week – May
Pride Month – June
International Non-Binary People's Day – July 14
Wear It Purple Day – Last Friday in August
Bisexual Visibility Day – September 23
International Non-Binary People’s Day – July 15
International Lesbian Day – October 8
National Coming Out Day – October 11
Asexual Awareness Week – October 24- 30
International Day of Transgender Remembrance – November 20
LGBTIQ+ Health Awareness Month – October
Asexual Awareness Week – Last week in October
Queer History Month – October
Intersex Awareness Day – October 26
Rainbow Families Week – October
Trans Awareness Week – November 13-19
Trans Day of Remembrance – November 20
World Aids Day – December 1
Speaker Enquiry
Tell us about your event including location, audience, your organisation’s not-for-profit status and budget and we will provide a quote.
Our fee range is $300 to $5000 plus GST, travel and accommodation costs depending on the speaker, format and location – ensuring you get the right expert for your needs at any budget. All speaker fees go directly to the work of our charity, helping young LGBTQIA+ people thrive in Australian workplaces.
Audience member, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute