I’m listed on the Global Diversity List 2023!
I am so chuffed to be listed as one of just 10 diversity champions on the Global Diversity List 2023! I really don’t feel worthy, but I am extremely grateful. 😊
Following my very public coming-out video in April 2018, my story caught the attention of the local media and I started doing interviews for local radio stations and newspapers. After every interview I was contacted by other transgender people who were struggling with their gender identity and they told me that what I said had helped and encouraged them. I then started doing interviews for national radio, TV, newspapers and magazines as a trans ambassador. Not only am I helping trans people directly, but I am helping to educate the general public about trans issues. The more people who are educated on the subject, the more acceptance there will be and the easier it will be for trans people to come out in the future.
I am on the BBC’s and ITV’s lists of experts, so when they need someone to represent the trans community, they can call me and I will be there. You can see that I am very relaxed in front of the camera or microphone and I am able to explain trans issues very clearly. Most importantly though, I have a great sense of humour so I always has fun with my interviewers as I think it is the key to making the viewers or listeners actually listen to what I has to say.
I co-present a series for BBC Sounds, entitled “Time for some LGBTea“, along with my co-presenters Helen McCarthy and Kevin Ncube, in which we discuss all the loving, moving , intriguing and funny stories from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Here’s a link to the ITV News report that I took part in, about what life is like for trans people in the UK in 2023. https://www.itv.com/…/proud-to-be-me-what-its-like-to… The video I appear in, is the third one on the page.
This is an interview I did for ITV News which had 20,000 views on Facebook in the first week alone.
An interview with Martin Ballard on BBC Radio Leicester
A really fun live with Kirk Pickstone of Duggystone Radio. It was a catch-up after he initially interviewed me 3 years ago when out very publicly as being transgender. We had lots of laughs and I even managed to do a wind-up on him at the end of the interview. I’m so naughty!
Katie Neeves
Trans Ambassador
I am a woman on a mission! But not just any woman and not just any mission…
Being an openly transgender woman and a trans ambassador, I am on a mission to not only show that it’s OK to be trans, but it’s actually cool to be trans too!
Through my media appearances, public speaking engagements, blog, vlog, social media, trans awareness training courses and via support groups, my aim is to reach out to trans people who may be struggling with their gender identity, to reassure them and to lead by example. I want to help educate the general public too. The more people who are educated about trans issues, the greater the acceptance and the easier it will be for trans people to live their lives in peace. Most bigotry and prejudice comes from ignorance and fear of the unknown. Education can and does save lives.
Latest news from my blog
Another award and an insult from my daughter!
A lovely thing happened on Friday night… I was awarded the East Midlands Outstanding Female LGBTQIA+ Champion 2023 at the Women’s Awards. It’s been the most amazing year for me, as in the last 12 months I have won the…
A crazy-busy Pride Month!
What a crazy-busy Pride Month! June is always my busiest month of the year and this year was no exception… I delivered many trans awareness sessions and inspirational talks (both virtually and in-person) to organisations from all over the World. …
Hosting the Queer Student Awards 2023
I had an absolute blast in Manchester last week when I hosted the Queer Student Awards at the O2 Victoria Warehouse. It was so much fun! The theme of the evening was “Queer Joy” and it was a truly joyous…
21 ways to make the workplace more trans-inclusive
Ever wondered how to make the workplace more trans-inclusive? Here’s how… Encourage pronouns on email signatures & social media profiles Mandatory trans-awareness training for ALL staff – If it’s voluntary, the staff who really need it won’t turn up and…
My challenge for the week…
I had an extra challenge this week, when I told the story of “My Long Walk to Womanhood” to staff at Eisai Europe Ltd, both in their Hatfield office and to the 126 who joined virtually. My challenge may only…
5 minutes of fame on ITV News!
Here’s a link to the ITV News report that I took part in, about what life is like for trans people in the UK in 2023. https://www.itv.com/…/proud-to-be-me-what-its-like-to… The video I appear in, is the third video on this page. I’m…
In and out of the studios
I was in and out of studios last week… I was delighted to have an extensive interview on Wednesday with Summaya Mughal at BBC Radio Leicester, where we discussed my journey to being the gobby trans woman that stands before…
A Special thing happened at the DIVA Awards 2023
I had an amazing night at the DIVA Awards, with something very special happening at the end of the evening. I was a finalist for the Hero of the Year Award, but although I didn’t win this time, it went…
I’m in the DIVA Power List 2023!
It’s the start of Lesbian Visibility Week and the DIVA Power List 2023 has just been announced in The Guardian. I am both shocked and honoured to be included in it, along side some absolutely incredible people. Cue: huge…
Being filmed for ITV News – what a week!
I have had an amazing week… I was interviewed for ITV News for a short series they are producing on what life is like for trans people in the UK today. They also filmed me telling my story to some…
National Diversity Awards Nomination
While I have been so fortunate to have won several awards lately, I am delighted to announce that I have just been nominated again for the National Diversity Awards 2023 “Positive Role Model Award for LGBT” for the work I…
I will have to break the law every time I use a public loo
I will be forced to break the law every time I use a public loo if the UK Government’s proposed changes to the Equality Act 2010 become law. I am a woman who also happens to be transgender. I…
Trans women could be banned from female-only spaces under proposed law change
This Government proposal from the “Equalities” Minister is abhorrent, discriminatory and completely unenforceable. After-all, when did you last have to show your birth certificate before going to the loo? It would have been meaningless even if that were to ever…
British Diversity Awards Hero of the Year 2023
An amazing thing happened to me last night… I won the Burberry British Diversity Awards 2023 “Boots Hero of the Year Award” for all the stuff I get up to as a gobby trans woman! My jaw nearly hit the…
Global trans awareness training – helped by my cat!
My cat, Zebedee (the sleeping partner of Cool2BTrans) and I had the pleasure of delivering a virtual trans awareness session this week to employees of RWS Group who are based all over the globe. RWS is a unique, world-leading provider…
Shortlisted for a DIVA Award!
I am shocked, stunned and delighted to have just found out that I have been shortlisted for the Diva Awards 2023 Unsung Hero of the Year Award! I would be really grateful if you could please vote for me: https://www.divaawards2023.com/vote-now……
Trans Awareness Talk for National Grid
I had the pleasure of delivering a 1.5-hour virtual trans awareness talk to UK and US employees of National Grid today, as part of their LGBT+ History Month celebrations. Following a pause for reflection on the tragedy of murder of…
I shared a stage with a bed!
I really enjoyed telling the story of My Long Walk to Womanhood today to over 100 Year 12 students (ages 16 to 17) at South Hampstead High School in London, today. I was invited to speak as part of their…
Keir Starmer is wrong to say that 16 is to “too young to change gender”.
Sir Keir Starmer recently said that “16 is too young to change gender” but I would ask him when he knew he was a boy? Whenever I have asked this question to anyone, the reply I usually get is…
My first award of 2023 – just two weeks into the year!
Well this isn’t a bad way to start 2023… I am so proud too have won the This is Us 2023 Training & Development Award for the trans inclusion training work I deliver to organisations all over the World. Today,…
Shortlisted for British Diversity Awards
I’m so proud and excited to be shortlisted alongside so many inspirational people in the Boots UK Hero of the Year category of the Burberry British Diversity Awards 2023! Here’s the full shortlist: https://tinyurl.com/BritishDA #BDA23 #BurberryBritishDiversityAwards
Trans in the City Trans Community Champion of the Year 2022 Award
I am delighted to announce that I have just been awarded the Trans in the City Trans Community Champion of the Year 2022 Award, along with the incredible Eva Echo who is such an inspirational trans ambassador and activist. It…
Taking trans inclusion to a TV gameshow!
I was on a TV gameshow today! While I am used to being interviewed in the media, being on a gameshow was definitely outside of my comfort zone, but there was a reason why I was there… With so much…
Trans Awareness week is fast approaching!
I delivered two 3-hour virtual trans awareness sessions this week where I was able to give a comprehensive look at what it’s like to be transgender as well as showing the participants how they can truly be trans allies. My…
My modelling debut at London Fashion Week
I have just returned from my modelling debut on the catwalk for the second largest fashion week in the World – London Fashion Week. No pressure then! It started with a very early morning… I set my alarm clock for…
Catwalk Calling…
I am soooooooooo excited as I will make my modelling debut on the catwalk at London Fashion Week on Saturday! This is not a joke. It’s actually happening and I explain how it came about in this video. If anyone…
Proud to be trans at Warwickshire Pride
I had a fabulous day today at Warwickshire Pride in Leamington Spa. It was such a well-organised and family-friendly pride. Due to how much trans rights are currently under threat in the UK and just how hostile the mainstream media…
Trans and Cis Women Unite!
Here’s a little tune for you, to show that trans women and cisgender (non-trans) women can unite and there is no competition between rights. #TransWomenAreWomen #TransRightsAreHumanRights
Trans Pride Brighton
I attended the most incredible protest today – Trans Pride Brighton. Most Prides have turned into more of a celebration these days, as LGB people have become widely accepted and gained so many rights over the last fifty years since…
Changing a Life, a Standing Ovation & a Protest
Changing a life, a standing ovation and a protest at Downing Street. Welcome to my life! I had two busy days in London this week. Firstly, I was brought in as an inspirational speaker at Power Up 2022, a coaching…
Trans Awareness Training in Durham
I had the pleasure of delivering a trans awareness session today to the lovely people at Waterstons, a digital solutions company with offices in London, Durham, Glasgow and in Australia. I spoke in-person to some of the staff at their…
Filming in London to bust myths about trans people
Hi had a fabulous full day of filming in London on Thursday with the lovely Ashley Fairfield and Yoni Cohen from JAAQ (Just Ask A Question). I answered 100 questions about all things trans and we had such a laugh…
Post-surgery, trans-friendly bra fitting
I have just been for a bra-fitting with the lovely Janice Holmes of Janice Rose Lingerie in Nottinghamshire. I desperately needed to buy some new bras as after my breast augmentation surgery, I only had one bra which was comfortable…
National Diversity Awards Nomination
I am delighted to announce that I have been nominated (for the third year running) as a Positive Role Model for LGBT in the National Diversity Awards! The other nominees are amazing, so I probably don’t stand a cats chance…
LGBTQIAWTF?
I had the honour of chairing a panel session in London this week which had a very naughty name. It was called “LGBTQIAWTF?” Having chaired a panel session on gender non-conformity last year at the the highest building in the…
Inspirational Speaking Gig on “Being the best you”
I did a fantastic speaking event in London last week as I was booked as the guest speaker by Women in Wholesale and the Federation of Wholesale Distributors for their speed mentoring event at the superb NatWest Conference Centre in…
Trans Awareness Training for Premier Foods
I recently had the pleasure of delivering a virtual trans awareness session to staff at Premier Foods. There was a fantastic turnout and I was so pleased with how engaged everyone was, with many opting to stay on longer than…
NOT Safe To Be Me: An official statement
Today, I as founder of Cool2BTrans stand alongside other trans & LGBT groups to confirm I will NOT be participating in the government’s misnamed ‘Safe To Be Me’ conference in the summer, which was to “celebrate LGBTQ+ people and equality…
Incredible Feedback for Virtual Trans Awareness Training
I recently delivered some virtual trans awareness training to staff at Surrey County Council and I have been blown away by the response to it. I have just received these two recommendations via LinkedIn… “I was absolutely delighted that Katie…
Transition VLOG: The Week of my Breast Surgery
Here’s a little VLOG about my breast augmentation surgery, being misgendered in the hospital and having to deal with a Twitter-storm of trans-hostile hate messages in the first week of my recovery after major surgery. What a week! #trans #transgender…
A Page 3 Girl at age 52!
There’s a double-page feature about my story in this week’s Chat magazine. I made the front cover and even on page 3! It has never been an aspiration to be a page 3 girl, but it’s another new experience to…
Cool People: Paul Sesay
A while ago, I sat down with my friend Paul Sesay, the founder of the National Diversity Awards, to talk about his work bringing inclusivity to workplaces across the world for this episode of Cool People. Paul also founded the…
Final trans awareness training session of 2021
I have just finished my final trans awareness training session of 2021 and what a session it was… This one was a 3-hour remote training session for telecoms giant Deutsche Telekom staff and it was the third in a series…
The Curse of Teams Live!
I suffered the curse of MS Teams Live today… Having delivered some trans awareness training during Pride month to staff at Enfield Council, they booked me again to talk to 100 of their senior leaders (via an ordinary Teams…
Fellowship of the RSA
I am delighted and honoured to have recently been awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce for my trans inclusion work. The RSA Fellowship is an international community of 30,000 achievers and influencers from a…
Back-to-back trans awareness training sessions
Trans Awareness Week is always the busiest week of my year and this is year no exception. It’s exhausting, but I’m absolutely loving it! I delivered two trans awareness training sessions this morning that were just 10 minutes apart,…
Trans Awareness Week 2021
Today is the start of Trans Awareness Week 2021. You are likely to see many trans-related posts on social media this week. Please show your allyship by liking, commenting on and sharing any positive posts you see. However, although this…
Cool People: Brian Abram
In this week’s episode of Cool People, I sat down with my friend, Brian Abram. A very inspirational man, Brian, a paraplegic, suffered a serious biking accident in 2013 which left him a full-time wheelchair user, and has since become…
Upstaged by my cat again!
I have just been upstaged by my cat AGAIN… I have a room at home (that I call my Zoom room) which is permanently set up like a TV studio, so it’s perfect for remote speaking and training. However, one…
Transition VLOG: Breast Augmentation Surgery
In my last transition VLOG, I give away far to much personal information, as I discuss my impending breast augmentation surgery. 60% of trans women have breast augmentation surgery as they are disappointed by the breast growth that cross-sex hormones…
Trans Inclusion Training for Interflora
I had the privilege of delivering some virtual trans inclusion training to the lovely people at Interflora this week. I was pleased that my session was very well received – even though I think I should have made more of…
Talking on the top of London!
I have just had the honour of hosting the first ever event at the top of a brand new building which is now the highest building in London and the second highest in Europe – 22 Bishopsgate. The event was…
Cool People: David Watters
In this week’s episode of Cool People, I sat down with my friend David Watters, an Inclusion & Wellbeing Consultant whose brilliant work celebrating diversity earned him a National Diversity Award in 2014 & a Vodafone World of Difference Award…
OUT OUT OUT!
I have been OUT OUT OUT today! I delivered my first in-person trans awareness session in 18 months, after being stuck with only virtual delivery all that time and it felt amazing. I was booked by the lovely people at…
My national newspaper article about being forced to come out to a car dealer
My article has just been published in The Telegraph about how I was forced to come out as being trans to a car dealer when I sold my mum’s car for her due to her dementia. It highlights the outdated…
Incredible Feedback
“You’re an amazing speaker Katie. I’ve been sobbing for about 25 minutes! I’ll be chatting everyone’s ear off about this session for weeks I expect. Thank you.” I received the above message after delivering a virtual trans awareness session this…
My long-awaited second appointment at an NHS gender clinic
I couldn’t sleep much last night as I was worrying about the big day I had today: My second appointment at my NHS gender clinic. My first appointment was a bit of an anti-climax as it was just a video chat…
Cool People: Khakan Qureshi
In this episode of Cool People I talk to my friend Khakan Qureshi BEM (British Empire Medal) to discuss how attitudes toward the Muslim LGBTQ+ have changed through the decades. Khakan talks about his upbringing in Birmingham, his relationship with…
Cool People: Mark Esho
In this latest episode of Cool People I talk to Mark Esho, a disabled entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Mark takes us through his incredible journey from childhood to the inspirational man he is today. Mark was born in Leicester…
My portrait is hanging in an art gallery!
I have just returned from the most amazing weekend in Belfast after seeing my portrait hanging in an art gallery! My portrait was painted, along with 15 other prominent trans people, by South African born artist Frans Gertenbach (above) for…
Featured in Pride Life Global magazine!
I am truly honoured to be featured in the latest Pride Life Gobal magazine alongside other amazing LGBTQIA+ advocates such as Sean Dellenty, Joanne Monck, Gurchaten Sandhu, Dame Inga Beale, Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett, Saski Singer, Duncan Lustig-Prean, Laks Mann, Barry Boffy,…
Cool People: Robin Moira White
In the latest episode of Cool People I talk to Robin Moira White, a transgender barrister who’s recently written a book, “A Practical Guide to Transgender Law”, co-authored with Nicola Newbegin. Robin made history as the UK’s first barrister to…
Why I was forced to out myself while selling my mum’s car…
I had to sell my mum’s car for her recently as she lost her driving licence last year, due to her dementia. When I sold the car, I had to prove that I was legally entitled to sell it as…
Sketchnotes of My Long Walk to Womanhood
Following a trans awareness session I delivered last week for the Wellcome Sanger Institute, I was sent these amazing sketchnotes of my long walk to womanhood, created by a very talented illustrator called Laura Olivares Boldu. During my 1 –…
I made it to the end of Pride month!
I made it to the end of a mega-busy Pride month! And what an epic month it was too: I told the story of “My Long Walk to Womanhood” 29 times! This week was no exception, as I delivered…
Another busy week in Pride month…
It’s been another busy week of telling the World that trans people are just ordinary people who want to be happy – and it’s done from my home studio in a spare bedroom… I delivered trans awareness sessions to staff…
Another busy week during Pride month
As Pride month continues, it’s been another mega-busy week for me… On Monday, I took part in a round table discussion on LGBTQIA+ inclusivity at work. On Tuesday, I delivered trans awareness sessions to staff at both PPL…
My cat has heard it all before…
My cat has heard it all before… Zebedee often accompanies (or supervises) me when I am delivering my virtual trans awareness sessions to audiences all over the World, but he is so bored with them now that he just curls…
National Diversity Awards Nomination
I am delighted to have been nominated for a Positive Role Model Award (LGBT+ category) in the National Diversity Awards 2021! The competition is really stiff for this one as there are loads of really amazing people who have been…
Trans awareness session for Zurich Insurance plc on IDAHOBIT
To mark IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) I had the pleasure of delivering a trans awareness session to 90 global senior executives and staff of Zurich Insurance plc this week. Afterwards, their EMEA & ZIP Diversity…
Busy, busy, busy…
It’s amazing how much can be crammed into one day when speaking remotely… Today I spoke at The UK & Ireland Recruitment Conference 2021, before telling my story for Gemma Snow’s “No More hiding” podcast and then speaking at the…
Trans awareness session for homeless project
I had the pleasure of delivering a 1.5-hour virtual trans awareness session for Westminster homeless health coordination project Groundswell yesterday. I started by telling the story of my own journey, using plenty of humour and mixed in with lots…
Joint Lecture with my GP to Medical Students
I have just had the pleasure of delivering a joint lecture with my GP, Dr Louise Kirk (bottom left) to 30 medical students from the University of Leicester. The lecture was so desperately needed as these are the GPs…
Transgender Day of Visibility – well, the whole week really!
This is the start of a very busy week for me as it’s Transgender Day of Visibility on Wednesday (31st March). I am fully booked all day on TDOV, but have have 7 speaking gigs throughout the whole week. I…
Wellerman: The TRANS version
Here’s my trans version of Wellerman. Everyone else was doing their own version, so I thought I would make my own. Words: © Katie Neeves / Cool2BTrans 2021, Tune: Unknown (1860-1870) #wellerman #wellermansong #trans #transgender #transawareness #lgbtqia #lgbtqiaplus #lgbtplus
Awards Nomination
I received a lovely email today informing me that I have been nominated for the Women’s Awards East Midlands, in the category of Outstanding Female LGBTQIA+ Champion 2021. A huge thank you to whoever nominated me. It would be lovely…
Speaking with royalty for International Women’s Day
I was honoured to be invited to speak on an International Women’s Day panel for Virgin Media today, hosted by the lovely TV presenter Konnie Huq. My fellow panellists were Princess Beatrice, comedian Deborah Frances-White, Olympic gold medal winning…
International Women’s Day
Happy International Women’s Day! The global theme for the day is #ChooseToChallenge so I choose to challenge misinformation about trans women and ALL gender non-conforming people. International Women’s day has turned into International Women’s Week for me as…
Upstaged by by cat!
UPSTAGED by by cat – twice in 2 days… Zebedee, my cat regularly joins me on the sofa when I have Zoom calls or when I deliver virtual trans awareness talks or training and the last two days were…
The LGBT Speakers Agency is launched
I’m excited to announce the launch of The LGBT Speakers Agency – a fantastic platform further enabling the LGBTQIA+ community to support one another and reach a wider, corporate audience, to increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace! This new agency is…
Trans Awareness Training to 189 Staff of Global Law Firm
I delivered a virtual trans awareness session this week to 189 staff members of DLA Piper, a global law firm with lawyers in over 40 countries, as part of LGBT+ History Month. This particular session usually lasts for around an…
Cool People: Emma Williams
In the latest episode of Cool People, I talk to Emma Williams who has a 12-year-old transgender daughter called Emily. Emma describes the very emotional journey she has been on with her daughter and the devastating impact that the Bell…
The Start of LGBT+ History Month
Today marks the start of LGBT+ History Month and I managed to get some great publicity from two fabulous places… The first was from an article I wrote for PwC entitled “Please don’t feel sorry for trans people like me. …
A really fun radio interview
I did a really fun live interview yesterday with Kirk Pickstone of Duggystone Radio. He initially interviewed me 3 years ago after I had just come out very publicly as being transgender. It was fabulous to catch up with Kirk…
3 years since admitting to myself that I am trans
It’s exactly three years today since I very emotionally admitted to myself that I am a transgender woman and that I needed to change my body. What an incredible three years it has been too! At the time, the challenge…
Cool People: Skye Morden
In this episode of Cool People, I talk to transgender Police officer and Taser Lead Instructor Skye Morden. We discuss her very public coming out in the global media, the hate messages and death threats she subsequently received from anti-trans…
Beautiful things happened in 2020
2020 is nearly at an end and it’s a year that most of us will not be sad to see the back of. Despite Covid causing so much loss, sadness and hardship, many beautiful things have happened this year too.…
Cool People: Rebecca Tallon de Havilland
In this latest episode of Cool People, I talk with public speaker on trans and HIV issues, model, hair and make-up artist, transgender affairs editor for Boyz magazine and peer support worker for 56T and Trans Plus at 56 Dean…
WPATH Condemns court ruling leading to withdrawal of puberty blockers for trans kids
BREAKING NEWS… The World Professional Association for Transgender Health has just put out a statement confirming that the use of puberty blockers is best practice in treating trans children. It also states that the recent withdrawal of such treatment on…
Cool People: Stephanie Battaglino
In this latest episode of Cool People, I talk to internationally recognised speaker, workshop presenter, trainer and diversity & inclusion consultant Stephanie Battaglino about her transgender journey in corporate America. She talks about her view from both sides of the…
Welcome to my crazy World…
Welcome to my crazy World… In the last 5 days, I: told the story of My Long Walk to Womanhood to staff at Virgin Media; delivered a virtual trans awareness training for Citrix Systems UK Ltd; was a guest…
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Today is Trans Day or Remembrance, when we remember those trans people that have lost their lives over this and past years whether through societal violence or through suicide. Suicidal ideation in trans people is estimated at 84% –…
Presenting to senior leaders at Aviva
Hats off to Aviva for taking Trans Awareness Week so seriously. I was honoured that some of its most senior leaders along with many other colleagues joined me for my virtual “lunch and learn” session yesterday. During the hour, I…
Two Trans Awareness Sessions and some Lovely Feedback
It’s been a busy day again today as I did a virtual trans awareness “Lunch & Learn” session for staff at Ofcom, closely followed by a virtual workshop on “Preventing Trans Discrimination in the Workplace” in association with Trans…
Happy Trans Awareness Week!
Trans Awareness Week runs from 13th to 19th November 2020. Have a good one!
Cool People: Bobbi Pickard
In the latest episode of Cool People, I talk to leading trans campaigner, educator and ambassador Bobbi Pickard about her life as a transgender woman and her coming out experience in the corporate world. As well as being a senior project…
3-hour virtual trans awareness training session – helped by my cat!
Me and my cat Zebedee delivered a virtual 3-hour trans awareness training session to staff at Norton Housing & Support this morning. One of us was more of a sleeping partner though! #training #lgbtqi #trans #lgbtqia #inclusion #diversity #diversityandinclusion #lgbt…
A long day of trans awareness and consultancy
It’s the end of a very long day in front of my video lights and I am soooooo tired. Today, I spent 2 hours helping to advise Leicestershire County Council on their trans policy, I was interviewed by a…
Cool People: Sandra Pollock
In this latest episode of Cool People, I talk to leadership and management specialist teacher and coach Sandra Pollock about how her troubled upbringing has shaped her life and how she founded The Women’s Awards. Sandra is such an incredibly…
Another day, another conference…
Another day, another conference… Today I delivered a one-hour session on “Preventing Trans Discrimination at Work” at This is Us 2020 virtual conference. I also took part in a panel discussion along with some excellent fellow speakers. Thank you Meena…
Help from my Cat for Virtual Trans Awareness Training Session
I was assisted by my cat Zebedee today when I delivered a one-hour trans awareness session to staff at Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust for their virtual Inclusion Day conference. The participants didn’t know he was there…
Dealing with 800 Hate Messages
I seem to have stirred up a bit of a storm… My open letter to JK Rowling (calling her out for her stream of transphobic messages) went quite big as it was translated into Spanish and Portuguese and was shared…
Cool People: Esi Hardy
In this latest episode of Cool People, I talk to disability inclusion expert, event speaker, podcaster (and Robbie Williams fan) Esi Hardy of Celebrating Disability. Esi speaks so eloquently about the challenges she has faced and overcome with such panache.…
Relief and Disappointment to Gender Recognition Act Reform Announcement
The day has FINALLY come! Minister for Women and Equalities Liz Truss has just announced the government’s response to the 2017 consultation on the reform of the Gender Recognition Act (2004). Her full statement can be viewed HERE. After reading…
Leaked Report on Gender Recognition Act
The Sunday Times published a story yesterday about the leaked contents of the long-overdue government announcement regarding reform of the Gender Recognition Act (2004). IF the report is correct, the government’s decision on this could best be described as pathetic.…
Dear JK Rowling – an open letter
Dear JK Rowling, I am writing this letter to say a big thank you to you. You may think it strange that a gobby trans woman such as me would wish to thank you after all your recent transphobic outpourings,…
Global companies show support for trans people!
Today is a very special day as it is the launch day for a mass show of support for trans people from the corporate sector. Aviva, BP, CITI, Disney, Expedia, Microsoft and Sky join 96 other UK employers who have…
3-hour Virtual Trans Awareness Training Session
I have just delivered a 3-hour virtual trans-awareness training session to the senior management of East Midlands Housing Group. I would love to have been able to stand in the same room as them to deliver this training, but this…
Living full-time as female for 2 years
In this video I describe my experiences of living full-time as female for 2 years on my transgender transition from male to female. So much has happened in that time, but there was one thing that I never got around…
Are you ready for Inclusion Week 2020?
It’s not long to go until Inclusion Week, which is 26th September to 4th October 2020. Have you booked speakers for Inclusion week yet? I know it’s been a crazy year, but events can still be held virtually. If you haven’t…
A funny thing happened today…
A funny thing happened to me today… I received a phone call from a man who said he found a purse on a beach in Devon and inside there were some credit cards and one of my business cards. Although…
Cool People: Zoë Perry
In this episode of Cool People, Zoë Perry talks to me about starting her transgender transition from male to female at the age of 73. I really enjoyed talking to Zoë. She speaks so eloquently and with such warmth.…
Cool People: Kenneth Felts
In this episode of Cool People, Kenneth Felts tells me how (and why) he came out as being gay after pretending to be heterosexual for 90 years. It’s an incredible story and it proves that you are never to old…
BBC removes trans support groups from its “LGBT Issues page
I am so disappointed with the BBC’s decision to remove all trans support groups from their “LGBT Issues” page. In the current climate of hostility towards us and much misinformation about us, trans people need support now more than ever.…
The Queerpreneur Podcast
I have just had the pleasure of being interviewed by the lovely Sarah Taylor of Sarah Taylor Coaching for her podcast called “The Queerpreneur Podcast”. This was such an in-depth interview that it lasted for 1.5 hours! It is the…
BBC video about how gender has never been binary in many cultures
This 5 minute BBC video is so interesting. It describes how gender has never been binary in many cultures, but also discuses how colonialism forced rigid binary views of gender onto these cultures. The binary gender model is a human…
Cool People: Roland Chesters
In my latest episode of Cool People, author, disability advocate and HIV activist Roland Chesters talks to me about the effects of being HIV positive have had on his life and on his career. Roland is such a lovely man…
Video of mum of trans child shunned by her church community
Please watch this powerful and emotional video by my friend Esther Green. She talks about how she was shunned by her church community just because her daughter is transgender. The video was filmed 2 years ago, but Esther has only…
A True Transgender Pioneer
Some people have flatteringly called me a pioneer. I am not a pioneer. Please watch this video if you would like to see what a true pioneer is. It’s about the life story of Christine Jorgensen, the World’s first transgender…
“…the most interesting webinar so far and definitely the funniest.”
I have just received some AMAZING feedback from a trans-awareness webinar I delivered recently for Women in Recruitment: “I had been following Katie’s journey for some time, I found her story not only inspirational but her approach made me connect…
Cool People: Rhimano Rangeley
In my latest episode of Cool People, I talk to Rhimano Rangeley who tells me all about his experiences as a young trans man. I first met Rhimano at the gender clinic when we both went for a pre-first appointment…
Fighting for trans Rights in 2020
Here’s a speech I made about fighting for trans rights in 2020. The proposed legislation is so serious that if it comes into force it would give me the choice of either putting myself in danger or breaking the law…
I just wrote a little letter to my MP…
I have just written the following email to my MP, Alberto Costa. I will be sending a similar version to Boris Johnson and Liz Truss too. I urge you to please write to your MP too. You can find out…
Boris makes life more dangerous for trans people
I was hoping for a quiet day, but here we go again… Despite the havoc currently being caused by the far right in London, The Sunday Times lead article is about trans people being denied basic human rights. They do…
Cool People: Michael Johnson-Ellis
In this latest episode of Cool People, Michael Johnson-Ellis of Twodads.u.k talks to me about helping same sex couples to become parents. I really enjoyed talking to Michael. He and Wes have achieved so much and helped so many couples.
Positive Role Model Award Nomination in the National Diversity Awards 2020
I am proud to have been nominated for a Positive Role Model Award (LGBT+ category) in the National Diversity Awards 2020. The competition is really stiff for this award as I know there are so many incredible people who thoroughly…
Interview with Transformational Coach Sarah Naylor
I have just had the pleasure of being interviewed by Sarah Naylor who is a transformational coach. It was a really in-depth interview as she asked me all about my career as a photographer and filmmaker first and the we…
Cool People: Mik Scarlet
In this latest (and very humorous) episode of Cool people, I talk to journalist, broadcaster, inclusion consultant, actor, singer and musician, Mik Scarlet about how his disabilities have shaped his life. Mik is such a funny man. We had a…
Cool People: Kellie Maloney
In this episode of Cool People, I talk to Kellie Maloney (formerly known as Frank Maloney, the boxing manager and promoter for the undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis) about her gender transition and the resulting international press coverage. Trigger…
Cool People: Michelle Moorhead & Rachel Cruz
In this episode of Cool People, I talk to my friends and Trans Radio UK presenters Michelle Moorhead & Rachel Cruz about their own transgender journeys. Please like, comment and share as it’s so important that stories like this get…
Cool People: Jackie Handy
Here’s my latest episode of Cool People in which I talk to speaker, trainer and author Jackie Handy about her sexuality and how it has affected her life and her work. She is such a lovely person and it was…
Facebook Live: Transgender Q&A
Having only ever done one Facebook live before, I decided to jump in at the deep end and do a transgender Q&A session. I was ver nervous beforehand as I wasn’t sure if (a) anyone would turn up to ask…
Cool People: Leng Montgomery
In this episode of Cool People, I talk to diversity & inclusion specialist and public speaker Leng Montgomery about his experiences as a transgender man. I has such a lovely chat with Leng.
Cool People: Jessica Lynn
Over the last two years my life has opened up in so many ways and I have made many new friends who have incredible stories to tell. I thought I would share some of my cool friends with you…
Getting some style advice
I have just had a fabulous day getting some style advice with personal stylist Suzanne Suthers. While I already knew what colours suited me from a previous session, this session was so useful in discovering exactly what styles suit my…
Trans woman whose life was transformed after hearing Katie Neeves on the radio
This is a radio interview with Abbie Jones whose life was transformed when she heard me being interviewed on the radio. She had struggled with her gender for over 50 years and it was only when she heard me speak…
LGBT+ Histories Month: Trans Awareness Talk to University of Leicester
I have just delivered a trans awareness talk at the University of Leicester as part of LGBT+ Histories Month. Like other participants in LGBT+ Histories Month, I told the story of my own transgender journey, but I also gave my…
BBC Radio interview about Caityln Jenner in I’m a Celebrity
Here’s an interview I did with Rupal Rajani on BBC Radio Leicester about transgender superstar Caitlyn Jenner taking part in I’m a Celebrity get Me Out of Here!
Sharing my story in London
Speakers at the Share a Story event in London during Inclusion Week 2019, from left: Daniel Estrada (mental health & disability advocate), Esi Hardy (disability trainer, podcast creator & founder of Celebrating Diversity), Katie Neeves (photographer, filmmaker trans ambassador &…
Transgender Employment Presentation to HR Managers
I was recently booked to make a presentation on transgender people in employment called “Hiring trans people: What are you so afraid of?” to an audience of HR managers at an event called Disrupt HR Cambridge. At just 5 minutes,…
Nominations for 2 Awards!
Ooh, look what’s just happened… I’ve been nominated for 2 awards with the East Midlands Women’s Awards! I haven’t won anything yet, but it’s lovely to be nominated.
Living Full-time as a Woman for 1 Year
I have now been living full-time as a woman for one year. In this VLOG (the latest in my series of videos documenting my transgender transition from male to female), I look back on my rollercoaster of a year and…
Reviewing the Newspapers on BBC Radio Leicester
I had a great time reviewing the newspapers with presenter Jo Bostock on BBC Radio Leicester this morning. The first story we tackled was the one about a school’s supposedly gender neutral uniform policy. We also had some fun with…
Losing Family & Friends for being Transgender
Here’s a very emotional vlog about losing family and friends for being transgender. I have been putting off making this video as I knew it would be a tough one and there were likely to be tears. I wasn’t wrong!…
Look who’s in the press again…
Look who’s in the press again… I’m very happy with this article in today’s Hinckley Times.
TruInclusion London 2019
I went to a fabulous diversity and inclusion “unconference” in London yesterday called TruInclusion London 2019. Here’s a little interview I did at the end of the day with its founder Jo Lockwood.
Empowered Women Empowering Women
I gave a 45 minute presentation to Empowered Women Empowering Women at the University of Leicester this week. There were two other excellent speakers – Sue Grogan and Camara Reed and I was on last. I really enjoyed it and…
Introducing Cool2BTrans
Here’s a little video I made which I put on my social media to tell everyone what Cool2Btrans is all about. You will notice that I was very brave and filmed it without my wig on too!
BBC Radio Leicester Breakfast Show Interview
I had the pleasure of being interviewed again this morning by presenters Ady Dayman and Jo Hayward at BBC Radio Leicester on their breakfast show. It was exactly a year since I was first interviewed (as Martin) by Ady on…
An interview with Sarah Taylor for “The Queerpreneur Podcast”
An interview with transformational coach Sarah Naylor about my careers as a photographer, filmmaker and trans ambassador.
This was a really fun interview on “The Sofa of Success” with Rachel Hargrave of The Awards People.
This was an in-depth interview with Kirk Pickstone of internet radio station Duggystone Radio. It lasts nearly an hour, so we were able to cover a lot of ground. It was a luxury to have so much airtime as most radio interviews are limited to 10 to 15 minutes and even less for TV.
This was a post interview chat with Ady Dayman of BBC Radio Leicester when I was still living as Martin, just after I came out so publicly. We very quickly established a great rapport and even though we had only just met, we were like two old friends having a chat.
If you are interested in booking me for a media appearance or interview to discuss transgender issues, please CONTACT ME or call me on 07973 638 591.
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Katie Neeves
Trans Ambassador