An LGBTQ campus speaker since 2005, Ryan Sallans provides thought-provoking education and entertainment to university and college campuses nationwide.
Since 2005, Ryan’s transition story, Scouting the Unknown, has been captivating audiences on university campuses nationwide. Ryan first provides a foundational overview of human sexuality in relation to sex, orientation and gender. In this introduction, he provides the opportunity for audiences to think about these pieces in relation to Self.
After introducing students to this foundation, Ryan shares his personal story of discovering identity through eating disorder recovery and transition of gender. He brings in his academic background and decades in health education to highlight key areas in people’s lives that are impacted by feelings of rejection or confusion about themselves in relation to others.
Ryan’s story begins with his childhood and the struggles he had with his body, before moving into his college years where he was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. It shifts to his discovery of his need for gender transition at age twenty-five and how he navigated life – transitioning at a time where there was further-limited access, knowledge and support.
Having transitioned nineteen years ago, Ryan provides the opportunity for the audience to ask him questions either about his own personal journey, about themselves, or about society and culture in general. He closes with asking the audience to think about their struggles and challenges in life, and identify where they feel supported, while honoring their truths.
Suggested Length: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Description: Becoming Ryan: Eating Disorder Recovery and Transition is a presentation that blends present research surrounding eating disorders with Ryan’s personal recovery story from anorexia nervosa, which began in 1999. With insight as an ethical health educator on this topic, Ryan’s personal journey assists audiences with understanding the emotions that drive the eating disorder and also the recovery.
Suggested Length: 1 ½ hours
Description: Improving Inclusion on Campus is a professional staff development training focused on breaking down barriers presented to gender diverse students and staff. This training can be open to all departments or made health-care specific.
Suggested Length: 2 hours
Some campuses also screen the popular documentary, Gender Rebel, due to Ryan being one of the subjects followed. For campuses interested in screening this documentary, contact Progeny Pictures for license use.
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I saw Ryan at the MACURH Regional Conference and my students and I agreed that we needed to bring him to our campus to speak. His program FTM: Scouting the Unknown was inspiring, informational and honesty. He was wonderful to work with for the program and training session, I would highly recommend that you consider bringing him to your campus.
Melissa Hettmann, RHA Advisor/ Mitchell Hall Residence Hall Director, St. Cloud State University
“As I watched Ryan Sallans tell us his story…I kept looking at the faces of the students in the audience. They were listening as closely as I was – and with similar respect. I realized that Ryan was probably saving the life of someone in that room, and that I could multiply that saved life many times over.”
“I cannot say enough how much the JMU community truly enjoyed and learned from Ryan. The professional development for a trans inclusive campus provided an opportunity for meaningful learning and discussion among our Student Affairs professionals. The campus-wide presentation Sexing Ed was incredible! I looked around several times throughout to see students that were completely absorbed. Ryan has the ability to engage audience members, he is an outstanding speaker.”
“If you’re looking for a speaker who can address the subtleties and nuances of sex, gender, gender identity, and gender expression without confusing beginners or offending more knowledgeable audience members, I highly recommend Ryan Sallans for your next program.”
“Our primary goal in the grant project was to help our campus become more trans-inclusive. We were looking for a warm, authentic and knowledgeable person to help campus administrators, faculty and staff create a welcoming and inclusive community. Ryan did all of that and more! By meeting with trans and gender nonconforming students the evening prior to the training and learning their concerns, he was able to make the session relevant and real for our own campus.”