LGBTQ Campus Speakers

Providing thought-provoking education and entertainment to university and college campuses across the nation since 2005, Ryan Sallans is dedicated to being relatable and inspirational to all in attendance. 

Eating Disorder Speaker

Clip from Gender Rebel

An LGBTQ campus speaker since 2005, Ryan’s transition story, Scouting the Unknownhas 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 eighteen 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.

Gender Rebel LOGO Network

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 Viacom for license use.

Presentation and Trainings Offered

  • Scouting the Unknown (Campus-wide Program around Ryan’s transition story with an introduction to the differences between gender identity, gender expression, sex assigned at birth, and sexual orientation)
  • Improving Trans Inclusivity on Campus (Professional Staff Development or Student Training)
  • Eating Disorders and Body Image (including his own eating disorder recovery story titled: Becoming Ryan)
  • Classroom Discussion (including sexual orientation and gender identity social justice issues)

Events Most Often Booked For

  • National Coming Out Day or Week
  • LGBTQ History Month
  • Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience (TDOR) or Awareness Week
  • Pride Week or Month
  • National Day of Silence
  • Transgender Day of Visibility
  • Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW)

Professional Staff Development Training
 
Improving Trans Inclusivity on Campus is a presentation designed to help professional staff in developing action steps and plans on creating a campus climate that is open, accepting and accommodating toward trans‐identified students. Ryan will cover current barriers on campus that impact trans‐identified students. By pinpointing these barriers, a campus can begin to establish steps toward creating a welcoming environment.

This program can be open to all staff, or tailored to certain departments, for example, Residence Life, Student Affairs, or Health and Wellness Centers.

Click on Image for Trans Inclusion Guide

Student Training 

Moving Toward Gender Inclusion through Students’ Voices is designed to assist students develop action steps and approaches toward creating more gender-inclusive environments on their campuses. Participants will share changes they would like to see on their campus, and as a group explore approaches to most effectively advocate for change.

Program Options

  • Option 1: Campus-Wide Program or Keynote Speech and Student meet and greet.
  • Option 2: Professional Staff Development Training with Staff or Student meet and greet.
  • Option 3: Combination Package Campus-Wide Program, Professional Staff Development Training, and Meet and Greet
  • Option 4: Supersized Package Campus-Wide Program or Keynote Professional Staff Development Training Student Development Training Classroom Discussions or Presentations (One or two days on campus)
LGBT College Speaker
Ryan Sallans Eating Disorder Speaker
Transgender Speakers
Transgender Speakers
Transgender College Speaker
transgener college speakers
Transgender College Speakers
Transgender Speaker
Transgender College Speaker
Transgender College Speaker

Previous Campus Engagements

Arkansas:

  • University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 10/2018

California:

  • Evergreen Valley College | San Jose, CA | 03/2020
  • San Jose City College | San Jose, CA | 03/2020
  • San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | 03/2018

Colorado:

  • Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | 10/2015

Delaware:

  • University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 03/19/19 and 02/2013

Florida:

  • Seminole State College | Sanford, FL | 03/2018
  • University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | 03/2015
  • University of South Florida | St. Petersburg, FL | 10/2014

Georgia:

  • University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 03/2010

Illinois:

  • Eureka College | Eureka, IL | 11/27/2018

Iowa:

  • Luther College | Decorah, IA | 11/8-9/17
  • Drake University | Des Moines, IA | 04/2013 & 04/2016
  • Buena Vista University | Storm Lake, IA | 04/2012

Kansas:

  • Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg, KS | 11/29/2016
  • Kansas State University | Salina, KS | 11/22/2009

Kentucky:

  • Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | 04/2015

Maine:

  • University of Maine | Fort Kent, ME | 10/21/2021
  • University of Maine | Presque Isle, ME | 10/20/2021
  • University of New England | Biddeford or Portland, ME | 10/2013

Maryland:

  • Towson University | Towson, MD | 02/2018 and 02/2013

Massachusetts:

  • Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | 04/2017
  • Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | 02/2016
  • Massasoit Community College | Brockton, MA | 10/2015

Michigan:

  • Oakland University | Rochester, MI | 10/27-28/2016

Minnesota:

  • St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud, MN | 08/2016
  • Normandale Community College | Minneapolis, MN | 03/2016

Mississippi:

  • Mississippi State University | Starkville, MS | 10/24/18

Missouri:

  • State Fair Community College | Sedalia, MO | 09/21/17
  • Truman State University | Kirksville, MO | 03/2013 and 03/2016
  • University of Missouri | Columbia, MO | 10/2015 and 04/2013
  • Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | 04/2013
  • University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | 03/2012

Montana:

  • Montana State University | Bozeman, MT | 04/10/19

Nebraska:

  • Southeast Community College | Lincoln, NE | 2005 – 2018
  • Metropolitan Community College | Omaha and Elkhorn, NE | 06/2016 and 06/2017
  • Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | 2005 – 2015
  • Doane College | Crete, NE | 2005 – 2015
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University | Lincoln, NE | 2005 – 2015
  • University of Nebraska | Lincoln, NE | 2005 – 2015
  • University of Nebraska | Kearney, NE | 03/2011 and 10/2012
  • University of Nebraska | Omaha, NE | 03/2011
  • College of St. Mary’s | Lincoln, NE | 2005 – 2010
  • Creighton University | Omaha, NE | 04/2009

New York:

  • Siena College | Loudonville, NY | 10/16/18
  • Tompkins Cortland Community College | Dryden, NY | 03/2018
  • Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY | 03/2016
  • Alfred and Alfred State Universities | Alfred, NY | 11/2013
  • State University of New York | Oswego, NY | 11/2009

New Jersey:

  • Kean University | Union, NJ | 10/10/17
  • Rutgers University | Camden, NJ | 03/2013

North Carolina:

  • Warren-Wilson College | Asheville, NC | 03/2011
  • University of North Carolina | Wilmington, NC | 03/2011

North Dakota:

  • University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | 11/03/2018

Oregon:

  • University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | 02/2014

Ohio:

  • Ohio State University-Mansfield | Mansfield, OH | 02/2018
  • Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green, OH | 11/2006 and 03/2007

Pennsylvania:

  • Pennsylvania State University – Berks | Reading, PA | 10/2015
  • Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville, PA | 10/2015
  • Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | 10/2014
  • Ursinus College | Collegeville, PA | 03/2013
  • Allegheny College | Meadville, PA | 11/2012
  • Bloomsburg University | Bloomsburg, PA | 11/2011

Rhode Island:

  • University of Rhode Island | Kingston, RI | 03/2012 and 11/2015
  • Roger Williams University | Bristol, RI | 11/2013

South Dakota:

  • University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | 03/2013

Tennessee:

  • University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | 04/2016

Texas: 

  • Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | 10/09/2019
  • Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | 11/15-16/17

Washington:

  • Pierce College | Puyallup, WA | 05/30/17

Wisconsin:

  • Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, WI | 10/22/2019
  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | 02/2018
  • Medical College of Wisconsin | Milwaukee, WI | 02/2017
  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI | 10/08/2016
  • University of Wisconsin | Kenosha, WI | 02/2010 and 11/2010

Vermont:

  • School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute | Brattleboro, VT | 04/2017

Virginia:

  • Jefferson Literary and Debate Society at the University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | 09/17/2021
  • College of William and Mary | Williamsburg, VA | 02/26/19
  • James Madison University | Harrisburg, VA | 02/2014 and 02/2016
  • Madeira Private High School | McLean, VA | 01/2015
  • Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA | 03/2013 and 03/2014