Katie Neeves
Nominee Profile
Location: Leicestershire
Katie Neeves is a trailblazing figure in the LGBTQIA+ community, having embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery at the age of 48 after living for decades as a man. Her courageous decision to publicly transition, documented through a heartfelt coming-out video and vlog, marked a turning point in her life and career as a renowned photographer. Katie founded Cool2BTrans, a pioneering platform aimed at supporting and empowering transgender people while fostering greater understanding and acceptance across society.
As a charismatic presenter and sought-after speaker, Katie delivers engaging trans awareness training and inspirational talks globally, using humour to dismantle stereotypes and bridge divides. Her media appearances on ITV, BBC, Channel 5, and in international printed media coupled with numerous accolades including the British Diversity Awards Hero of the Year 2023, underscore her influential role in advocacy and education. Katie's talks have been described as “engaging, hilarious and exciting”, ”inspirational storytelling at its best!" and “the most exciting training in years".
Katie is a diversity champion on the Global Diversity List 2023, she is on the Top 100 Influential People in the UK 2024 list and she was on the DIVA Power List 2023. She is a National Diversity Awards Positive Role Model for LGBT Award 2024 finalist too. Her other awards include the Trans in the City Trans Community Champion 2022 Award, the This is Us Training & Development Award 2023, the Women's Awards East Midlands Outstanding Female LGBTQIA+ Champion 2023 Award and Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce for her work as a trans ambassador.
Katie is a tireless campaigner for trans rights too, as shown by her constant stream of social media posts, correcting misinformation and holding politicians and the media to account. She stays positive, despite receiving thousands of messages of hate.
For more info: www.cool2btrans.co.uk
As a charismatic presenter and sought-after speaker, Katie delivers engaging trans awareness training and inspirational talks globally, using humour to dismantle stereotypes and bridge divides. Her media appearances on ITV, BBC, Channel 5, and in international printed media coupled with numerous accolades including the British Diversity Awards Hero of the Year 2023, underscore her influential role in advocacy and education. Katie's talks have been described as “engaging, hilarious and exciting”, ”inspirational storytelling at its best!" and “the most exciting training in years".
Katie is a diversity champion on the Global Diversity List 2023, she is on the Top 100 Influential People in the UK 2024 list and she was on the DIVA Power List 2023. She is a National Diversity Awards Positive Role Model for LGBT Award 2024 finalist too. Her other awards include the Trans in the City Trans Community Champion 2022 Award, the This is Us Training & Development Award 2023, the Women's Awards East Midlands Outstanding Female LGBTQIA+ Champion 2023 Award and Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce for her work as a trans ambassador.
Katie is a tireless campaigner for trans rights too, as shown by her constant stream of social media posts, correcting misinformation and holding politicians and the media to account. She stays positive, despite receiving thousands of messages of hate.
For more info: www.cool2btrans.co.uk