LGBTQ+ Rights Activist, Co-Founder of The UK’s First LGBT History Month, Co-Chair of Schools OUT & A Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient & The Derek Oyston Award
Sue Sanders’s Biography:
Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders Hon.DSocSC is a pioneering LGBT rights activist, educator, author and diversity campaigner, widely recognised for her instrumental role in establishing the UK’s first LGBT History Month. A lifelong advocate for equality and inclusion, Sue has dedicated her career to challenging discrimination, improving LGBT representation in education and raising awareness of the contributions made by LGBT communities throughout history. As Co-Chair of Schools OUT, she has played a leading role in promoting inclusive education and challenging homophobia in schools. Her decades of activism have earned numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Education Union in 2024.
Sue began her career in education in 1967, working as a teacher, tutor and lecturer specialising in women’s studies, drama and homophobia in schools. Her experiences highlighted the importance of addressing prejudice through education, inspiring her commitment to equality and social change. Alongside her teaching career, Sue became involved in feminist activism and LGBT rights campaigning, using education, literature and community engagement to challenge discrimination. In 1996, she co-founded Chrysalis, furthering her work in advocacy and social inclusion. She subsequently became Co-Chair of Schools OUT in 2000, strengthening her influence in the movement for LGBT-inclusive education.
In 2004, Sue worked alongside fellow Co-Chair Paul Patrick to establish the UK’s first LGBT History Month, creating an annual initiative celebrating LGBT history, achievements and contributions to society. The campaign has since become an important fixture in the UK’s equality and diversity calendar, encouraging schools, organisations and communities to recognise LGBT experiences. In 2011, Sue established The Classroom, an educational resource offering more than 50 free lesson plans designed to challenge homophobia and improve LGBT representation across school curricula. She has also contributed to the wider conversation surrounding equality through her poetry, short stories, articles and publications addressing feminist issues.
Sue’s outstanding contributions to equality have been recognised through numerous prestigious honours, including the Crown Prosecution Award for Equality and Diversity, the Derek Oyston Award and the Golden Tupilik Award. She received a commendation from the Metropolitan Police Service for her longstanding involvement with its LGBT Advisory Group and was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rainbow Honours in 2019. In 2024, Sue received further recognition from the National Education Union and was honoured as part of DIVA’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Through her unwavering commitment to education, activism and social justice, Sue continues to inspire individuals and organisations to challenge prejudice, celebrate diversity and create a more inclusive society.
Why Hire Sue Sanders?
Sue Sanders is hired as a speaker for her extensive experience in LGBT rights activism, inclusive education and challenging discrimination. Having spent decades campaigning for equality, she offers audiences a powerful perspective on the importance of representation, historical awareness and creating environments where individuals feel respected and valued.
As a pioneering figure behind LGBT History Month and Schools OUT, Sue combines personal experiences with practical insights into overcoming prejudice and promoting inclusion. She has also delivered a TEDx talk, sharing her expertise in LGBT equality and education. Her enthusiasm, wit and commitment to social justice make her an excellent choice for diversity conferences, LGBT History Month celebrations and educational events.
Sue Sanders’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Sue Sanders’s remarkable career:
- 2024 – Received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Education Union for her contributions to inclusive education.
- 2024 – Honoured during DIVA’s 30th anniversary celebrations in recognition of her LGBT advocacy.
- 2022 – Received the Golden Tupilik Award from the International Lesbian and Gay Cultural Network.
- 2019 – Recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rainbow Honours.
- 2012 – Received a Metropolitan Police Service commendation for her longstanding involvement with its LGBT Advisory Group.
- 2011 – Established The Classroom, providing more than 50 free lesson plans to support LGBT-inclusive education.
- 2009 – Became the first recipient of the Derek Oyston Award.
- 2004 – Co-founded the UK’s first LGBT History Month alongside fellow campaigner Paul Patrick.
- 2000 – Became Co-Chair of Schools OUT, advancing LGBT equality and representation in education.
- 1996 – Co-founded Chrysalis, supporting her wider commitment to equality and social inclusion.
Videos
Sue Sanders’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Sue Sanders is an exceptional choice for organisations seeking an influential speaker on LGBT rights, equality, diversity and inclusive education. Her pioneering role in establishing LGBT History Month, combined with decades of campaigning and educational experience, provides audiences with a compelling understanding of how social attitudes and institutions can change. Sue’s passion for challenging discrimination and improving representation makes her particularly suitable for diversity and inclusion conferences, LGBT History Month events, educational institutions and corporate awareness programmes. Her personal experiences and extensive advocacy work deliver meaningful insights into the importance of creating inclusive communities.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Sue Sanders‘s Official Keynote Topics:
- LGBT + History
- How Schools OUT and LGBT+ History Month was Founded & Its Influence in the UK & Beyond
How Much Does Sue Sanders Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Sue Sanders?
Sue Sanders’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.
