Speaker, Activist, Writer

Addison J. Smith

Working to help people understand issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community through speaking engagements, virtual presentations, workshops, and content creation.

Public Speaker and Queer Activist

Biography

Addison Smith (she/they), or simply Addi, has been a classroom, library, and consulting educator for over 20 years. They first gained teaching experience while pursuing a master’s degree in Music Composition and then gained journalistic research skills while working on a second master’s
in Digital Storytelling.

During their studies for the Digital Storytelling degree, they came to accept that they are a transgender person and focused their studies on understanding modern gender theory as a way of understanding themself. Their final project after two years of research was The Gender Series. This eight-part educational video series covers gender theory and related fields.

Addison combines their performance chops, teaching experience, research skills, and personal story to create dynamic, engaging, and positive presentations that help others understand LGBTQ+ issues, especially transgender issues. In these talks, Addi leans into the science of LGBTQ+ identities to dispel the misinformation spread by opponents of LGBTQ+ rights.

Popular Presentation Topics

—Communicating across The Gender Divide
Understand the terminology used to discuss gender and sexuality issues.


—The Importance of Pronouns
Learn the function of pronouns and how people use these simple words to harm or show respect for transgender and non-binary people.


–Trans 101
What factors lead to transgender identity, and what social, cultural, and political obstacles do transgender people face?


–What is Modern Gender Theory?
Modern Gender Theory endeavors to understand identity through a psychological lens. This presentation breaks down the theory to teach attendees this new way of looking at things.


–Half-Day LGBTQ+ Diversity/Sensitivity Workshop
This three-part workshop is a deep dive into gender theory and LGBTQ+ issues.

Past Clients

-American College of Cardiology
-Indiana State Bar Association
-Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana
-Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis
-University of Indianapolis Gender Center
-IUPUI Department of Tourism, Event, & Sport Management (TESM)
-Sacred Fire Creative (Portland, OR)
-Arthur M. Glick Jewish Community Center
-FHLBank Des Moines
-FHLBank Indianapolis
-Indy Pride Education Series
-Muncie Pride
-Open Door Health Clinic

Testimonials

What event organizers have said

You always know it’s a good session when people ask a lot of questions. That’s one of the reasons I wanted you for the conference because your session last time had more questions than any other we’ve ever had. Short story: You’re a fabulous educator.

Tiffany H.--Diversity Round Table of Central Indiana

You were wonderful! Our members who were there want you to come back and others are sad they missed it and would like another opportunity to learn from you. We’ll have to talk about future workshop ideas . . . I think one of my favorite parts was when you just sat on the stage. It made a subject that may have been totally new or uncomfortable for some of the audience members feel personal and approachable. Your demeanor helped break down some barriers.

Kelsey E.--Jewish Community Center, Indianapolis

You shared so much information and the insights into your experience were invaluable. Thank you so very much for your transparency and willingness to help our organization grow.

Felecia R.--FHLBank, Indianapolis

THANK YOU! That was phenomenal! Best presentation: I loved it. Thank you for all the information, insights, interesting stories, candor, and humor. You’re the best. I’d love to have you come back next year to present on a different topic (to keep it interesting!).

Malee O.--Sacred Fire Creative, Portland, OR

For booking information or other questions, please contact me below.

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