Speaking Engagements

The portion of American adults who openly identify as LGBTQ is nearing 10%. This means that in all likelihood you deal with the LGBTQ community every day. Knowing more about your friends, neighbors, co-workers, customers, and employees in this community presents your organization with an opportunity to branch out and improve relations. 

I offer presentations and a workshop in which participants explore concepts related to gender, social and legal issues that impact the LGBTQ community and how to avoid misunderstandings with the community. I can also work with you to create new presentations for your group’s needs.

Popular Presentations

The following presentations have been my most requested, but are not the limits of what I can present to your organization. Please use the contact form below to let me know what I can craft for your group.

Addi Smith appearing on a computer screen during a Zoom presentation.
Presenting at the Diversity Round Table of Central Indiana Annual Conference

Communicating across The Gender Divide

  • Ever feel like you’re speaking a different language when you’re trying to discuss gender or sexuality issues with someone? In many ways, you might well be. The traditional way of thinking of gender in Western Culture, The Gender Binary, is very different from modern gender theory, and not understanding these differences can lead to communication difficulties. This lecture looks at both of these modes of thought, allowing attendees to form strategies in their own life when they encounter these difficulties.
Learning Objectives
  • Participants will learn about the gender binary and how it is unconsciously taught in our culture with language.
  • Participants will gain a basic understanding of gender theory.
  • Participants will learn communication strategies based on their new understanding of gender.

The Importance of Pronouns

  • What are pronouns, and why have they become a point of political contention? Attendees learn the function of pronouns and how these simple words are used to harm or show respect for transgender and non-binary people. Finally, they will explore what it means to be trans or non-binary.
Learning Objectives
  • Participants will learn the function of pronouns in language.
  • Participants will learn how pronouns are sometimes used to devalue or bully transgender people.
  • Participants will learn the basics of what it is to be trans.
  • Participants will learn why it is appropriate and important to use a trans person’s proper pronouns.
Addi Smith presenting Trans 101 to the staff of Open Door Health Services.
Addison presenting to the staff of Open Door Health Services
Addi Smith teaching at an Indy Pride educational event.

Trans 101 (General)
Trans 101 (Medical Professionals)
Trans 101 (Educators)

  • What does it mean to be transgender? What are the factors that may lead to a transgender identity? What social, cultural, and political obstacles do transgender people face? In this presentation, I answer all of these questions for a general audience, medical professionals, or educators.
Learning Objectives
  • Participants will learn about the neurological and biological aspects of trans people that may be the basis of transgender identity.
  • Participants will learn about the way trans people are often discriminated against in our culture.
  • Participants will learn about the laws and policies that target trans people.
  • Participants will learn about social, educational, or medical issues faced by trans people depending on which version is presented.


Half-Day LGBTQ+ DEI Workshop

This three-part workshop is a deep dive into gender theory and LGBTQ+ issues. In the first part, attendees learn about modern gender theory, including aspects of biological sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, and gender expression. The second part looks at the social, cultural, and political obstacles facing LGBTQ+ people and the psychological toll that these difficulties inflict. Finally, attendees will learn what they can do to be a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community.


Individual Coaching

Would you prefer to learn about LGBTQ issues on a one-on-one basis? Addison can coach you personally, answer your questions and challenge you to become a better ally to the LGBTQ Community.