Matt Ellison

Matt was 39 when he made the life-changing decision to transition genders. After struggling with the person he was for the majority of his life, Matt transitioned from female to male (FTM) in 2013 and has never looked back since. Such an immense and fundamental change, Matt was always fearful that he would lose friends and family for his choices. He attended counselling sessions to overcome his fears, ultimately unlocking answers to help him transition in both medical and social aspects. As a speaker Matt pioneers awareness of transgender issues, helping businesses to be more accepting and helpful to members of the LGBT community.

Quickly establishing a revered reputation in the LGBT community, Matt is now a well known transgender speaker sought by corporate clients across the globe. In recognition of his dedication to the trans community, Matt was made the Co-chair of FTM London. For two years Matt co-chaired the Female To Male (FTM) support group for transgender men. During his tenure as the chair, Matt was fortunate to work with the NHS, spearheading the improvement of care for transgender people. Matt is also highly knowledgeable in the UK Gender Recognition Act, a key part of his keynote addresses informing people of their rights to respect and acceptance regardless of their gender or identity.

As a speaker, Matt discusses various steps businesses can take to make sure that they are inclusive to each and every member of staff regardless of their gender, identity or sexuality. Tailoring his speeches to each audience, Matt has delivered previously to educational institutions, emergency services, healthcare professionals, political and religious groups. Speaking with courage and passion Matt encourages other people to overcome their fears of transitioning to accept who they truly are.

A truly adept speaker, Matt is viewed as an authoritative individual credited with personal experience. As society becomes more accepting of LGBT, more and more people feel liberated to transition. Matt discusses frequently the courage he had to build to overcome his fears, and in his speeches, he inspires people to abolish social norms and enlightens them on equality and rights. Having previously worked with Lloyds of London, Natwest and the University of Westminster it is evident that Matts expertise is highly regarded by professionals across the country. Personable, courageous and influential. Matt is a perfect speaker to increase diversity and inclusion on a corporate scale.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary halt of live events, Matt has been attending virtual events. See the feedback that he received from attendees below:

"Pandemic or no pandemic, nothing can stop our Kentucky Fried pride celebrations. To get the party started Matt Ellison joined us virtually to share his personal journey and experiences. Buckets of love and gratitude to Matt for such an inspiring, authentic session." - KFC

"Thank you so much. Such a touching and illuminating discussion. I feel very lucky to have been there to hear your story. Every workplace needs this presentation." - Virtual Event, 2020

"He was brilliant. The students just loved him. For me it was like working with a good friend. So, an all-round excellent job." - Stephen Simms, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

"Having never met someone transgender before, I was really looking forward to hearing Matt talk about his story. what I hadn't prepared for was how much I wanted to learn about the transgender community after his talk. Since hearing Matt speak, I can't stop reading and learning about this topic. Matt has the most unique ability to pass wisdom - without being preachy - in such a way that left us wanting to educate ourselves. Matt provides a sensitive yet influential argument about some hot topics relating to gender and diversity. I have no hesitation in recommending Matt." - Deborah Mowbray, Senior HR Business Partner

Live Event Testimonials

"Matt was recently invited to speak at the Lloyd’s Dive In Festival in Chatham. Matt shared his life story and how the decisions he made throughout have affected him. Matt was very engaging and his talk opened my eyes to the difficulties faced by Matt and others in similar situations. Matt is obviously very passionate about helping others and telling his story, so others are confident in taking the first step to changing their lives. Matt was able to share useful resources to the group and was keen to speak to members of the audience on a personal level after the talk. A thought provoking talk"- Anne, Lloyds of London

"One of the best talks I’ve ever heard at a conference!"- Robbie, Royal Pharmaceutical Society

"I have no hesitation in recommending Matt to speak at any event across any industry vertical. I think his stories around transformation and change, and the bravery and courage in personal journey, is something that is applicable to any type of person in any type of industry"- Johnathan MacDonald

"Matt Ellison speaks with authenticity and truth. He shares his knowledge and life experiences with candour and emotionally connects everyone in the room in an instant. I learn something from Matt every time I hear him speak!"- Gina Battye

"Matt Ellison is an engaging performer and an inspiring teacher who has been changing lives for years. He has courage, integrity, passion and a unique story to tell"- Dr Geoff, International Speech Coach

"Matt delivered a talk to our GP’s at a recent training session. He delivered his presentation in a professional manner with great charisma and captured the attention of our audience from start to finish. I know the GP’s really appreciated how open Matt was about his experience and were grateful for the insight he provided. He followed the brief and adhered to the timing for the day. All in all I thought his talk was excellent, I really wish we could have had him for longer. Thanks Matt"- NHS

"Matt had the audience captivated with his own incredible and courageous personal story. I have to say it was one of the best sessions I have ever seen delivered at a Pharmacy Conference and I have been to many in my 24 years as a pharmacist professional. Matt has a natural ability to speak confidently and effortlessly to a large audience and has personality and speaker content to keep an audience hanging on his every word. I cannot recommend Matt more highly"- Rachel, NHS

"I have known Matt for many years. During which time I have observed him speaking to a variety of groups and audiences. What can I say… Interesting, informative and engaging. Often thought provoking always honest"- Dean, Detective Chief Inspector