Availability dot

Avalaible to book

LGBTQ+ advocate & inclusion speaker

Gareth Thomas - Rugby

Transform workplace inclusion with Gareth Thomas, speaker and LGBTQ+ advocate. Gareth works with organisations to build resilience, challenge stigma, and embrace diversity, delivering powerful insights as Stonewall's Hero of the Year and leader of the "Tackle HIV" campaign.

Trusted by Northern Trust Corporation, Stonewall, Tackle HIV

Gareth Thomas - Rugby

Speaker Biography

Key topics about

  • First openly gay professional rugby union player
  • Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness
  • Former Welsh international rugby star and second-highest try scorer
Gareth Thomas, former Welsh rugby star turned LGBTQ+ and HIV awareness advocate, breaks barriers with the same determination that earned him 100 caps for Wales and second-highest try scorer status in the nation's history. In 2009, Thomas made headlines as the first openly gay professional rugby union player, later revealing his HIV-positive status to challenge persistent stigmas. His award-winning memoir "Proud" and documentary "Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me" have transformed public conversations around sexuality and health. Named Most Influential Gay Person in the UK and recipient of Stonewall's Hero of the Year, Thomas now leads the "Tackle HIV" campaign to combat misinformation. Beyond his advocacy, Thomas brings powerful insights on resilience, authenticity and inclusion to organisations navigating today's complex social landscape. His personal journey from international sports icon to influential change-maker offers teams practical lessons in overcoming adversity and embracing diversity. Book Gareth Thomas to inspire your team with a story of courage that transcends sport.

Gareth's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions and Talks

LGBTQ+ Representation In Professional Environments
Gareth Thomas discusses the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity in professional settings, advocating for supportive workplaces that embrace diversity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.

Why We Recommend Booking Gareth

Gareth brings your team a unique blend of elite sports achievement and groundbreaking advocacy, inspiring resilience, inclusivity, and courage. His firsthand experiences in breaking barriers and fostering acceptance in challenging environments will empower and enlighten your team on the importance of diversity and inclusion. Booking Gareth as a speaker guarantees an impactful, motivational experience that will leave a lasting impression on your organisation.

Check Gareth's availability

Trusted by Northern Trust Corporation, Stonewall, Tackle HIV

Testimonials

["Please pass on the biggest thank you to Gareth! What a talk! That was amazing! I've had so many messages from the team and that has sparked some real conversation on slack too which is always a good sign!","I’ve never felt such joy, shame, pride, anger, frustration, and happiness within a 60-minute session. I felt like Riley from Inside Out 😉 Very happy to have been able to play a small part, and huge thanks to fellow Suntorians, the PepTalk team and the remarkable Gareth [Thomas]","Gareth was wonderful, he was incredibly genuine and authentic. We appreciate him taking the time to answer our employees’ questions as well. Please extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of Ascot."]

Jules Denise - Senior Vice President, US Head of Human Resources

["RipJar","Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I","Senior Vice President, US Head of Human Resources, Ascot Group"]

A really inspirational story.

Northern Trust Corporation

The session received amazing feedback and people were really engaged in the session. I would highly recommend Gareth [Thomas] as a guest speaker. Fantastic!

Kingfisher Plc

frequently asked questions

Got Questions About Booking a Speaker?

What topics does Gareth Thomas - Rugby specialise in?
Gareth Thomas - Rugby specialises in discussing rugby, LGBTQ+ advocacy, diversity and inclusion and more.
What is Gareth Thomas - Rugby's speaking style like?
Gareth delivers authentic, heartfelt talks that spark real conversation and emotional engagement. His sessions inspire, encourage openness, and leave audiences feeling motivated, connected, and empowered to embrace diversity and resilience.
Does Gareth Thomas - Rugby offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Gareth Thomas - Rugby offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

Trusted by 5k+ clients

Book a Speaker
Who Nails It

Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.

Waves on cta form
Waves on cta form