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.
Want to book Gareth Thomas for your next event?
Email gareth.thomas@getapeptalk.com, and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to Gareth Thomas directly.
What topics does Gareth Thomas specialise in? Gareth Thomas specialises in talking about rugby, LGBTQ+ advocacy, diversity and inclusion and more.
What is Gareth Thomas's speaking style like? Gareth inspires with his powerful journey from rugby star to advocate, sharing insights on resilience and inclusion. His story challenges stigmas and empowers teams to embrace diversity and overcome adversity. __
Does Gareth Thomas offer virtual speaking engagements? Yes, Gareth Thomas offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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.
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