Hannah Graf MBE is a retired Captain in the British Army and a prominent advocate for transgender rights. With a wealth of experience in leadership and a compelling personal story, Hannah offers unique insights into diversity and inclusion, making her an inspiring speaker for any audience. Her ability to combine real-world leadership with a powerful message of acceptance and equality is what sets her apart.
Hannah is also widely reconised as part of the UK’s ‘Transgender Power Couple’ with her husband, Jake Graf, an award-winning filmmaker, actor, and writer. Together, they’ve shared their journey of navigating life as a transgender couple, openly discussing the challenges they’ve faced and the joy of welcoming their two children into the world. Their advocacy extends to film projects and public talks, where they inspire others to embrace diversity and foster greater understanding of transgender experiences.
Hannah served in the British Army's Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for over a decade, deploying to Afghanistan, Kenya, and Canada. In 2013, she came out as a transgender woman while still serving, making her one of the highest-ranking transgender soldiers in the British military. This bold decision put her at the forefront of transgender representation in a traditionally hypermasculine environment. As the Army’s Transgender Representative, Hannah played a key role in shaping transgender policy and supporting other soldiers through their transitions, showing that leadership and inclusion go hand in hand.
Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. Hannah's decision to live authentically as a transgender woman gained widespread media attention, but she handled this pressure with grace and resilience. By publicly sharing her story, she became a visible role model, breaking down stereotypes about transgender individuals and inspiring others to embrace their own identities.
Hannah's advocacy has earned her numerous accolades, including an MBE in 2019 for her services to equality within the military, and awards from the British LGBT Awards and Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards. She also serves as Patron of the charity Mermaids, which supports transgender youth, and is an Ambassador for LGBT Sport Cymru. Her work extends beyond the military, as she now applies her leadership skills in the financial sector, combating global financial crime.
Through her talks, Hannah inspires audiences with her powerful story, offering practical steps to foster inclusivity and equality in both personal and professional spaces. She exemplifies how embracing diversity can lead to stronger, more effective leadership. Hannah can be booked for individual talks, or as a duo with husband Jake.
Lessons from a Transgender Army Captain.
Retired British Army Captain Hannah Graf MBE offers a compelling take on inclusive leadership, drawn from her decade-long military career and personal journey as a transgender woman. In this insightful talk, Hannah shares her experiences leading soldiers, coming out in a traditionally hypermasculine environment, and applying these lessons in the corporate world. Attendees will learn practical strategies for fostering inclusive leadership, gaining a fresh perspective on how diversity can drive positive change in any organisation.
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