- Cultural historian focusing on queer representation in media
- Winner of Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Nonfiction
- GLAAD Award nominee for outstanding journalism
Matthew Baume is a Seattle-based writer, YouTuber, and podcaster who illuminates queer history through the lens of popular culture, revealing how entertainment has shaped social progress and understanding.
Author of the Lambda Literary Award-winning book Hi Honey, I'm Homo! and Defining Marriage, Matt has established himself as a respected cultural historian. His work has been featured on CNN, with The New York Times recognizing him as "thoughtful and thorough... informative and funny," and he received a GLAAD award nomination for his journalism.
Matt helps organizations navigate today's complex social landscape by uncovering the historical connections between media representation and cultural acceptance. His analysis of how sitcoms and entertainment have influenced public perception provides businesses with valuable insights into fostering inclusive environments and authentic communication strategies that resonate across diverse audiences.
Audiences leave Matt's presentations with practical frameworks for recognizing media's role in shaping cultural attitudes, tools for building bridges between different perspectives in workplace settings, and inspiring examples of how storytelling can transform organizational culture. His engaging approach makes complex social history accessible and immediately applicable.
Book Matt Baume to give your team the historical context and practical tools needed to build a more connected, collaborative organizational culture.
Matthew's Showreel and Videos
Topics, Sessions and Talks
How Queer Sitcoms Changed the World (and How it Could Happen Again)
Matthew Baume will explore how comedy enhances communication in creative projects and everyday interactions through a guided tour of queer characters in American sitcoms. By showcasing clips from All in the Family, Cheers, and Will & Grace, he will illustrate how humor serves as a powerful tool for cultural change and inclusivity. Attendees will learn how laughter can improve their communication skills and promote a more inclusive environment in their own lives.
Thank You for Being a Friend: Learning to be an Ally from The Golden Girls
Matthew Baume explores how The Golden Girls serves as a powerful resource for supporting marginalized communities. Beyond their humor, the show's lessons on allyship, equality, and combating stigma, particularly around HIV, resonate deeply. Through engaging clips from memorable scenes, Baume highlights the importance of being a steadfast ally in both personal and professional settings. Attendees will learn practical ways to uplift and advocate for their friends and colleagues, drawing inspiration from these iconic characters.
Television’s Best Coming Out Scenes (and Why Coming Out Matters)
In this presentation, Matthew Baume explores the evolution of coming-out scenes in television, highlighting how these narratives have addressed LGBTQ+ experiences through various lenses, from awkward confessions to joyful celebrations. Attendees will learn effective strategies for fostering inclusive environments where individuals feel safe to express themselves, as well as the best practices for delivering and receiving sensitive news while avoiding common pitfalls. This session promises valuable insights into the impact of media on personal stories.
Where Does Queer Pride Come From? (and What’s the Right Way to Celebrate?)
Matthew Baume presents a dynamic exploration of Pride history, highlighting the balance between politics and celebration. Through archival footage, historical news coverage, and personal narratives, he sheds light on the significance of protests, parties, and parades. This engaging talk is designed for both newcomers and seasoned attendees, offering insights into LGBTQ+ history and best practices for respectful inclusion. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of Pride's roots and how to honor its legacy effectively.
A Brief History of Queer Youth on Screen
Matthew Baume discusses the significant evolution of media portrayals of queer youth over the past sixty years, highlighting the transition from invisibility to celebration. This presentation is tailored for schools, youth groups, and caregivers, providing insights into how societal changes and social movements have influenced these representations. Attendees will learn about the historical context of queer youth in media and the importance of positive representation in fostering acceptance and support for young people today.
Why We Recommend Booking Matthew
Matthew Baume illuminates how entertainment shapes cultural acceptance, providing teams with practical frameworks for inclusive communication and organizational culture through his award-winning analysis of queer history in popular media. Book this respected cultural historian to give your team the historical context and practical tools needed to build a more connected, collaborative workplace that resonates across diverse audiences.
Matt put on a fantastic presentation for my company about the queer history of The Golden Girls that was enjoyed by people across the company. His talk appealed to all ages and all types of people and it was something people were talking about for weeks after the presentation.
Sean Todd, Chief Information Security Officer
Chief Information Security Officer, PayNearMe
Matt brought the topic of Queer Representation on Television to life with his engaging and interactive presentation, which he kindly tailored a bit to what we thought would be interesting to our LGBTQ+ ERG. Matt is very knowledgeable on the subject, and a fantastic, fun, and funny presenter. Additionally, communication with Matt was great. We’d be happy to bring Matt back to our group as a guest again.
JP Shields
Senior Director, Communications & Policy, PBS SoCal
Matt does an incredible job shedding light on how queerness has always been around, even in places you may not have noticed. He shows audiences how TV has impacted the LGBTQIA+ community in its many diversities and celebrates the shows that get it right! Book him now!
Taylor Aucott
Executive Assistant, People Experience Enthusiast, and Culture Champion, Redesign Health
