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Speaker, activist & author

Raquel Willis

Empower your team to embrace inclusivity and challenge societal norms with Raquel Willis, speaker, activist, and author.

Trusted by Out magazine, Ms. Foundation for Women

Raquel Willis
Raquel Willis

Raquel Willis

New York City, United States

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This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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New York City, United States

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Raquel Willis's biography

At a glance

  • Advocate for transgender rights and social justice
  • Former executive editor of Out magazine
  • Author of The Risk It Takes to Bloom

Raquel Willis is a prominent activist, writer, and speaker committed to advancing transgender rights and social justice. Her extensive experience in advocacy positions her as a vital voice in the ongoing conversation about equity and inclusion. Raquel's work has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, particularly trans women of colour, and addressing systemic inequalities that persist in society. Raquel's journey has been marked by both personal and professional challenges. As a former executive editor of Out magazine and director of communications for the Ms. Foundation for Women, she has navigated the complexities of media and activism, using her platform to highlight critical issues affecting the transgender community. Her memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom, offers insight into her life and the broader struggles for trans liberation, providing a powerful narrative that resonates with many. In addition to her writing, Raquel's activism includes organising events, public speaking, and engaging in community outreach. She focuses on intersectionality, recognising that the fight for justice is multifaceted and requires a collective effort. Through her engagements, she encourages audiences to challenge societal norms and embrace inclusivity, fostering a deeper understanding of the experiences faced by those in the transgender community. Raquel's contributions to the field of social justice have not gone unnoticed. She has received recognition for her work, which underscores her commitment to creating a more equitable society. Her insights and experiences make her a compelling speaker, inspiring individuals to take actionable steps toward achieving justice for all communities. Raquel's dedication to her cause continues to inspire change and foster dialogue around the importance of inclusivity and representation.

Topics, sessions and talks

The Risk It Takes To Bloom: Celebrating GLAAD Media Award Win

Raquel Willis delivers an empowering speech on the courage required for personal growth and LGBTQ+ advocacy, celebrating her GLAAD Media Award win for promoting acceptance and equality.

The Risk It Takes To Bloom

Life, Transformation, And Collective Liberation

Why we recommend booking Raquel

Book Raquel Willis to inspire your team with her powerful narrative of resilience and transformation. Her insights on social justice and collective liberation will motivate your audience to embrace diversity, take action, and create meaningful change in their communities.

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Trusted by Out magazine, Ms. Foundation for Women

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Raquel Willis for my next event?

Email raquel.willis@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Raquel's 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.

What is Raquel Willis's speaking style like?

Raquel Willis draws on memoir-based narrative, using her book The Risk It Takes to Bloom as a structural anchor to trace her personal journey alongside broader arguments for trans liberation and collective social justice.

What topics does Raquel Willis specialise in?

Raquel Willis speaks on transgender rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy, personal transformation and collective liberation, and intersectionality and social justice. She is the author of the memoir The Risk It Takes to Bloom and a GLAAD Media Award winner, with prior roles as executive editor of Out magazine and director of communications for the Ms. Foundation for Women.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

What happens after I send a brief?

Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

Have all the speakers on the website worked with PepTalk before?

Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.