Gareth Thomas CBE
Team Building
Influence
LGBTQ+

Gareth Thomas CBE

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.

Gareth Thomas CBE
Gareth Thomas CBE

London, United Kingdom

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Gareth Thomas CBE Speaker Biography

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First openly gay professional rugby union player
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Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness
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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.

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.

Gareth Thomas CBE's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions And Talks

There's No 'I' In Team: Business Is A Team Sport

This session emphasises the importance of collaboration in achieving business success. Explore how effective teamwork can drive innovation and enhance productivity. Attendees will learn strategies to foster a collaborative environment, improve communication, and leverage diverse strengths within their teams, ultimately transforming their approach to business and achieving greater results together.

Leadership 101: Guiding Principles For Leaders

A great leader possesses a clear vision, courage, integrity, honesty, humility, and clear focus. They help people reach their goals and take pride in the accomplishments of those they help along the way. Our expert leaders take you through their personal leadership experience and guiding principles.

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.

Overcoming Adversity: A PepTalk

In this compelling keynote, attendees will discover actionable strategies for navigating and triumphing over adversity. Drawing from real-life experiences and psychological insights, this talk empowers individuals to harness resilience, cultivate a positive mindset, and overcome obstacles with grace and determination. Through inspiring anecdotes and practical tips, audiences will gain the tools needed to thrive in the face of challenges, transforming adversity into opportunities for growth and success.

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