Public Speaking
Powerful storytelling. Real conversations. Actionable insight.
Lauren Semple is a speaker who brings heart, humour, and lived experience to every stage. As a queer, disabled entrepreneur, artist, community advocate and inclusion strategist, they speak with clarity and care about identity, access, resilience, and building inclusive communities that work for everyone.
Whether you’re booking a keynote, panellist, or facilitator, Lauren leaves audiences laughing, reflecting, and ready to act.
Featured Speaking Topics
Short or long, these powerful talks move beyond surface-level inclusion and speak directly to the experiences and solutions that matter.
The Resilience of Disabled and Queer Entrepreneurs
Stories and strategies from growing a thriving business as a queer, disabled entrepreneur, covering identity, resilience, self-advocacy, and redefining success on your own terms.
Tourism with a Purpose
Tourism can be a tool for connection, representation, and regeneration. Lauren shares lessons learned from leading sustainability, business resilience, and inclusion programs across BC.
People-First Strategy
Forget jargon-heavy planning or well-intentioned goals that never leave the page. Lauren shares grounded, practical insights into what makes strategy work: collaboration, community, and inclusive facilitation.
Designing Inclusive Destinations
What accessible, queer-welcoming, community-centred tourism really looks like. From talent casting and policy audits to partnership building and representation in marketing, Lauren shares what works (and what doesn’t).
Pride Work is Real Work
With over a decade of Pride organizing and community advocacy, Lauren reflects on the wins, challenges, and real impact of queer and trans leadership, from city hall to the mainstage.
Beyond the Rainbow: Inclusion that Matters
Performative allyship doesn’t build safety. This talk offers a plain-language, deeply honest look at what meaningful 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion actually takes: from first steps to ongoing commitment.
Presentation Formats
Lauren tailors every session to your audience and context.
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Keynotes (in-person or virtual)
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Panels and fireside chats
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Conference breakouts
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Workshops + Q&A
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Moderation and event hosting
Event Hosting
Your event deserves more than someone with a mic.
Lauren brings ease, energy, and authenticity to every event they host, whether it’s a fundraiser, awards ceremony, conference, or community celebration. From scripting and sponsor shout-outs to group photos, housekeeping, or a last-minute program change, Lauren holds it all with grace and humour so your team can breathe easy and enjoy the night.
Youth & Education Talks
Warm, accessible, and age-appropriate sessions for classrooms, libraries, and school assemblies. These sessions often include storytelling, community-building activities, and curated age-appropriate books on gender and diversity, helping students engage with inclusion
“Lauren served as a keynote speaker at our provincial fall conference. Their professionalism, preparation, and ability to engage stood out at every step. As a keynote speaker, Lauren brought energy, insight, and inspiration, captivating the audience with a presentation that was both engaging and inclusive.
I wholeheartedly recommend Lauren as a keynote speaker. Their expertise, dedication, and ability to connect with people make them an exceptional partner for any organization.”
— Brandi Butts, Program Manager, Community Futures BC
"Lauren guided the panel with warmth and clarity, drawing out thoughtful insights and fostering meaningful connections between panelists."
— IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit attendee
"Loved what you shared, your presence and your excellent way of weaving content together!"
— IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit attendee
“Lauren has a very special skill in understanding and reading an audience and delivered clear communications in a fun but very direct way that kept the event flowing."
— Nanaimo Business Awards attendee
"What an incredible keynote! You had the whole room’s attention with your stellar storytelling and infectious energy. That’s hard for an afternoon session!"
— Community Futures BC Conference attendee
"Lauren’s storytelling was so engaging! One of the best keynotes I’ve seen. I’m inspired, and I know what to do about it!"
— Student Sustainability Summit attendee
"I really enjoyed your inspiring words and appreciate the way you speak your mind! So glad I attended your panel."
— WORTH Summit attendee
What Audiences Say
Want to bring Lauren to your next event?
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