Transition is never just one thing. It’s physical, emotional, and spiritual all at once. This panel brings together voices who will share the vulnerable truths of their journeys, exploring both the challenges and the profound self-discovery that comes with change. It’s about honoring the difficulty, celebrating the beauty, and recognizing transition as a deeply human act of becoming.
Yasmin Finney is a British actress and trans advocate, best known for her hit Netflix show and as one of the few trans women to grace the cover of Vogue. With her outspoken advocacy, she has become a leading voice on representation and the evolving narratives of transitioning.
Danielle St James is a leading trans advocate and founder of Not A Phase, the UK’s flagship charity for trans+ adults. Recognised for her activism and entrepreneurial spirit, she has created platforms that amplify voices, secure resources, and drive lasting change for the community.
Samuel is a trans academic and activist pursuing a PhD in Human Geography at QMUL, specialising in trans medicine, healthcare, and biopolitics. His research examines UK medical school curriculum, specifically how biological sex, gender, and trans identities are taught.
Joëlle Rotsaert is a trans entrepreneur and the co-founder of Injectual. She has dedicated herself to creating spaces for trans people to gain confidence and embrace their fullest selves. A visible leader and advocate, Joëlle is a pioneering voice in gender-affirming care.
This panel brings together a diverse mix of voices to speak openly about pleasure, protection, and wellbeing. By leading with personal experience, the conversation breaks down stigma and taboo, balancing candid, entertaining dialogue with meaningful insights. Expect honesty, humour, and a safe space to learn, laugh, and rethink what sexual health really means.
Dr Michael Brady is NHS England’s first National Advisor for LGBT+ Health, whilst also a Sexual Health & HIV consultant at King’s College Hospital. Former Medical Director of Terrence Higgins Trust, he helped drive landmark wins like NHS-provision of PrEP and the “U=U” message.
Reed Amber is a pioneering sex educator, activist, and content creator, as well as the co-founder of the award-winning podcast Come Curious. Celebrated for pushing boundaries, she is a candid voice empowering global audiences through stigma-smashing conversation.
Dr Henry Blest is a sexual health researcher, and co-founder of Polari Group. With a PhD from the University of Oxford and research expertise in HIV and herpes virology, he leads pioneering experimentation at London’s Anal Sex Lab, the first of its kind worldwide. “London’s most ambitious bottom”.
Dee Whitnell (they/them) is a multi-award winning sex educator and content creator, author of LGBTQIA+ sex ed book Beyond Bananas and Condoms, founder of Trans Kids Deserve to Grow Up, and currently works in sexual health outreach and testing whilst training to become a sex therapist.
Family today is being redefined in powerful new ways. This panel highlights trailblazers who are reshaping parenthood, and have navigated non-traditional paths to get there. Through their stories, we’ll explore the resilience, creativity, and love that build families beyond convention and inspire a new generation to define “family” for themselves.
Laura-Rose Thorogood is the founder of LGBT Mummies, a global platform supporting queer people on the path to parenthood. A mother of four through IUI and IVF, she is a leading advocate for inclusive fertility care and has advised NHS England, Parliament, and major universities on LGBTQ+ family planning.
Jacob Stokoe is a trans birthing parent, educator, writer, and founder of Transparent Change CIC. After personally navigating pregnancy within a system unprepared for trans bodies, he created his organisation to train and empower professionals across healthcare settings with trans-inclusive practice. His work shapes a new standard of care.
Mama Dinya (Elizabeth Idowu) is a celebrated midwife, educator, and founder of Mama’s Classes, offering antenatal care and birthing education with compassion and clarity. With over 374K TikTok followers—and millions of likes—she uses her platform to demystify maternal health and empower expectant parents globally.
Matt Taylor-Roberts is the Founder and CEO of Proud 2 b Parents, an award-winning organisation championing equity, visibility, and better outcomes for LGBT+ parents, carers, and their children. An LGBT+ parent through adoption and a foster carer alongside his husband, Matt brings lived experience into his national advocacy.
Thriving as queer people isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about sustaining ourselves for the long journey. This panel brings together accomplished voices to discuss what truly matters (and what doesn’t) when building a legacy. Expect an honest conversation on how self-care, mental health, resilience, and perspective are the real keys to lasting success.
Dr Paul Martin OBE is CEO of LGBT Foundation, the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing charity. A lifelong advocate, he has shaped national policy on equality and healthcare, from NHS monitoring to the UK census. Paul was honored in 2011 with an OBE for services to LGBTQ+ communities.
Baroness Elizabeth Barker is a member of the House of Lords and one of the UK’s most influential voices on LGBTQ+ rights. A champion for equality in Parliament, she has driven national conversations on inclusive healthcare, trans rights, and global LGBTQ+ justice. She has advanced policy, visibility, and protection for queer health.
Small Luk is the first publicly intersex person in Hong Kong. She has been a pioneer in raising intersex awareness across Asia, challenging stigma and reshaping narratives. Drawing from her background in traditional Chinese medicine and modern psychotherapy, she now runs a holistic treatment clinic in Hong Kong.
Bobbi Pickard is a pioneering trans equality campaigner, CEO of Trans in the City, and globally recognised DEI leader. The first trans person to close the London Stock Exchange, she has transformed workplace inclusion through advocacy, education, and collaboration with hundreds of organisations worldwide.
More than 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ people report negative healthcare experiences (for trans people, it’s more than 1 in 2) [1]. LGBTQ+ populations still face significantly worse mental, physical , and cognitive outcomes than heterosexual peers, driven by stigma, discrimination, and scare access to affirming care.
We are under-serving a growing population (now 22% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+ [2]). With higher risk of overall mortality [3], higher risk of cardiovascular disease [4], and higher risk of suicide [5], it’s time we stopped leaving me, you, family members and beloved friends behind. Each and every person deserves to live, love, heal, and thrive.
