Keynote Queers
The eight-week course, by and for LGBTQ+ people.
Your Voice, Your Power
Learn the skills to move your audience to take action for your business, your career, and your advocacy work.
We need you here because the world needs more LGBTQ+ voices if it's going to change.
Small class. Huge value. Limitless potential.
How we get there:
- A weekly hour-long group zoom call, split between crafting your message and "how to get booked" skills.
- Meet one-on-one with TEDx Speaker Coach Jill Davis for individual feedback and direction.
- Craft an impactful presentation that can easily be customized to thousands of audiences.
- Receive a professional recording of the final presentation to use in social media and speaker reels.
- Students will be accepted on a rolling basis so the class can fill anytime before start date.
- Weekly "lunch hour" classes are on Tuesday mornings at 10 am PST. Meetings will be recorded and available for replay.
- PS: there's no application fee.
What this is...
- a way to focus and gather all the tools that you need to build your public speaking skills
- access to an incredible TEDx speaker coach and her 1:1 feedback for you
- an opportunity to learn from a professional, queer public speaker exactly how she books paid speaking gigs
- an innovative course to build an impactful cohort of like-minded LGBTQ+ changemakers
What this isn't...
- a guarantee to become a TEDx speaker. No one can guarantee that as all TEDx events are run independently and by volunteers.
- a path to immediate fame.
- a sure-fire way to become part of a speaker’s bureau.
What you walk away with:
- A 10 minute or less talk that you can use to pitch your business, move towards a TEDx talk, or use at legislative testimony meetings.
- A recording of your talk to use in a speaking reel from a performance night with guests you invite.
- Tools to get yourself booked: a list of conferences to apply for including TEDx, an intentional bio, a headshot review, a list of resources to find bookings, and a speaking pitch framework to use going forward.
- A custom workbook to support you through the class, as well into future speaking opportunities
- Copy of Thriving in Business: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur
How do I get in?
Because we are curating a safe and in-depth experience, you will need to apply to secure your spot. There is no application fee.
No previous speaking experience is required. What is being evaluated is your desire to use the class to its highest potential, to change the world.
To apply for the class, please fill out this application form. The class will filled on a rolling basis and applicants will be taken on a first-come-first-served basis.
What is it going to cost me?
First, know this: The investment for the first cohort was $1495.
This round, we have a Very generous donor that wants to see a world full of impactful LGBTQ+ public speakers. This could very well be the most affordable this class will ever be offered.
Student rate/Business less than 3 years old: $250
Regular Rate: $450
Professional Development (company paid): $650
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. On the application form, there is a way to apply for a scholarship.
Additionally, this is a fundraiser for the Pride and Joy Foundation so your tuition cost is a donation to a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.
To apply for the class, please fill out this application form. The class will filled on a rolling basis and applicants will be taken on a first-come-first-served basis.
Is this right for me?
First, do you identify as LGBTQ+? The goal of this program is to amplify Queer voices and supplement Queer income. If you're straight, there are lots of other speaking courses for you. This is one for the gaybies, ladies, and theybies.
Second, are you ready to add speaking skills to your toolkit? You might own your business and are looking to expand. You might work for someone else and you're ready to take on larger roles. You might have some issues you want to speak up about with the most power and impact.
Third, are you ready to explore the sensation of visibility? The sensations that visibility brings to Queer people are intense. Both you and the audience can feel it. When mastered, Queer public speaking literally changes your life and the lives of your audience.
Weekly Topics
The Group Portion
The One-on-One Portion
So how much is it? $$
Corporate/Professional Development Rate
MEET YOUR COACH
Elena Joy Thurston is the founder and Executive Director of Pride and Joy Foundation.
Featured in the award-winning documentary, CONVERSION, Elena Joy Thurston is an inspirational Diversity & Allyship speaker, trainer, and author through a lens of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Elena Joy inspires her audiences to learn how Inclusive Leadership can improve company morale and productivity, changing members' lives in a practical way. A Mormon mom of four who lost her marriage, her church, and her community when she came out as a lesbian, her viral TEDx talk on surviving conversion therapy has been viewed more than 45,000 times and landed her media and speaking opportunities with ABC, CBS, FOX, Penn State, University of North Texas, Michael’s, Logitech, and more.
MEET YOUR COACH
Jill Davis
For the past 30 years, Jill has been helping people identify their dreams, tell their stories and share their ideas with the world. She is a coach, speaker, author, as well as a mother of four and grandmother of two, living a life of joy in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. Jill cocreates stories with her clients to share to their audiences.
Jill's time as the lead speaker coach for TEDx Colorado Springs inspired her to create her newest project: The Storytellers’ Porch, a new podcast showcasing personal stories with collective impact.
How long have you waited for something like this?
Elena Joy and Jill have been through so many of these speaking courses. Hardly any of them have been safe and affirming spaces for our LGBTQ+ community. It's time for the queer community to have the chance to learn the life-changing skills of visibility and public speaking, in a safe place.
