LGBTQ Campus Speakers

An LGBTQ campus speaker since 2005, Ryan Sallans provides thought-provoking education and entertainment to university and college campuses nationwide. 

A Story of Two “Coming Outs” and a Transition

Since 2005, Ryan’s transition story, Scouting the Unknown, has been captivating audiences on university campuses nationwide. Ryan first provides a foundational overview of human sexuality in relation to sex, orientation and gender. In this introduction, he provides the opportunity for audiences to think about these pieces in relation to Self.  

After introducing students to this foundation, Ryan shares his personal story of discovering identity through eating disorder recovery and transition of gender. He brings in his academic background and decades in health education to highlight key areas in people’s lives that are impacted by feelings of rejection or confusion about themselves in relation to others.

Ryan’s story begins with his childhood and the struggles he had with his body, before moving into his college years where he was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. It shifts to his discovery of his need for gender transition at age twenty-five and how he navigated life – transitioning at a time where there was further-limited access, knowledge and support. 

Having transitioned nineteen years ago, Ryan provides the opportunity for the audience to ask him questions either about his own personal journey, about themselves, or about society and culture in general. He closes with asking the audience to think about their struggles and challenges in life, and identify where they feel supported, while honoring their truths.

Suggested Length: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Description: Becoming Ryan: Eating Disorder Recovery and Transition is a presentation that blends present research surrounding eating disorders with Ryan’s personal recovery story from anorexia nervosa, which began in 1999. With insight as an ethical health educator on this topic, Ryan’s personal journey assists audiences with understanding the emotions that drive the eating disorder and also the recovery.

Suggested Length: 1 ½ hours

Improving Inclusion on Campus Title Screen

Description: Improving Inclusion on Campus is a professional staff development training focused on breaking down barriers presented to gender diverse students and staff. This training can be open to all departments or made health-care specific.

Suggested Length: 2 hours

Click on Image for Trans Inclusion Guide

Clip from Gender Rebel

Some campuses also screen the popular documentary, Gender Rebel, due to Ryan being one of the subjects followed. For campuses interested in screening this documentary, contact Progeny Pictures for license use.

Program Options

  • Option 1: Campus-Wide Program with Student Meet and Greet
  • Option 2: Professional Staff Development Training with Staff Meet and Greet
  • Option 3: Combination Package Campus-Wide Program, Professional Staff Development Training, and Meet and Greet
LGBT College Speaker
Ryan Sallans Eating Disorder Speaker
Transgender Speakers
Transgender Speakers
Transgender College Speaker
transgener college speakers
Transgender College Speakers
Transgender Speaker
Transgender College Speaker
Transgender College Speaker

Previous Campus Engagements

Arkansas:

  • University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 10/2018

California:

  • Evergreen Valley College | San Jose, CA | 03/2020
  • San Jose City College | San Jose, CA | 03/2020
  • San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | 03/2018

Colorado:

  • Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | 10/2015

Delaware:

  • University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 03/19/19 and 02/2013

Florida:

  • Seminole State College | Sanford, FL | 03/2018
  • University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | 03/2015
  • University of South Florida | St. Petersburg, FL | 10/2014

Georgia:

  • University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 03/2010

Illinois:

  • Eureka College | Eureka, IL | 11/27/2018

Iowa:

  • Luther College | Decorah, IA | 11/8-9/17
  • Drake University | Des Moines, IA | 04/2013 & 04/2016
  • Buena Vista University | Storm Lake, IA | 04/2012

Kansas:

  • Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg, KS | 11/29/2016
  • Kansas State University | Salina, KS | 11/22/2009

Kentucky:

  • Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | 04/2015

Maine:

  • University of Maine | Fort Kent, ME | 10/21/2021
  • University of Maine | Presque Isle, ME | 10/20/2021
  • University of New England | Biddeford or Portland, ME | 10/2013

Maryland:

  • Towson University | Towson, MD | 02/2018 and 02/2013

Massachusetts:

  • Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | 04/2017
  • Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | 02/2016
  • Massasoit Community College | Brockton, MA | 10/2015

Michigan:

  • Oakland University | Rochester, MI | 10/27-28/2016

Minnesota:

  • St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud, MN | 08/2016
  • Normandale Community College | Minneapolis, MN | 03/2016

Mississippi:

  • Mississippi State University | Starkville, MS | 10/24/18

Missouri:

  • State Fair Community College | Sedalia, MO | 09/21/17
  • Truman State University | Kirksville, MO | 03/2013 and 03/2016
  • University of Missouri | Columbia, MO | 10/2015 and 04/2013
  • Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | 04/2013
  • University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | 03/2012

Montana:

  • Montana State University | Bozeman, MT | 04/10/19

Nebraska:

  • Southeast Community College | Lincoln, NE | 2005 – 2018
  • Metropolitan Community College | Omaha and Elkhorn, NE | 06/2016 and 06/2017
  • Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | 2005 – 2015
  • Doane College | Crete, NE | 2005 – 2015
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University | Lincoln, NE | 2005 – 2015
  • University of Nebraska | Lincoln, NE | 2005 – 2015
  • University of Nebraska | Kearney, NE | 03/2011 and 10/2012
  • University of Nebraska | Omaha, NE | 03/2011
  • College of St. Mary’s | Lincoln, NE | 2005 – 2010
  • Creighton University | Omaha, NE | 04/2009

New York:

  • Siena College | Loudonville, NY | 10/16/18
  • Tompkins Cortland Community College | Dryden, NY | 03/2018
  • Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY | 03/2016
  • Alfred and Alfred State Universities | Alfred, NY | 11/2013
  • State University of New York | Oswego, NY | 11/2009

New Jersey:

  • Kean University | Union, NJ | 10/10/17
  • Rutgers University | Camden, NJ | 03/2013

North Carolina:

  • Warren-Wilson College | Asheville, NC | 03/2011
  • University of North Carolina | Wilmington, NC | 03/2011

North Dakota:

  • University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | 11/03/2018

Oregon:

  • University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | 02/2014

Ohio:

  • Ohio State University-Mansfield | Mansfield, OH | 02/2018
  • Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green, OH | 11/2006 and 03/2007

Pennsylvania:

  • Pennsylvania State University – Berks | Reading, PA | 10/2015
  • Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville, PA | 10/2015
  • Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | 10/2014
  • Ursinus College | Collegeville, PA | 03/2013
  • Allegheny College | Meadville, PA | 11/2012
  • Bloomsburg University | Bloomsburg, PA | 11/2011

Rhode Island:

  • University of Rhode Island | Kingston, RI | 03/2012,  11/2015, 11/15/2023
  • Roger Williams University | Bristol, RI | 11/2013

South Dakota:

  • University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | 03/2013

Tennessee:

  • University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | 04/2016

Texas: 

  • Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | 10/09/2019
  • Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | 11/15-16/17

Washington:

  • Pierce College | Puyallup, WA | 05/30/17

Wisconsin:

  • Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, WI | 10/22/2019
  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | 02/2018
  • Medical College of Wisconsin | Milwaukee, WI | 02/2017
  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI | 10/08/2016
  • University of Wisconsin | Kenosha, WI | 02/2010 and 11/2010

Vermont:

  • School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute | Brattleboro, VT | 04/2017

Virginia:

  • Jefferson Literary and Debate Society at the University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | 09/17/2021
  • College of William and Mary | Williamsburg, VA | 02/26/19
  • James Madison University | Harrisburg, VA | 02/2014 and 02/2016
  • Madeira Private High School | McLean, VA | 01/2015
  • Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA | 03/2013 and 03/2014