Invited Keynote Speaker
2010–2023
6 keynote addresses at regional and national conferences
Overview
Over more than a decade, Zed has been invited to deliver keynote addresses and named speeches at regional and national conferences, speaking to audiences on topics spanning leadership, identity, organizational legacy, consent culture, and interpersonal dynamics. Each keynote was delivered to a live conference audience and represented the capstone address of the event — selected by conference organizers from a field of experienced speakers and educators.
“Honoring Lineage” Stepdown Keynote — Northwest Leather Celebration, Seattle WA, 2023
Delivered as the closing keynote address of the Northwest Leather Celebration, this speech explored organizational legacy, leadership succession, and the responsibility of passing institutional knowledge and community investment to the next generation of leaders. Audience: 200+ attendees.
“I Said No” Keynote Address — South Plains LeatherFest Contest, Lubbock TX, 2020
A keynote on boundaries, self-advocacy, and the courage required to hold a position under pressure — exploring what it means to say no in professional, relational, and community contexts, and why that skill is foundational to effective leadership. Audience: 150+ attendees.
“Nonbinary Mastery” Keynote Address — Northwest Leather Celebration, Seattle WA, 2019
A keynote on gender identity, authentic leadership, and what it means to lead from outside binary frameworks — exploring how nonbinary and gender-nonconforming leaders bring distinct strengths to organizational and community roles. Audience: 200+ attendees.
“Flirting As Communication” Keynote Address — Boundless Conference, 2018
A keynote on connection, charisma, and the interpersonal dynamics that make communication land — exploring the skills that underlie genuine human connection and how to bring them intentionally into professional and community contexts. Audience: 150+ attendees.
“The Sexual Politics of Marginalized Communities” Keynote Address — Sex Down South Conference, Atlanta GA, 2016
A keynote on power, advocacy, and community politics — exploring how marginalized communities navigate power dynamics, build coalitions, and advocate for recognition and rights within larger social and political structures. Audience: 400+ attendees.
Identity Ritual Closing Address & Experiential Ritual — BUTCH Voices NYC Regional Conference, New York NY, 2010
A featured address on community identity, belonging, and the rituals that hold organizations together — exploring how shared identity practices build organizational culture and sustain community across time and geography. Audience: 100+ attendees.
