Recommended Keynotes:

1) Uncovering Our Value

As a young queer professional, Josh found themselves covering – downplaying, hiding, or filtering parts of himself at work, with different social groups, at school, and with family.

Through their work, including interviews and hosting video podcasts, and research done by organizations including Deloitte and UCLA Williams Institute, women of color, straight white men, LGBTQ+ folx, and people with disabilities, among others, have all named ways in which they’ve covered parts of themselves and their identities in business settings. Through Uncovering Our Value in the Workplace, attendees learn what covering is, its impact on the individual and the company, and how it can trigger coping strategies and lead to burnout. Josh delves into how these elements intersected with COVID-19 and the socio-political environment over the past few years touching every sector, and calls on attendees to consider the opportunity we have now to create an uncovering movement by imagining new ways of working. The talk includes recommendations for cultivating a positive sense of belonging by developing trusting cultures that embrace and value employees’ unique lived experiences.

2) LGBTQ+ Experiences, and the Role of Allyship at Work

Josh delves into the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace — from misgendering to covering, microaggressions to healthcare — and outlines strategies for embracing the evolving way we understand sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes looking at the role of companies, leaders, and employees in providing internal and external support for the LGBTQ+ community. The talk concludes with a call to action for individuals and employers to develop and take steps to create more inclusive workplaces for all, especially as parts of our nation become more hostile for LGBTQ+ people and employees.

Why Josh Miller is a Great Fit

• ‍Authentic LGBTQ+ Representation – As a queer speaker who leads with vulnerability and strength, Josh brings a deeply resonant message that supports Respawn’s vision for inclusive, human-centered storytelling.‍
• Insight on Generational and Cultural Change – Josh’s expertise in Gen Z culture and inclusive leadership is especially relevant to Respawn’s dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking teams.‍
• Storytelling that Inspires Empathy and Growth – With a blend of humor, honesty, and insight, Josh fosters the kind of introspection and dialogue Respawn values in both its workplace and its game narratives.‍
• Corporate-Ready and Culture-Aligned – Josh’s experience with major brands and ERGs ensures his message is not only powerful but well-calibrated for a high-performing, values-driven organization like Respawn.

“Josh’s research and experience demonstrated how by embracing uncovering and providing a safe and inclusive space for authentic self-expression, we can unlock the collective potential of our teams. Their insights have enhanced my thinking about cultivating inclusive workplace cultures and inspired and provoked thoughtful reflection.” - Rustin Tonn, Pitney Bowes

“Having Josh Miller as the keynote speaker during our Global Pride Month Webcast was incredibly impactful. Their personal story as well as their expert knowledge on the topic of covering created a message that universally resonated with the hundreds of McDonald’s employees who listened in from around the world. Their visibility and vulnerability left us feeling inspired to continue having such authentic and meaningful conversations in an effort for everyone to feel seen and supported.” - Ethan Bailey, US Strategy & Analytics, McDonald’s

For virtual engagements, Madison recommends delivering her content in a moderated conversation format, which enhances audience engagement through its interactive and dynamic structure. This format allows for a more conversational experience that resonates particularly well in virtual settings.

Madison previously spoke to Respawn during Black History Month 2023, where her message was highly impactful. She customizes each session to the audience, and for Respawn’s Pride Month event, we recommend the following keynote:

Coloring Outside of the Lines: Living Your Life for You

This powerful keynote focuses on the liberation that comes from breaking away from societal expectations — a message deeply resonant for the LGBTQ+ community.

Madison advocates for being unapologetically human, encouraging attendees to redefine success, authenticity, and leadership on their own terms. As a fierce champion of LGBTQ+ visibility and psychological safety, Madison challenges outdated norms and inspires individuals to create lives and workplaces where they can show up fully and unapologetically.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace individuality and authenticity without fear of societal constraints.
• Understand the importance of living and leading in a way that is true to self, especially for marginalized identities.
• Cultivate workplaces and communities where difference is celebrated, not hidden.
• Gain strategies to create spaces rooted in radical belonging, trust, and empowerment.‍

Why Madison Butler is a Great Fit

• Bold, Queer Voice for Belonging and Identity – Madison’s unapologetic advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities aligns with Respawn’s values of authenticity, narrative depth, and empowering underrepresented voices.
• ‍Champion of Cultural Transformation – Her work challenges performative inclusion and inspires organizations to build brave, equitable cultures where queer employees feel genuinely valued and safe.‍
• Intersectional and Impactful Storytelling – As a queer Black woman, Madison speaks to the layered experience of identity with power and clarity—offering Respawn a perspective that encourages empathy, reflection, and action.‍
• Disruptor Who Connects with Creative Audiences – Madison’s raw, engaging delivery resonates especially well with innovative, mission-driven teams like Respawn’s—sparking not just inspiration, but transformation.

"Madison centered on a topic that many Red Hatters were excited to discuss for some time. She answered the various challenging yet necessary questions revolving intersectionality and what it looks like in the LGBTQ+, Black and Latinx/Hispanic community. We're even more excited because this conversation is going to continue with the other diversity and inclusion communities here at Red Hat. As we continue to push for inclusivity and focus on an open and welcoming workplace for everyone to be themselves, we thank Madison for providing her expertise on how we can accomplish that. Can't say thank you enough, Madison!"- Red Hat

Meet LGBTQ+ Inclusion Author and Speaker, Dr. Kryss Shane | TS Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ScxbMgshY

Speaking Topics

Dr. Kryss Shane can customize her sessions to fit the specific audience and organizational goals. Overarching themes include:

Supporting LGBTQ+ Employees: From Awareness to Action

Building LGBTQ+ inclusion is about more than Pride Month; it’s a year-round commitment. This session offers practical tools and insights to create truly inclusive workplaces.

Understanding LGBTQ+ Identities: Creating Respectful and Affirming Spaces

Through education and real-world examples, Dr. Kryss explains LGBTQ+ terminology, common misconceptions, and best practices for fostering environments where everyone feels respected and valued.

The Power of Allyship: What True Support Looks Like

Dr. Kryss outlines actionable strategies for being an active ally at work, in communities, and beyond, moving from passive support to visible, impactful advocacy.

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Why Dr. Kryss Shane is a Great Fit

• Trusted Expert in LGBTQ+ Inclusion – Dr. Kryss brings deep expertise and national recognition to support Respawn’s commitment to meaningful, action-driven inclusion during Pride Month.
• Clear, Approachable, and Impactful Style – Her ability to translate complex topics into accessible and empowering conversations makes her ideal for engaging a wide range of employees across Respawn’s creative and technical teams.
• Focus on Actionable Allyship – Dr. Kryss equips audiences with concrete tools and frameworks, aligning with Respawn’s culture of continuous learning, empathy, and personal accountability.
• Proven Experience Across Industries – Having worked with Fortune 500 companies, universities, and public agencies, Dr. Kryss knows how to customize content to meet the needs of dynamic, innovative workplaces like Respawn.

“Loved the presenter and how she included [the audience] in her presentation! Kryss was open and helpful in helping us all to become more aware and understanding of the changing times. It was good to have the opportunity to brainstorm possible solutions/next steps.”  - Attendee of Blended & Personalized Learning Conference: Convening Educators, Leaders, & Innovators, Providence, Rhode Island

Recommended Presentation:

Stand-Up and Storytelling with D'Lo

Using stand-up and storytelling, D’Lo shares his observations and recollections of being a queer boy/stud/transmasculine person who grew up in a strict immigrant family, and his journey as a young queer person into queer adulthood. On his route to learning how to exist unapologetically, he is also confronted with the question of what it means to embody a beautiful masculinity that upholds his feminist politics.

Why D'Lo Is A Great Fit:

• Authentic LGBTQ+ Representation and Voice – As a queer, trans artist of color, D’Lo brings an intersectional lens that aligns with Respawn’s values of diverse storytelling, authenticity, and cultural nuance.
• Creative, Engaging, and Story-Driven – D’Lo’s performance background and dynamic delivery make him a natural fit for creative teams who value innovative narratives and emotional resonance.
• Empowering Through Humor and Honesty – His ability to tackle complex topics with humor and vulnerability creates a safe and uplifting space for reflection—perfectly suited to Pride Month’s spirit of celebration and awareness.

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For Damian Pelliccione’s session, we recommend a moderated conversastion format to maximize engagement and authenticity. Given Damian’s dynamic storytelling style and extensive experience across entrepreneurship, media, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, a moderated conversation will allow for a more personalized and interactive experience. This format encourages organic dialogue, deeper exploration of Damian’s journey, and audience-driven questions—making it especially effective for a virtual or hybrid Pride Month event where creating a sense of connection is key.

‍Recommended Keynotes

1) Mental Health Intersectionality & Identity: The Neuro-Divergent, Non-Binary, Immigrant CEO

At 42 years old Damian was diagnosed with adult ADHD and was deemed neuro-divergent. After years of struggling with mental health issues and never being able to fully understand what was wrong, Damian was finally able to understand their journey and claim their true power. This keynote explores what it means to struggle with mental health and what it means to overcome and rebuild trust with both yourself and your team. How affirming gender played a big role in rebuilding confidence and self-love. Dive into the intersectionality of Queer people and the superpowers that lie within.

2) Unapologetically Queer

Making space at the table for LGBTQ executives, this keynote explores the challenges LGBTQ executives face in climbing the corporate ladder. Damian talks about the common stereotypes and misconceptions about LGBTQ talent, how to work with Gen Z and Millennial workforces, and how to better harness the LGBTQ superpowers.

Why Damian Pelliccione is a Great Fit

• Visionary LGBTQ+ Leader in Entertainment and Tech – As the co-founder of Revry, the global LGBTQ+ streaming network, Damian brings a trailblazing perspective on representation, innovation, and media equity—values that align powerfully with Respawn’s storytelling ethos.
• Champion of Queer Visibility and Authenticity – Damian’s lived experience as a nonbinary entrepreneur and media executive inspires others to lead boldly, live authentically, and break industry barriers—a message that resonates deeply with Pride Month themes.
• Intersection of Creativity, Identity, and Impact – With a background in film, digital media, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Damian offers insights that are especially relevant for creative professionals navigating identity and influence in the gaming industry.