SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Key Topics
∙ Kindness
∙ Courage
∙ LGBTQ+ Inclusion
∙ The Power of Stories

Fiona shares her ten year journey in the making of her Unscripted TV Series, NOW with Fiona, plus a screening of the pilot episode which showcases Kate, a Honduran transgender asylum seeker demonstrating how Harvey Milk’s message of hope is still alive and well throughout the LGBTQ community.

Key Topics
∙ Gender ≠ Sex
∙ Gender-based Bias
∙ History of the ban on trans service members

Presentation includes a screening of the 13-minute Emmy® nominated short opinion documentary for The New York Times, “Transgender, at War and in Love”. Fiona explores the landscape of gender, extracts new perspectives on how we perceive others based on expression and identity, and educates on the experience of transgender troops before and after the ban on their service.

Key Topics
∙ Gender Identity
∙ Former U.S. Military Ban
∙ Stories of Transgender Service Members
∙ Gender ≠ Sex
∙ Filmmaking Process

In October 2012, knowing that transgender people were still prohibited from serving in the U.S. military, Fiona Dawson started the TransMilitary project to share their stories in the hopes of influencing change. In 2016 then Secretary of Defense Ash Carter ended the ban on their service, but the following year President Trump unexpectedly issued a new directive to again preclude transgender troops. The ban was finally ended for good with the 2021 Biden Administration.

With ongoing violence, stigma and discrimination against transgender individuals in society, the TransMilitary project's work continues.

Key Topics
∙ Sexual Orientation
∙ Gender Identity
∙ Sex Assigned at Birth
∙ Identity, Attraction and Behavior
∙ Gender ≠ Sex Animation

Although bisexuals make up over 50% of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community, there is a significant deficit in media representation of bi+ people resulting in poorer outcomes for this majority. Fiona opens up the concept of breaking the binary of gender and sexuality and separates the framework of orientation and behavior. The presentation includes inspiring stories and role models for achieving full inclusion.

Key Topics
∙ Sexual Orientation
∙ Gender Identity
∙ Sex Assigned at Birth
∙ Gender ≠ Sex Animation

Even the LGBTQ community itself is in a new period of awakening around the difference between sex, gender and sexual orientation. This presentation breaks down definitions and builds understanding of intersection. This presentation is customizable for different audiences based upon their experience and level of knowledge, and can focus on bisexual+ awareness.

This presentation can also include a screening of the 13-minute Emmy® nominated short film, "Transgender, at War and in Love".

Key Topics
∙ Allyship
∙ Biases
∙ Inclusion
∙ Kindness

Microaggressions are like mosquito bites. One bite is irritating. A few bites become painful. Tons of mosquito bites can become unbearable and even life threatening. Imagine those mosquito bites represent words and actions people give - or don't give - to someone else based upon their personal characteristics. Over time these words and actions can have lasting negative effects, like creating poor physical and mental health. Allyship can be like mosquito repellant to microaggressions. This presentation empathetically takes the audience through Fiona's Four Steps to Allyship, which can help reduce microaggressions wherever they are buzzing around.

We can mix and match different parts of our popular topics, and/or create a customized presentation on leadership, innovation, and management. The presentation would be delivered through a combination of storytelling, anecdotes, empirical study results, video content, and engaging audience participation. For example:
∙ Four Strengths of a Leader

∙ Self-Awareness: Building Emotional Intelligence

∙ Awareness of Others: Intersectionality and Empathy

∙ Courageous Action: Calling In and Calling Out

∙ Collaboration: Values and Vision