The Impact Storytelling Collective opens 9 November. Founding members join free.
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Keynote speaker
Talks that open hearts and minds
I speak about storytelling, and how to use it to change the world for the better. My talks draw on more than 12 years of running a grassroots charity, a background in documentary photography and film, and a story I never expected to tell.
After the tragic death of my fiancé, Naz, in 2014, I founded the Naz and Matt Foundation to help religious and culturally conservative parents accept their LGBTQI+ children. Everything I talk about comes from that work: what moves people, what changes minds, and what it takes to keep going when change is slow.
90+
Talks and workshops for government, police, universities, the NHS, charities and business
200+
Media outlets have covered my work, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky News and The Guardian
2021
Best TV Programme, Asian Media Awards, for my Channel 4 documentary My God, I’m Queer
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What people say
“Matt’s talk was genuinely one of the most powerful and moving I have ever heard in my 20 years as a research academic.”
Dr Roxanne Khan, UCLAN
“Matt is one of the most powerful storytellers I have ever heard. He has a level of humility that enables him to achieve a very high degree of emotional connection with his audience.”
Pete Ashby, conference organiser
“An outstanding, powerful and truly inspiring talk that moved everyone to tears. No-one will forget the talk.”
Trudy Gittins, West Midlands Police
“A totally motivational experience that empowers audience members.”
Adam Beral, Switchboard LGBT+
“It is people like you who are going to change the world.”
Audience member, Bradford, West Yorkshire
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What I talk about
Four themes I speak on
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The power of a story told well
How stories change what people believe, and what they do next. Drawing on a 2020 World Suicide Prevention Day campaign with an audience reach of more than 54 million, and a documentary Channel 4 first turned down and then broadcast, I show audiences how to find the story in their own work and tell it so people act on it.
Good for: charities, CSR and social impact teams, fundraising and communications leaders.
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From grief to a grassroots movement
How the Naz and Matt Foundation grew from one person’s loss into an award-winning charity, built with an extraordinary family of volunteers. What grassroots movements teach every organisation about trust, community and staying power.
Good for: charity leaders, community groups, volunteers and public sector teams.
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Unconditional: faith, family and acceptance
The story of Naz and me, and what years of supporting families have taught me about helping religious and culturally conservative parents accept their LGBTQI+ children.
Good for: schools, universities, police and safeguarding teams, the NHS, faith and community groups.
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Opening hearts and minds
How to talk about difficult subjects with people who see the world differently, and keep them in the room. Practical lessons from years of building bridges between religious and LGBTQI+ communities.
Good for: leadership teams, inclusion networks and the public sector.
Want your team to learn the method too? My social impact storytelling workshops turn the ideas from these talks into practical skills.
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Who I've spoken for
Keynotes, talks, workshops and seminars. In person anywhere in the UK, or online.
Government
Home Office, Department for Education, House of Lords, HMRC
Police and fire
Police Scotland, West Midlands Police, Staffordshire Police, Hampshire Constabulary, National LGBT+ Police Conference, London Fire Brigade
Education
University of Oxford, University of Warwick, University of Birmingham, University of Derby, University of Central Lancashire, Walsall College
Health
NHS trusts
Business
Capgemini
Charities and community
Switchboard LGBT+, FFLAG, Karma Nirvana, National Day of Memory, Milton Keynes Pride, Portsmouth Pride, Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra, Fourth Choir
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Recognition
Special Recognition Award for Transformative Advocacy and Storytelling, IKWRO True Honour Awards 2026
2026
Outstanding Individual Award, Camden Faith and Belief Awards
2024
Campaign of the Year, Rainbow Honours, for the Naz and Matt Foundation
2022
Best TV Programme, Asian Media Awards, for My God, I’m Queer (Channel 4)
2021
Top 10 Outstanding Contribution to LGBT+ Life, British LGBT Awards
2021
Ten Outstanding Young Persons, JCI
2016
Attitude Pride Award, for building bridges between religious and LGBTQI communities
2015
6th most influential LGBTQI person in the UK, Independent on Sunday Rainbow List
2015
A note for organisers
Some of my talks include my own experience of loss and suicide. I share it with care, and I’m happy to talk with you beforehand about your audience and the support you’d like in place.
Book me to speak
Tell me about your event, your audience, and what you’d like them to leave with.