12 LGBTQI TED Talks that will fill you with Pride

These 12 TED talks celebrate the brave, the curious, the adventurous, the change makers, the everyday lives and the stories of LGBTI people all over the globe.

Starlady: The Real Queen of the Desert I TEDxSydney

Remote Aboriginal communities are the last place you might think a transgender superheroine would find true acceptance. Trans woman Starlady is a youth worker and LBGTI advocate, travelling and working in some of Australia's most remote and challenging places. In her fascinating and funny TEDxSydney talk Starlady shares her story of surprise, adventure and finding new family in the desert.

Panti Bliss: The Necessity of Normalising Queer Love

The public displays of affection that straight couples take for granted every day can be outright dangerous for queer couples to practice -- what do you do when simply holding hands with a loved one can be considered a political act? Irish activist Panti Bliss shares what it's like to navigate such a world and highlights the importance of normalizing queer love in public spaces.

Derrick Gordon — Be True I TEDxUMassAmherst

Derrick Gordon talks about April 9, 2014—the historical day when he became known as the first openly gay D1 Men’s Basketball player, making Division 1 NCAA history and global news instantly—and his own story of his sexual orientation.

Joanna Ferrari: Your Secret Self I TEDxMelbourne

JoAnna Ferrari is a vocal advocate for the transgender community. From high power executive living the life to her coming out and crashing with 79 cents in the bank at 53, JoAnna tells of a journey that almost destroyed her, but ultimately freed her to be who she always was.

Ronald Murray: Ballroom Culture: the Language of Vogue

Ronald Murray, also known as Father Ron 'drama' Xclusive Lanvin and one of the curators of the House and ballroom culture in Ohio and throughout the Midwest and nationally, walks us through the long and fruitful history of the ballroom culture and the language of Vogue which was created within this community.

Jenni Chang and Lisa Dazols : LGBT Life Around the World I TEDWomen

As a gay couple in San Francisco, Jenni Chang and Lisa Dazols had a relatively easy time living the way they wanted. But outside the bubble of the Bay Area they knew not everyone had it so easy. They set off on a world tour, visiting 15 countries across Africa, Asia and South America in search of "Supergays," LGBT people doing extraordinary things, some in countries where basic rights are still lacking.

Sujatha Rao A call to Legalise homosexuality in India ! (Amending Section 377) I TEDxWalledCity

Dating British-era rule, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalizes sex work and homosexual acts, punishable by 10 years to life in prison. In her talk at TEDxWalledCity, global health advisor Sujatha Rao takes a stand against the value systems and preconceived notions that prevent marginalized groups from living freely, and calls for an anti-discrimination law to make any act of prejudice a punishable offense.

LZ Granderson: The Myth of the Gay Agenda I TEDxGrandRapids

In a funny talk with an urgent message, LZ Granderson points out the absurdity in the idea that there's a "gay lifestyle," much less a "gay agenda." What's actually on his agenda?

Bisi Alimi: There should never be another Ibrahim I TEDxBerlin

Nigerian gay rights activist and HIV advocate, Bisi Alimi, tells the story of his best friend, Ibrahim, who died of AIDS while at university. Since Ibrahim’s death, Alimi has made it his mission to spread messages of equality, openness and accessibility for the gay community in Nigeria. In his talk from TEDxBerlin, Alimi urges us to challenge conservative organizations and speak up for vulnerable groups around the world.

Andrew Solomon: How the worst moments in our lives make us who we are. I TED

In a moving, heartfelt and at times downright funny talk, writer Andrew Solomon gives a powerful call to action to forge meaning from our biggest struggles.

James O'Keefe: Homosexuality: It's about survival. I TEDxTallaght

This passionate talk from Dr. James O'Keefe MD shares the story of his son Jimmy telling him he was gay, and gives us a deeply personal and fascinating insight into why homosexuality is indeed a necessary and extraordinarily useful cog in nature's wheel of perfection.  

I am HIV-positive. So what? | Avin Tan | TEDxNTU

Living with HIV as a Singaporean gay person, Avin Tan has undoubtedly seen his share of obstacles. Since his diagnosis in 2009, Tan has chosen to live a life of purpose, sharing his message of self-acceptance and powerful life lessons with the world.