Cat’s Passion • Public Speaking

Keynote Speaker • July 2024 • Queer Spectra

This speech is about my personal journey of healing, grounding, and self-acceptance through queerness, art, mental health, and community. I reflect on the importance of creating queer spaces, honoring mental health, and finding grounding through practices like gardening, journaling, and art. The speech invites participants to engage in self-reflection, storytelling, and sharing, while emphasizing the value of boundaries, gentleness, and connection. It touches on grief, growth, and the unexpected paths that lead to healing, offering tools and encouragement for others to explore what grounds and nourishes them.

Keynote Speaker • Utah Pride Rally • June 2023 • photo by Xiangyao "Axe" Tang

This speech was about supporting my trans daughter, sharing my own coming out story, and navigating the complexities of the queer community with honesty and care. It explores how personal healing, connection, and grounded practices help us stay strong, especially in today’s political climate. At its heart, it’s about how we can show up for ourselves and each other with compassion, courage, and community.

Other speaking moments:

Nope makeup with Deena Marie • Clean air art project • Ozy interview

Keynote Speaker • PTA Reflections Skyline Council Award Night • November 2024

This speech was about embracing our imperfections, stepping outside our comfort zones, and rewriting the stories we tell ourselves. It's a reminder that growth often comes from the messy, awkward, and beautifully flawed parts of life—the parts that make us real. I shared my personal journey of learning to show up authentically, even when I didn’t feel “qualified,” and how being true to myself opened unexpected doors. Through stories of resilience, self-doubt, chosen family, and personal transformation, I encourage others—especially young people—to own their quirks, celebrate their light, and boldly write the next chapter of their lives with honesty and heart.

Emcee • The Art of Safe Sex Planned Parenthood• October 2017

Panel • Voices Heard: Women Who Roar • Anderson-Foothill Branch  • October 2017

Keynote Speaker • SLUTWALK • September 2017

Panel SLCC photographers September 2017 Frances Bird, Shalee Cooper, Leah Hogsten