Erin O’Flaherty is a nationally recognized advocate, speaker, and former Miss Missouri whose groundbreaking visibility as the first openly gay contestant in the Miss America pageant sparked essential conversations about equality, representation, and belonging. With a compelling blend of personal story, advocacy experience, and emotional intelligence, Erin has become a sought-after voice on LGBTQ+ inclusion, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention.
Her journey into activism is deeply rooted in personal experience and the desire to create safer, more compassionate communities. As both a pride speaker and a mental health advocate, Erin uses the stage to dismantle stereotypes, challenge limiting beliefs, and invite audiences into a deeper understanding of acceptance and empathy. Her lived experience positions her at the intersection of visibility and vulnerability, and she uses that platform to uplift others while advocating for systemic change.
Erin’s motivational keynotes are known for their authenticity and heart. She offers powerful reflections on identity, resilience, and the importance of building environments where everyone feels seen and valued. In conversations around suicide prevention, she approaches the topic with both expertise and sensitivity, emphasizing hope, connection, and actionable ways to support mental wellbeing.
Erin O’Flaherty stands as a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and advocacy in the realm of professional speaking. Crowned as Miss Missouri, she brings a profound and multifaceted narrative to the stage, intertwining her journey as a LGBTQ+ advocate with her passion for suicide prevention. With a compelling presence and an unwavering commitment to her causes, Erin captivates audiences, igniting discussions on equality, acceptance, and mental health awareness.
Beyond her personal journey, Erin’s advocacy extends to broader societal issues. As a pride speaker, she champions LGBTQ+ equality with fervor and conviction. Her message transcends mere tolerance, advocating for genuine acceptance and celebration of diverse identities. Erin O’Flaherty’s authenticity and unwavering commitment resonate deeply with audiences, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within LGBTQ+ communities and allies alike.
Her unique perspective as a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community, coupled with her expertise in suicide prevention, ensures a transformative experience for attendees. Erin O’Flaherty’s ability to navigate sensitive topics with compassion and authenticity cultivates a safe space for dialogue and reflection, leaving a lasting impact on audiences of all backgrounds.
Erin O’Flaherty’s legacy as a professional speaker transcends mere accolades; it embodies a journey of courage, resilience, and advocacy. Through her dynamic storytelling and unwavering passion, she sparks meaningful conversations on LGBTQ+ representation, suicide prevention, and the ongoing fight for equality.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
A ten minute eleven second on-stage conversation where Erin O’Flaherty discusses LGBTQ+ representation, identity, and the power of authentic advocacy with warmth, candor, and clarity.
This ten minute eleven second segment from the Time to THRIVE Conference features Erin O’Flaherty in conversation with Alex Cooper, offering a heartfelt and insightful look into LGBTQ+ visibility, advocacy, and the lived experiences that shape her leadership. Erin begins by reflecting on her groundbreaking role as the first openly gay contestant in the Miss America competition, sharing how stepping into that national spotlight reshaped her understanding of representation and responsibility.
Throughout the discussion, Erin speaks openly about the pressures and expectations placed on LGBTQ+ public figures, highlighting both the challenges and the profound sense of purpose that comes with visibility. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, explaining that living openly and confidently can be transformative not just for oneself but for those who may feel unseen or unsupported.
The conversation touches on themes of belonging, identity, community, and the emotional realities that accompany advocacy work. Erin underscores the need for strong support systems, inclusive environments, and compassionate dialogue—especially for LGBTQ+ youth who face unique vulnerabilities.
Her insights on mental health and suicide prevention are woven throughout the conversation, grounding her advocacy in empathy and practical awareness. Erin stresses that allyship must be active, intentional, and rooted in creating safe spaces where all identities can thrive.
The segment concludes with Erin and Alex highlighting the power of representation as a catalyst for cultural change, reminding audiences that visibility, courage, and compassion can reshape narratives and open doors for future generations.
02:00–04:10 Reflecting on authenticity, public pressure, and stepping into a pioneering role.
04:10–06:05 Insights on LGBTQ+ youth, identity development, and the importance of community.
06:05–08:15 Discussion on mental health, emotional resilience, and suicide prevention awareness.
No reviews available for this post.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
At 19, Jeremy Poincenot was just like any other sophomore at San Diego State University—enjoying life with friends, sports, and fraternity activities, all underpinned by his perfect 20/20 vision. However, life took an unexpected turn when Jeremy started losing his sight without any prior warning. Diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic […]
Dr. Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins is one of the most electrifying voices in America dedicated to eliminating racial health disparities. Renowned for his dynamic storytelling and unwavering commitment to health equity, Dr. Jenkins challenges audiences to confront the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequities in healthcare. His passionate delivery and insightful perspectives have positioned him as a […]
Meet Nick Vujicic… Born in 1982 in Brisbane, Australia, without any medical explanation or warning, Nicholas Vujicic (pronounced Vooey-cheech) came into the world with neither arms or legs. There was no medical conclusion as to why he was born this way, but in spite of his physical limitations, his courage and tenacity for life have […]
Wema Hoover is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational development, and authentic leadership. With a career spanning decades, she has become a trusted voice for driving meaningful transformation in corporate culture. Known for her ability to inspire leaders and teams alike, Wema’s thought-provoking insights and actionable strategies resonate on […]
Eric Termuende is a seasoned keynote speaker and best-selling author who has given over 400 presentations to industry-leading businesses and associations all over the world. Now, with The Great Resignation in full force and organizations and associations struggling to attract and retain top talent, Eric Termuende keynote presentations inspire business leaders to prepare for the […]
Dr. Abbie Maroño is a renowned behavioral scientist whose deep expertise in human behavior, decision-making, and non-verbal communication has revolutionized the field of psychology and behavioral science. She combines her academic research with practical applications, making her an authority in areas such as persuasion, influence, and trust-building. As a keynote speaker, she engages audiences with […]
Alan Stein, Jr. is a renowned performance coach, leadership expert, and keynote speaker who empowers organizations to reach their full potential. With a wealth of experience working with top athletes and corporate leaders, Alan brings a unique blend of insights and strategies to drive organizational excellence. Through his dynamic presentations and actionable techniques, Alan inspires […]
Suneel Gupta is one of the world’s foremost thinkers on digital strategy, transformation, and the future of business. As the Edward W. Carter Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and Chair of the General Management Program, he has shaped the strategic mindset of global executives, advising organizations on how to thrive amid accelerating […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel
