Sam Killermann is a multi-disciplinary artist who puts his gifts to work to achieve global justice as the Director of Creativity for hues. Sam is also the person behind It's Pronounced Metrosexual, the comedy show performed at colleges and universities, as well as the online resource, which has educated millions of readers on themes of social justice, gender, and sexuality.
Killermann's work (that he uncopyrighted in 2013) has been downloaded by hundreds of millions of people around the world who utilize it to bolster their educational and advocacy efforts toward equity. His version of the Genderbread Person, a model for understanding and teaching gender and sexual diversity, has been translated into over a dozen languages.
In 2014, Sam designed an all-gender restroom sign that he gifted to the commons, which is now being implemented on three continents, is featured in the White House, and is becoming the standard for dozens of communities around the U.S. and world.
Sam is the co-author of Unlocking the Magic of Facilitation and the author of A Guide to Gender. A Guide to Gender opened as the #1 bestseller in gender on Amazon, and as a reflection of Sam's commitment to access as a core social justice value, he's given away over 15,000 copies of the book. He gave a well-received TEDxTalk that has over 200,000 views called "Understanding the Complexities of Gender", where he distilled the themes of the book into a few minutes of fun, energetic, and easily-digestible speech.
Sam is the co-creator of The Safe Zone Project, a free online resource for LGBTQ and Ally training materials. The open source curriculum they published is being used by over ten thousand educators in at least 100 countries.
Outside of his key initiatives, Sam is a frequent keynote speaker, serves on the Board of Directors for Healthy Teen Network, is the comedy half of S.E.X., head elf at Socially Just Cards, and is always dreaming up new social good projects. When he's not on the road, he likes to spend at least a few hours a day bicycling around sunny Austin, TX, where he counts himself lucky to live.
Sam's given TEDxTalks about Dreams, Gender, and Activism. Watch his rhymey, short, and info-packed "Understanding the Complexities of Gender" talk.
While no two keynotes are the same, the recipe Sam follows looks something like the following.
Following in the wisdom of Mary Poppins, Sam believes that a little sugar (in the form of humor and stories) helps the facts-based-medicine go down.
If you're bringing Sam in to speak at your event, some of these may come in handy.
The short answer: lots. Below are the types of talks he's most known for, and the themes into which his various offerings align.
Need someone to set the tone for your conference or event? Looking for a talk on themes of global justice, gender, sexuality, identity, or activism? About 3 in 4 conference organizers who have had Sam keynote their event have said his was the best keynote they've ever had.
For middle school, junior high, and high school, Sam gives engaging, memorable, and outcome-oriented assemblies on a variety of themes, including the Platinum Rule, gender, community, bullying, and healthy self-expression.
A phrase that might be new to you, Sam's "social justice comedy shows" combine elements of stand-up comedy, informational lecture, townhall calls-to-action. They're perfect for enticing a crowd to hear a message they may otherwise avoid.
Generally, but not always, paired with a different talk, Sam's workshops focus on diving deep into a particular topic, in the hopes of helping participants find actionable, concrete insight. All workshops are highly interactive, and work best in smaller groups, but can be modified for larger audiences.
In need of capacity building? Have a group of facilitators (professionals, volunteers, or students) whose role is to train others on a topic related to global justice, gender, or sexuality, and who need some help? Sam wrote the a book on facilitation. (For Safe Zone Train-the-Trainers, please reach out through The Safe Zone Project)
If you're looking for input on a social good project, trying to improve your non-profit organization's presence online, tailor your services to be more inclusive of all, or any other problem that falls within Sam's wheelhouse, he offers limited consulting to orgs whose missions align with his.
Below are Sam's favorite talks to give (updated regularly), that are organized by ideal audience and the ways they can be delivered.
| Title | Audience | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Common Mistakes: Gender & Sexuality | Professionals | |
| Applying a Social Justice Lens to Your Work & Life | Professionals, College | |
| It's Pronounced Metrosexual | HS, College | |
| Meeting Your People Where They Are | Professionals | |
| Speaking of Identity... | Professionals | |
| The "-Ness" of Gender | Middle School, HS | |
| The Platinum Rule | Middle School, HS | |
| Understanding the Complexities of Gender | HS, College, Professionals |
We'll let these kind words speak for themselves.
Sam was amazing! He was so engaging with the students and overall folks really enjoyed him. I have not heard that group laugh so hard in a long time. So many were impressed and approached me to tell me that they loved Sam. To be able to take some pretty hard subjects and educate folks through humor and real life experience is true talent.
Caitlin Borges, M.A., Area Coordinator, University of Dayton
I could not have wished for a better experience in bringing Sam to Northern Illinois University.Sam is not only a fantastic individual, but his performance was more than we could have hoped for. Sam’s team made it easy when it came to bringing him to campus, on top of that, he made the experience personable for all the students who met him and came to his performance. It was a memorable event that many students still talk about, not to mention - he is absolutely hilarious.
I recommend any university to bring Sam to campus; it is an experience that is well worth the planning! No matter where I end up in my career, I plan on bringing Sam to speak again.
Rebecca Borowiak, Co-President for AHESA, Northern Illinois University
Sam's presentation style is like no other: dynamic, charismatic, accessible, and inviting. Our middle and high school students are still talking about him and continually refer to his presentation on snap judgments and the platinum rule in the classroom and amongst friends. He is an amazing educator and role model.
Justine Fonte, M.Ed, MPH, Dalton School Health Coordinator
This guy is so funny, but that is the least of who he is. He is first and foremost a Social Justice Advocate. His use of funny stories is a mere vehicle for an important underlying message. He demystifies gender, sexuality, human relationships and the self. He is kind, gentle, loving and engaging. You want to have a beer with him, or eat a meal with him. Our students loved him, and we all left his presence having been changed in a very deep and meaningful way. This is why you should bring him to your campus, conference or living room.
Linda G. Jordan, MA, JD, Psychology Department, Skagit Valley College
Feel free to modify and use the high-resolution images below to promote your event in whatever ways work best for you.
It's called his "Brain Trust". He doesn't send a lot of emails, but when he does they have links to things he's made or written, and updates on his tour schedule.