Matt Baume

LGBTQ+ Pop Culture Author & Keynote Speaker

How can fun stories about pop culture history inspire the people in your organization?

Hi! My talks delve into entertainment history, queer heritage, and how we can forge stronger connections between people of different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

Through fun, uplifting stories, I’ll help your organization foster a sense of belonging, so you can strengthen community and collaboration at work, at school, and beyond.

I’m available for in-person and virtual presentations, and I’m happy to customize presentations to your particular audience and needs.

Get in touch via email here.

Feedback From Audiences

  • “Matt put on a fantastic presentation for my company about the queer history of The Golden Girls that was enjoyed by people across the company. His talk appealed to all ages and all types of people and it was something people were talking about for weeks after the presentation.”
    - Sean Todd, Chief Information Security Officer at PayNearMe

  • “Matt brought the topic of Queer Representation on Television to life with his engaging and interactive presentation, which he kindly tailored a bit to what we thought would be interesting to our LGBTQ+ ERG. Matt is very knowledgeable on the subject, and a fantastic, fun, and funny presenter. Additionally, communication with Matt was great. We’d be happy to bring Matt back to our group as a guest again.”
    - JP Shields, Senior Director, Communications & Policy at PBS SoCal | KCET

  • “Matt does an incredible job shedding light on how queerness has always been around, even in places you may not have noticed. He shows audiences how TV has impacted the LGBTQIA+ community in its many diversities and celebrates the shows that get it right! Book him now!”
    - Taylor Aucott, Executive Assistant, People Experience Enthusiast, and Culture Champion at Redesign Health

  • “Without a doubt, it was the best discussion we have had.”
    - Jeff Wilkinson, Camp Rehoboth LGBTQIA+ Book Group

Available Talks

How Queer Sitcoms Changed the World
(and How it Could Happen Again)

Learn how comedy can improve communication in creative projects, conversations, and day-to-day life through this guided tour of queer characters on American sitcoms! With clips from All in the Family, Cheers, Will & Grace, and more, this presentation highlights the ways in which laughter and jokes have been effective tools for spurring positive cultural change and fostering a more inclusive world.

Thank You for Being a Friend:
Learning to be an Ally from The Golden Girls

Looking for ways to support and uplift marginalized communities? Look no further than The Golden Girls — much more than four funny ladies, their ‘80s sitcom is loaded with life lessons about being an effective ally. Whether helping friends come out on their own terms, understanding the importance of equality, or combating the stigma around HIV, these women were steadfast allies both on TV and real life. This presentation features clips from some of The Golden Girls’ funniest and most meaningful scenes, and illuminates the ways that anyone can look out for their friends and colleagues.

Television’s Best Coming Out Scenes
(and Why Coming Out Matters)

Discover new ways to foster environments where everyone feels comfortable being themselves through this presentation on the history of coming-out scenes. Whether with awkward confessions, sympathetic support, or jubilant celebrations, television shows have tackled LGBTQ+ stories from every conceivable angle — and as a result, have plenty to teach us. Along the way, audiences will gain an appreciation of the best ways to deliver and receive sensitive news (and the pitfalls to avoid).

Where Does Queer Pride Come From?
(and What’s the Right Way to Celebrate?)

Finding the right balance between politics and parties at Pride isn’t always easy. The solution: A fast, fun exploration of Pride history that illuminates the reasons for the annual protests, parties, and parades. Using archival footage, historical news coverage, and moving personal stories, this presentation will help everyone make the most out of Pride, from newcomers to seasoned pros. Audiences will gain a new understanding of LGBTQ+ history and explore best practices for respectful inclusion.

A Brief History of Queer Youth on Screen

Media depictions of queer youth have gone through a massive shift over the last sixty years: From denying the existence of queer youth; to treating them as a problem to solve; and then finally to celebrating and supporting them. Appropriate for schools, youth groups, and caregivers, this presentation is a guided tour of the ways in which media images have shifted over the decades, and the social movements that drove changes for young people.

Past Clients & Events

Matt giving a talk at the Chicago Public Library

Let’s work together!

Get in touch via email here, and we can create an event that matches your needs and your budget!