Speaking - Shannon TL Kearns

Shannon Speaks

Shannon TL Kearns is a sought after speaker. He has spoken on panels, keynoted conferences, led workshops and more. He has spoken at the Philadelphia Transgender Health Conference, at Pride in Prague, at churches and colleges across the United States, and for groups of all sizes.

Shannon also has a new solo performance piece called “The Body’s Rapture” that is available for booking. In this piece he shares his story about growing up in religious fundamentalism. This piece is a journey through evangelical pop culture telling stories of fear, first love, theatre, and what comes next. This piece uses personal photographs, home video, and a deeply engaging storytelling to paint a picture of trans identity and how we love one another better.

Past topics include: Current Trends in LGBTQ+ Communities, Transgender 101, Cultivating Healthy Masculinity, No One Taught Me How To Be A Man: What A Trans Man’s Experience Reveals About Masculinity, Sacred Stories and Sacred Texts, Introduction to Queer Theology, Queering the Bible, Using Your Story to Change the World, and Subversive Stories: The Power of Narrative.

For a downloadable topic guide and more information, click here.

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Adam Rao

founding pastor, Lakeside Church

A gifted story-teller, writer, and leader, Shannon brings all his skills to bear as an influential and impactful speaker, whether he’s sharing his experiences as a transgender man, his insights on the biblical text, or his love of theater that leads to social good. One cannot experience Shannon’s speaking and not leave more inspired, informed, and excited about the world and the future ahead of us.

Katie Leverentz LSW, CPRP

Intake Coordinator, Vail Place

Shannon gave his “Trans 101” presentation at the intentional community I work for, and it so inspired our community to make changes that we ask him back every year! He breaks down information about trangender people in a way that’s approachable for everyone, no matter their level of knowledge, and is adept at handling difficult questions, with boundaries and patience- a tricky balance! And Shannon provides resources and gently pushes folks to do more than just share their pronouns, but to get involved in the justice work of advocacy.

Here's what people are saying...

"A gifted story-teller, writer, and leader, Shannon brings all his skills to bear as an influential and impactful speaker, whether he's sharing his experiences as a transgender man, his insights on the biblical text, or his love of theater that leads to social good. One cannot experience Shannon's speaking and not leave more inspired, informed, and excited about the world and the future ahead of us."

Shannon gave his "Trans 101" presentation at the intentional community I work for, and it so inspired our community to make changes that we ask him back every year! He breaks down information about trangender people in a way that's approachable for everyone, no matter their level of knowledge, and is adept at handling difficult questions, with boundaries and patience- a tricky balance! And Shannon provides resources and gently pushes folks to do more than just share their pronouns, but to get involved in the justice work of advocacy.

"Fr. Shay brought a message of hope to our Reconciling group. His demeanor and knowledge helped many who were struggling with Queer theology to see its place in the church and the importance of sharing it from the pulpit. The youth/young adults who attended have been more engaged in their own study of scripture and several pastors have really made a difference in how they approach scripture and its effect on their entire congregation."

"Father Shannon Kearns is a gifted communicator with an incredible ability to connect with any audience. He uses his incredible journey to lead people to an understanding of those that have been marginalized. His humility, transparency and articulate presentation is an inspiration."

"Father Shannon T.L. Kearns has been a featured speaker for our national retreats multiple times because he is consistently the person our attendees select as "fan favorite!" Seminarians, academics, pastors, lay leaders - every person at our retreats feels drawn in and fully immersed during his presentations. Fr. Kearns has the gift of going deep on technical topics through his use of stories that not only facilitate learning but also create connections in multiple ways. Breakthrough moments for personal growth happen when Fr. Kearns is speaking. And we all are grateful."

It was great to work with Shannon and have him at our Lutheran/Anglican clergy study conference. He was responsive and easy to work with as a guest speaker. He was quickly able to connect with the participants and create a space for mutual listening and conversation. The rhythm of presentation, guided discussion and space for silence helped us integrate the content in a more holistic way. Shannon's authentic vulnerability and theological integrity helped illuminate the connection between the stories of our faith, our personal stories, and the stories of our communities and contexts.

Shannon TL Kearns Shannon TL Kearns