Biography

Ryan Sallans is described as a transgender speaker and author who works in the fields of inclusion, diversity and healthcare. Ryan writes and speaks about abuse, trauma, recovery, and resilience through the lens of eating disorder recovery and human sexuality.

Ryan’s teachings are based on personal narrative storytelling, interwoven with his academic training, research and science. Over the years, Ryan has designed his work to break down barriers that gender presents us all, no matter the labels we currently use to describe ourselves. He is utilized by universities, healthcare agencies, corporations, federal agencies and communities.

Ryan is currently working on his third book, Finding Me: A Journey to Self-Discovery. His other books include Second Son: Transitioning Toward My Destiny, Love and Life (Scout Publishing, 2012) and Transforming Manhood: A trans man’s quest to build bridges and knock down walls (Scout Publishing, 2019).

For his academic training, Ryan graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he received a Bachelor of Arts in cultural anthropology and English, a Master of Arts in English (specialized in creative writing), and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology (specialized in human health behavior).

Today, through Ryan’s body of texts and teachings, he is utilized across the nation, and in some parts of the world, as an expert in the field of human sexuality through the lens of gender. His personal experiences in life, combined with his professional training, now assists people and communities in healing themselves and their relationships on this planet.

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Videos

Why the LGBT Community Needs to Stick Together: Clip from a Pride Keynote Speech

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Caring for Transgender, GNC and LGB Patients

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Creating an Affirming Healthcare Environment for LGBTQ Patients

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Gender Identity, Sexuality and Eating Disorders

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Hormone Therapy for Transgender Patients

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Lessons from a Transgender Patient

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Testimonials

Ryan is an excellent ambassador of the Transgender community, and is a great resource for organizations looking to advance their LGBT inclusion agendas.
– LGBT and Allies Network – Standard Chartered Bank
I had the pleasure to collaborate with Ryan on two occasions, as part of EQUAL!’s efforts to foster greater inclusiveness within Nokia. I personally received very positive feedback from colleagues in all parts of Nokia around the globe, sparking discussions and greater understanding. I definitely look forward to more of these sessions.
– Jerome Meyer – EQUAL! (Nokia)
As BCBSM expands their health care coverage in 2017 to include gender-transitions services the information shared by Ryan was relevant and timely. Ryan’s openness, breadth of information, and presentation style made the 90 minutes go by too quickly. I highly recommend Ryan.
– Kim Zaugg – Chair, Equally Blue (BCBSM)
"Storytelling” is one of the greatest ways to innovate. Innovation is learning. When you “touch peoples’ hearts” with a story, a listener will never forget
– Dr. Sheila Robinson, after hearing Ryan speak at The Future of Diversity: Where Inclusion & Innovation Intersect Leadership Summit
There was a point when I scanned the room when Ryan was discussing a very difficult point in his life and I could see not one, but many eyes in the room welling up with tears. To have this type of emotional reaction from an audience is the sign of an amazing speaker.
– Jon Marquardt, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation, Skokie Park District

Booksby Ryan Sallans

Transforming Manhood

Blog Posts

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Learn from Hall of Fame speaker Bruce Turkel how story transforms events from forgettable content into experiences attendees quote months later.

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New Year Planning Moves That Turn Events Into Strategic Levers (Not Just Calendar Fillers)

Design your New Year with intention using proven strategies from top thought leaders & transform your 2026 events from calendar fillers into meaningful moments.

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