Keynote Speaker for Civic Engagement & Democracy Events
An inspirational story about what it means to fight for your identity, your community, and your right to be heard — and what happens when you win.
Trusted by independent schools, civic organizations, democracy initiatives, and equity programs across North America.
Simon Tam is an award-winning author, musician, and keynote speaker whose work sits at the intersection of free speech, identity, and civic engagement.
As the central figure in Matal v. Tam — a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision that expanded First Amendment protections for marginalized communities — Simon brings rare lived experience to conversations about belonging, advocacy, and what democracy looks like in practice.
His story is taught in thousands of classrooms and documented in over 200 books. He has spoken at independent schools, civic organizations, and democracy conferences across four continents, and holds a world record for TEDx stage appearances.
Who Books Simon
Independent school professional development days, diversity and equity conferences, student diversity leadership programming, civic engagement and voter education initiatives, democracy and constitutional literacy programs, community advocacy organizations, and heritage and identity programming. Talks can be tailored for faculty and administrator audiences, student assemblies, or mixed community events.
Simon's keynotes combine live music with storytelling in a format that works equally well for a school auditorium, a conference ballroom, or a community gathering. The result is a talk that moves people — not just intellectually, but emotionally. Available as a full keynote with music, a workshop or facilitated discussion, or a virtual event. Bulk copies of his memoir Slanted are available for school reading programs.
Ready to Book Simon?
If you’re interested in having Simon Tam speak at your event, please complete the information here. All opportunities, including classroom visits, virtual events, and charity/cause-driven events will be considered.