Open Relationships Speakers

An open relationships speaker is someone who educates, informs, and facilitates conversations around non-monogamous relationship structures. But this isn't just about giving a talk-it's about translating complex emotional, psychological, and social dynamics into accessible, engaging content.

These speakers often come from diverse backgrounds: some are therapists or coaches, others are authors, researchers, or community leaders. What unites them is their ability to speak with authority and empathy on topics like polyamory, relationship anarchy, swinging, and ethical non-monogamy.

Unlike general relationship experts, open relationships speakers focus specifically on the challenges and opportunities that come with consensual non-monogamy. They might explore topics like communication strategies, managing jealousy, parenting in poly families, or navigating cultural stigma.

They're often featured on podcasts, virtual summits, workshops, and conferences. Whether they're addressing a room full of therapists or a YouTube audience of curious millennials, their role is to demystify and destigmatize alternative relationship models.

In short, an open relationships speaker is a guide-someone who helps others understand that love and connection don't have to follow a single script.

When conversations about relationships are dominated by monogamy, bringing in an open relationships speaker can shift the entire narrative. These speakers don't just fill a gap-they open up new ways of thinking about connection, commitment, and community.

First, they provide representation. For people practicing or exploring non-monogamy, hearing someone speak openly about their experiences can be affirming and empowering. It validates identities that are often misunderstood or marginalized.

Second, they educate. Many people have questions about how open relationships work-logistically, emotionally, ethically. A skilled speaker can break down these concepts in a way that's clear, respectful, and grounded in real-life examples.

Third, they challenge assumptions. Whether it's the belief that jealousy is always bad or that open relationships are inherently unstable, these speakers help audiences unlearn myths and replace them with informed perspectives.

And finally, they foster dialogue. In corporate DEI initiatives, university panels, or online summits, open relationships speakers create space for nuanced conversations about love, identity, and autonomy. That's not just important-it's transformative.

Open relationships speakers do more than just talk-they educate, advocate, and inspire. Here's a closer look at what their work actually involves:

1. They Deliver Talks and Keynotes.
- Whether it's a virtual summit, a podcast, or a live event, these speakers share insights on topics like ethical non-monogamy, communication tools, or navigating social stigma.
- Example: A speaker might give a keynote at a sexuality conference on 'Decolonizing Monogamy' or lead a workshop on 'Consent and Boundaries in Open Relationships'.

2. They Facilitate Workshops and Panels.
- Many speakers also run interactive sessions where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and practice new skills.
- These might include role-playing exercises, group discussions, or guided journaling prompts.

3. They Create Educational Content.
- Some speakers write books, host podcasts, or create online courses. Their goal is to make information about non-monogamy accessible and inclusive.
- For example, someone might develop a video series on polyamory for beginners or a downloadable guide for therapists working with non-monogamous clients.

4. They Advocate for Visibility and Inclusion.
- Many open relationships speakers are also activists. They work to ensure that non-monogamous people are represented in media, policy, and mental health services.
- This might include consulting with organizations, writing op-eds, or participating in research studies.

5. They Build Community.
- Through their work, these speakers often become connectors-linking people to resources, support groups, and each other.
- They help normalize conversations that are still taboo in many circles, and that's a powerful form of leadership.

In essence, open relationships speakers are educators, facilitators, and changemakers. They help people navigate love and connection on their own terms.

Becoming an open relationships speaker isn't just about having personal experience in non-monogamy. It's about learning how to communicate those ideas clearly, confidently, and with respect for diverse audiences. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Perspective and Expertise.
- Are you speaking from a psychological, sociological, or personal standpoint?
- Do you have academic credentials, coaching experience, or lived expertise?
- Tip: Narrow your niche. For example, focus on ethical non-monogamy in LGBTQ+ communities or polyamory and parenting.

2. Build Your Knowledge Base.
- Read foundational books like 'The Ethical Slut' by Dossie Easton or 'More Than Two' by Franklin Veaux.
- Follow thought leaders and attend conferences like Poly Dallas Millennium or the Non-Monogamies and Contemporary Intimacies Conference.

3. Start Speaking Locally.
- Offer to speak at local meetups, relationship coaching groups, or university panels.
- Record these talks to build your portfolio.

4. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use a platform like Talks.co to showcase your bio, topics, testimonials, and past talks.
- Include a short video clip of you speaking to give hosts a sense of your style.

5. Connect With Hosts and Events.
- Search for podcasts, summits, and webinars that focus on relationships, sexuality, or personal development.
- Reach out with a short pitch: who you are, what you speak on, and how your talk benefits their audience.

6. Keep Evolving.
- Gather feedback from each talk.
- Stay updated on new research and shifting cultural conversations around open relationships.

Remember, the goal is to educate, not just to share. The more value you bring to your audience, the more demand you'll create for your voice.

To be an open relationships speaker, you need more than just a compelling story or personal experience. This role blends subject matter expertise, communication skills, and a platform that helps you reach the right audience. Let's break it down:

First, you need credibility. That can come from academic qualifications (like a degree in psychology or gender studies), professional experience (such as relationship coaching or therapy), or lived experience combined with deep research. Audiences today are savvy. They want speakers who can back up their insights with evidence or real-world application.

Second, you need communication skills. This includes public speaking ability, emotional intelligence, and the capacity to navigate sensitive topics with nuance. Open relationships often challenge societal norms, so being able to speak with clarity, empathy, and confidence is crucial. Consider joining a Toastmasters group or working with a speaking coach to refine your delivery.

Third, you need a platform. A speaker page on Talks.co can help you get discovered by event organizers. It acts as your digital resume, showcasing your topics, testimonials, and media appearances. You can also use social media, a personal blog, or a podcast to build your audience and establish your voice.

Finally, you need a network. Connect with other speakers, podcast hosts, and event organizers. Platforms like Talks.co make it easier to match with hosts looking for experts in open relationships. The more visible and connected you are, the more opportunities you'll attract.

In short, being an open relationships speaker means combining knowledge, communication, and visibility. It's about being both informed and influential.

Yes, open relationships speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, audience size, and the type of event. Let's break it down analytically.

First, the demand for open relationships speakers is growing. As conversations around non-monogamy, polyamory, and ethical relationships become more mainstream, more conferences, podcasts, and summits are seeking experts in this space. That said, not all gigs are paid equally.

Here's a breakdown:

- Free or Low-Paid Gigs: Local meetups, new podcasts, or community events may offer little to no compensation. These are great for building your portfolio.
- Mid-Tier Engagements: Online summits, niche conferences, or corporate wellness events may pay $200 to $1,000 per talk.
- High-End Keynotes: Established speakers with a track record can earn $2,000 to $10,000+ for keynote presentations at major events.

Pros:
- Growing niche with increasing visibility.
- Opportunities to cross into related fields like mental health, coaching, or DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion).

Cons:
- Still a niche topic, so fewer high-paying gigs compared to general motivational or business speakers.
- Some platforms expect speakers to present for exposure rather than cash.

If you're using a platform like Talks.co, you can filter for paid opportunities and negotiate rates directly with hosts. The key is to build your reputation and then position yourself as a must-have expert in this evolving space.

Open relationships speakers generate income through a mix of direct speaking fees and related revenue streams. Here's a breakdown of how they typically monetize their expertise:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements.
- Conferences, summits, and workshops often pay speakers a flat fee.
- Online events like virtual summits or webinars may offer speaker stipends or affiliate commissions.
- Example: A speaker at the Non-Monogamies and Contemporary Intimacies Conference might earn $500 to $2,000 per session.

2. Courses and Coaching.
- Many speakers offer online courses or one-on-one coaching programs.
- These can range from $97 mini-courses to $5,000+ coaching packages.
- Example: A speaker might run a 6-week group coaching program on navigating jealousy in polyamorous relationships.

3. Books and Digital Products.
- Self-published books, eBooks, or downloadable guides are common.
- These can be sold via their website, Amazon, or bundled with talks.

4. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships.
- Speakers may partner with brands aligned with their message (e.g., relationship apps, sex-positive platforms).
- Affiliate links shared during talks or on their Talks.co profile can generate passive income.

5. Media Appearances and Consulting.
- Some speakers consult for TV shows, podcasts, or publications looking to represent non-monogamy accurately.
- Others are paid to appear on panels or as expert commentators.

Diversifying income is key. The most successful open relationships speakers combine speaking with digital products, coaching, and media visibility to create a sustainable business model.

The income of open relationships speakers varies widely based on experience, niche, and business model. Let's look at the numbers:

Experience Level	Typical Fee per Talk	Annual Income Estimate
Beginner	$0 - $500	$1,000 - $10,000
Mid-Level	$500 - $2,000	$10,000 - $50,000
High-Demand Expert	$2,000 - $10,000+	$50,000 - $200,000+

Several factors influence these figures:
- Audience Size: Speaking at a TEDx event or a major summit can command higher fees.
- Topic Relevance: Speakers who tie open relationships to trending issues like mental health or workplace inclusion often get more bookings.
- Additional Revenue Streams: As mentioned in 'How do open relationships speakers make money', many speakers supplement their income with coaching, courses, or books.
For example, a speaker who charges $1,500 per talk and books 2 events per month earns $36,000 annually from speaking alone. Add a $297 course that sells 100 copies a year, and that's another $29,700.
While it's not always a six-figure gig out of the gate, with the right positioning and platform (like Talks.co), speakers can scale their income significantly over time.

Hiring an open relationships speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the event type, speaker experience, and format. Here's a breakdown to help you budget:

Event Type	Typical Cost Range
Local Meetup or Podcast	$0 - $500
Online Summit or Webinar	$200 - $2,000
Corporate Workshop	$1,000 - $5,000
Keynote at Major Conference	$2,000 - $10,000+

Factors that affect pricing:
- Speaker Reputation: A well-known author or TEDx speaker will charge more than someone just starting out.
- Customization: Tailored talks or workshops (e.g., addressing polyamory in the workplace) often come at a premium.
- Travel and Logistics: In-person events may require covering travel, lodging, and per diem.
If you're booking through a platform like Talks.co, you can often filter by budget and see upfront pricing. Some speakers also offer sliding scale rates for nonprofits or community groups.
Bottom line: You can find a quality open relationships speaker for most budgets, but expect to invest more for high-impact, customized presentations.

Here's a curated list of some of the most influential open relationships speakers of all time. These individuals have shaped the conversation around non-monogamy, polyamory, and ethical relationships through books, talks, and public education.

- Dossie Easton: Co-author of 'The Ethical Slut', Easton has been a foundational voice in sex-positive and non-monogamous communities for decades.
- Tristan Taormino: Author of 'Opening Up' and a frequent speaker at sexuality conferences, Taormino blends academic insight with real-world application.
- Franklin Veaux: Known for co-authoring 'More Than Two', Veaux has spoken extensively on consent, relationship ethics, and polyamory.
- Dr. Elisabeth Sheff: A sociologist who has conducted long-term research on polyamorous families, Sheff is a sought-after speaker in academic and public circles.
- Janet Hardy: Co-author of 'The Ethical Slut' and a frequent speaker on kink and non-traditional relationships.
- Meg-John Barker: A UK-based psychologist and author who speaks on queer relationships, non-monogamy, and mental health.
- Kevin Patterson: Creator of the 'Poly Role Models' blog and author of 'Love's Not Color Blind', Patterson brings a racial justice lens to the conversation.

These speakers have not only educated thousands but also helped normalize open relationships in broader cultural discourse.

Looking globally, the best open relationships speakers bring diverse cultural, academic, and personal perspectives to the stage. Here are standout voices from around the world:

- Jessica Fern (USA): Author of 'Polysecure', Fern bridges attachment theory and non-monogamy, making her a go-to speaker for therapists and relationship educators.
- Dr. Meg-John Barker (UK): A psychologist and activist, Barker's talks on queer intimacy and relationship diversity are popular across Europe.
- Dr. Elisabeth Sheff (USA): With decades of research on polyamorous families, Sheff is a top speaker at global academic and lifestyle events.
- Dr. Ryan Witherspoon (Australia): A clinical psychologist and researcher, Witherspoon speaks on the intersection of mental health and consensual non-monogamy.
- Anita Wagner Illig (USA): A veteran speaker and educator, Anita has presented at polyamory conferences worldwide.
- Leanne Yau (UK/Hong Kong): A younger voice in the space, Yau uses social media and speaking engagements to educate Gen Z on ethical non-monogamy.
- Marla Renee Stewart (USA): A sexologist and speaker who integrates race, gender, and relationship diversity into her talks.

These speakers are shaping global conversations on love, intimacy, and relationship freedom. Whether you're organizing a summit or looking for inspiration, these are the names to watch.

Let's talk about what people often get wrong when it comes to open relationships speakers. These misconceptions can hold back both aspiring speakers and the audiences who need them.

- Myth 1: Open relationships speakers promote cheating.
This one comes up a lot. But here's the truth: open relationships, when practiced ethically, are based on consent, communication, and boundaries. Speakers in this space are often educators who emphasize honesty and mutual agreement. Think of someone like Dr. Elisabeth Sheff, who speaks on polyamory and relationship diversity. She doesn't advocate infidelity-she educates about transparency and trust.

- Myth 2: There's no real demand for open relationships speakers.
Actually, demand is growing. Universities, corporate wellness programs, and relationship summits are increasingly booking speakers who can address non-traditional relationship models. As society becomes more inclusive, event organizers are seeking voices that reflect a broader spectrum of experiences. Just look at the rise of events like the Non-Monogamies and Contemporary Intimacies Conference in Europe.

- Myth 3: You have to be in an open relationship to be a speaker on the topic.
Not necessarily. While lived experience can add depth, what matters more is expertise, research, and the ability to communicate clearly. Many speakers come from academic, psychological, or coaching backgrounds. Their credibility comes from knowledge, not just personal lifestyle.

- Myth 4: It's all about sex.
This is a narrow view. Open relationships speakers often focus on emotional intelligence, communication skills, boundary-setting, and mental health. These are transferable skills that benefit all relationships, not just romantic ones. For example, Jessica Fern, author of 'Polysecure', often speaks about attachment theory-something relevant to everyone.

- Myth 5: It's a niche with no room to grow.
The reality? It's a niche that's expanding. As more people explore relationship diversity, the need for informed voices grows. Podcasts, summits, and online communities are creating platforms for these speakers to thrive. And as you'll see in the case studies section, some are building entire businesses around it.

When you think of successful open relationships speakers, you might imagine someone on a TEDx stage or leading a packed workshop at a relationship summit. But their paths are as diverse as the relationships they talk about.

Take Dedeker Winston, co-host of the Multiamory podcast. She started out as a writer and coach, but her voice gained traction through podcasting. Her episodes blend research, personal stories, and practical advice. Over time, she became a sought-after speaker at events like RelateCon and even appeared on national media. Her success wasn't overnight-it was built on consistency, clarity, and a willingness to tackle tough topics.

Then there's Kevin Patterson, author of 'Love's Not Color Blind'. He began by sharing his experiences as a Black man in polyamorous communities. His talks explore the intersection of race and relationship structures, offering a perspective that's often missing. Kevin's speaking gigs now range from academic panels to lifestyle conferences. His authenticity and focus on inclusion have made him a standout voice.

In the UK, Meg-John Barker transitioned from academia into public speaking and writing. Their talks often bridge the gap between theory and practice, making complex psychological concepts accessible. They've spoken at universities, festivals, and even corporate events looking to understand relationship diversity in the workplace.

What these speakers have in common isn't just subject matter. It's a commitment to education, a clear message, and the ability to connect with different audiences-whether that's a room full of therapists or a virtual summit of curious couples. They've each carved out a lane by leaning into their strengths and staying true to their message.

So where are open relationships speakers headed in the next few years? The landscape is shifting, and not just in terms of content. Delivery methods, audience expectations, and global reach are all evolving.

First, expect more hybrid and virtual events. With platforms like Zoom and StreamYard becoming standard, speakers can now reach global audiences without leaving home. This opens the door for speakers from underrepresented regions-think Southeast Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe-to share culturally specific perspectives on non-monogamy.

Second, the content itself is getting more intersectional. Audiences are asking deeper questions: How does neurodiversity affect open relationships? What about religious or cultural frameworks? Speakers who can address these nuances will stand out. We're already seeing this with speakers like Ruby Bouie Johnson, who centers Black and queer experiences in her talks.

Third, corporate interest is rising. As companies expand DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives, some are inviting speakers to discuss relationship diversity in the context of workplace policies, healthcare benefits, and team dynamics. This is a big shift from the traditional 'lifestyle' events.

Here are a few trends to watch:
- More academic crossover: Researchers are stepping onto stages, bringing data into public discourse.
- AI-assisted coaching: Some speakers are integrating AI tools to personalize advice or scale their coaching.
- Global translation: Talks and workshops are being subtitled or dubbed to reach non-English-speaking audiences.
- Youth-focused content: Gen Z is more open to relationship diversity, and speakers are adapting their tone and platforms (like TikTok or YouTube Shorts) to meet them where they are.

The takeaway? The field is expanding in both depth and breadth. If you're thinking of stepping into this space, now's a great time to start building your voice.

If you're looking to break into the world of open relationships speaking, you're going to need more than just a compelling message. You need tools that help you find gigs, build credibility, and connect with your audience. Here's a curated list to get you started:

1. Talks.co. This podcast guest matching platform is a goldmine for new speakers. Create a profile, highlight your expertise, and get matched with podcast hosts looking for guests in the relationship and wellness space. Pro tip: tailor your pitch to show how your topic adds value to their audience.

2. SpeakerHub. A directory where event organizers find speakers. You can list your profile, upload videos, and even get reviews. It's especially useful for getting booked at virtual summits and conferences.

3. Eventbrite. Not just for finding events to attend-use it to research what kinds of relationship events are happening globally. Reach out to organizers with a tailored pitch offering your expertise.

4. Canva. Use it to create speaker one-sheets, slide decks, and social media graphics. A polished visual presence can make a big difference when pitching to organizers.

5. Zoom and StreamYard. Essential for hosting your own webinars or workshops. StreamYard is especially useful if you want to simulcast to YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

6. Airmeet. A virtual event platform that's ideal for hosting summits or panel discussions. If you're thinking of organizing your own event, this is a user-friendly option.

7. Medium or Substack. Start publishing articles to build your thought leadership. Writing about open relationships from a speaker's perspective helps you get discovered and builds trust with potential hosts.

Each of these tools serves a different purpose-some help you get booked, others help you deliver, and a few help you build your brand. Combine them strategically, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a standout voice in the open relationships space.