TED Talk for LGBT campaigner from Dorchester

Jamie Windust, an award-winning editor, writer, speaker and model has been selected as one of 15 keynote speakers to take part in the prestigious TED Talk event on Saturday, December 7.

The event will be held at the Southbank Centre in London in front of a packed audience.

TEDxLondonWomen is just one part part of the Global TEDxWomen events programme, and will celebrate a diverse range of people who 'face challenges head on'.

Jamie, who identifies as non-binary, was selected for championing diversity in their role as editor of FRUITCAKE, a magazine which aims to give ‘LGBTQIA+ people the representation and authenticity that they deserve.’

Non-binary refers to a person who does not subscribe to conventional gender distinctions but identifies with neither, both, or a combination of male and female genders.

In February, Jamie set up a petition to allow those that identify as non-binary to describe themselves as such on legal documentation. This has amassed more tan 20,000 signatures and has helped to raise awareness of this issue.

Jamie, a former student of The Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, said: "Being able to speak on the TEDxLondonWomen stage is truly a statement of the times we are in, and why it's so important that these conversations that me and the other speakers are happening, get the recognition they deserve.

"It's definitely a career highlight to be able to speak at such an esteemed event, with a plethora of incredible speakers."

Director of the event, Maryam Pasha, said: "TEDxLondonWomen is an inclusive space and we're proud to reflect diversity both within our audience and on our stage.

"Having Jamie speak at this years event is a privilege for us, but also essential at a time when trans and gender non-conforming people are under constant attack on social media, and within mainstream media.

"The theme of the event is Showing Up, and our hope is not just to showcase speakers who embody this theme, but live it too."