Platform - Heels and Pitfalls

Explore the inspiring journey of Brett Ries, a small-town farm boy from South Dakota who became an award-winning LGBTQ+ activist and drag queen while attending a top law school. In this 16-minute TEDx talk, Ries shares his experiences of self-acceptance and personal growth while pursuing legal and political careers. Discover how identities can serve as powerful platforms for change and why one should not sacrifice their authentic self for professional success. Learn about Ries' background in theatre and activism, including his campaign for the South Dakota House of Representatives at age 21 and his work on LGBTQ+ discrimination in jury trials. Gain insights into how Ries combines his legal, political, and theatrical backgrounds to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, including his drag persona Vinny Vidi Vici. This thought-provoking talk challenges conventional notions of career and identity, encouraging viewers to embrace their unique qualities as catalysts for positive change.

Platform (Heels) and Pitfalls | Brett Ries | TEDxDuke