NEVER BLEND IN
David E Hull-Watters
Foreword by Alex Iantaffi Ph.D., MS, SEP, CST, CST-S, LMFT
About the author
David E. Hull-Watters is a multi-award-winning Inclusion and Wellbeing Consultant, Speaker, Trainer, and advocate.
With a focus on LGBTQIA+ Awareness and Allyship, Neurodiversity, Inclusive Recruitment and Leadership, and Disability Confident Practice, David works with leading organisations including All American Entertainment (AAE) Speakers Bureau, Champions Speakers, EMBED Inclusion, Firebird, Onvero (formerly the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion), and ParaPride, and he has delivered keynote talks and workshops across all sectors globally, supporting multiple organisations to build more inclusive, psychologically safe, and profitable cultures.
He is the founder of the international Give ‘em Hope Campaign, an award-winning initiative that amplifies the voices of those marginalised by societal labels, through a global archive of written and video testimonies.
Alongside his husband Richard, David was one of the key campaigners with Equal Love UK who successfully challenged marriage inequality through a legal case at the European Court of Human Rights, helping pave the way for equal marriage legislation in the UK.
Originally a performer and later an educator, David drew inspiration from working with students from a wide range of diverse identities, experiences, and backgrounds. Having experienced his own challenges with confidence and self-belief, for more years than necessary, he is deeply committed to ensuring that others are not held back by limiting external labels or internalised doubt.
He is also a Wellbeing Coach and the creator of A Holistic Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing—a practical framework supporting individuals and organisations alike—and has written the foreword to Retreating Forward: A Spiritual Practice with Transgender Persons by Rev. David Elias Weekley.
At the heart of David’s work is a simple but powerful belief: when people are seen, heard, and supported to be fully themselves—they thrive.
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Notable contributors
Never Blend In brings together a powerful and diverse range of voices—some widely recognised, others less visible, but all equally vital and compelling. These contributors include artists, activists, writers, educators, public figures and community leaders whose work has helped challenge norms, influence culture and deepen understanding of LGBTQIA+ lives.
Leading figures from the arts and cultural sectors—including Alan Cumming, Sir Stephen Fry, Adele Anderson, Anthony Rapp, Heather Matarazzo, Darren Hayes, Sara Davis Buechner, Clare Summerskill, Jason Stuart, Jack Mackenroth, Kevin Stea, Eric Himan, Horse Macdonald, Scotch Ellis Loring and Daniel Newman—offer distinct perspectives on authenticity, integrity, representation and individuality.
Alongside them, filmmakers including Del Shores, Parvez Sharma, Casper Andreas, Jesse Archer, Guy Guido, Mobeen Azhar and Roy Kirkland demonstrate how film and media can capture complexity, challenge stereotypes and preserve lived experience. This is further reflected in the work of photographers and visual storytellers Tom Bianchi, Dan Nicoletta, Mike Ruiz, Loren Rex Cameron, Briden C. Schueren and Brent Marr, whose images have played a vital role in documenting LGBTQIA+ history and shaping visibility.
Writers and commentators including Lesléa Newman, Michael Musto, Tom Rob Smith, Shelly Goldstein, Rosie Wilby, Alexis Gregory, Trudy Howson and Ben Patrick Johnson illustrate the enduring power of language to make private experiences visible and to foster connection. Linda Riley’s work as publisher of DIVA further reinforces the importance of creating platforms where LGBTQIA+ voices are centred and sustained.
Trans and gender-diverse contributors—including Calpernia Addams, Caroline Paige MBE, Dr Jamison Green and Autumn Sandeen—offer powerful perspectives on identity, authenticity and resilience, providing essential insight into navigating visibility and belonging.
Faith and spirituality are explored through Rabbi Denise Eger and the Revd Dr David E. Weekley, whose work demonstrates how belief can become a space for inclusion, justice and healing. Levi Kreis adds to this with a moving reflection on redefining spirituality through compassion and self-acceptance.
From sport, Bruce Hayes, Jake Bain, Kaig Lightner and Evan Darling highlight the importance of visibility, representation and authentic leadership.
Activists and community organisers including Peter Tatchell, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Evan Wolfson, Aderonke Apata, Maurice Tomlinson, Ted Brown, Anne Kronenberg, Sister Roma, Sean Strub and Commodore Duncan Lustig-Prean, alongside civic leaders such as Tom Ammiano, Bevan Dufty, Alex Randolph and Khakan Qureshi, reflect on the realities of challenging systems, influencing legislation and building more equitable futures, while offering insight into long-term movement building and community-led change.
Never Blend In also draws on expertise from psychology, education and organisational leadership. Contributors including John Amaechi OBE, Dr Mark McBride-Wright MBE, Gladeana McMahon, Dr Antoine Spiteri, Dr John R. Shafer and Linda Goldman explore identity, shame, resilience and psychological safety, alongside practical approaches to building inclusive environments.
Experiences within structured institutions are reflected by contributors including Lord Brian Paddick, Lt Dan Choi, Alastair Smith MBE, Brett Bigham, Dr Shaun Dellenty, Sue Sanders, Stuart Pearce and Evelyn Thomas, who offer insight into tackling systemic bias and discrimination.
Personal journeys remain central throughout. Contributors such as John Briggs, Neil Pearson and Justin Reed Early demonstrate that authenticity can emerge at any stage of life, shaped by reflection, community and lived experience.
These are, in many ways, the role models we all need—even if many of them would never describe themselves that way.
Through honesty, courage, and vulnerability they offer possibility.
Together, they emphasise that role models are not templates to follow, but reminders that there is no single way to be LGBTQIA+.
Their stories are ones readers will return to—again and again—each time finding something new—finding reassurance, insight and the enduring reminder that they are not alone.
What People are Saying about Never Blend In
There are two ways you can approach not fitting in. If you get to see it as a blessing, feeling like an Outsider can eventually give you the freedom and license to create your own world, follow your own goals, and make your own reality. I've always thought it must be a lot harder for those who effortlessly belong - how much stronger the temptation to just blend in and be a non-questioning sheep! Yes, there is pain. Feelings of rejection, confusion, self-doubt. But think of those negatives in a positive light: you have the chance to acquire resilience, fortitude, understanding and the realization but you have one life to live, so you absolutely have the right to live it your way!
It's no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters 'Never Blend In’, is so timely.
TRISHA GODDARD,
Television Presenter
Asked why she agreed to take part in Never Blend In, Heather Matarazzo answers without hesitation:
“I wanted to get involved in this project because I feel as though I have a responsibility to let others know that they’re not alone and that they are worthwhile and there is a reason for them being here. So people, that are looking for help, can go get the insight they need, so that they can pass it along to someone else. It’s all about getting to give back. Because what I do free for you, I also do for myself. When you succeed, I succeed. When you flourish, I flourish.”
ALAN CUMMING OBEActor, Writer, Producer and Activist
PETER TATCHELLHuman Rights Campaigner
STEPHEN FRYActor, Comedian, Writer
In the world of "Lost Hope", for the youth of the World this book stands as a beacon of light that others have travelled the road before. "Be true to yourself" & "Never Blend In".
These are the people who are not afraid of closed doors, untraveled paths, and at the end leaders into uncharted territory...Thank you for allowing us to tell our tale. I am and always have been comfortable in my own skin although I know it's not a suit most would choose to wear...Thanks for giving me the forum to express that. Best of Luck to you...(I know you don't need it)
Liza Friedlander, President, Friedlander Investigative Services, LLC
Positive role models are important to individuals whether they be LGBT individuals talking about their experiences or the family and friends of such individuals who can model acceptance and positive affirmation. Therapists are likely to be interested in such a book in a bid to understand the specific needs of those who identify as LGBT considering the best ways to work with such individuals and/or their families. Academics are likely to find the book useful in considering issues around diversity and, of course, the general public will also benefit as a book of this sort educates the reader. This book will also help LGBT individuals to understand their situation and consider how to develop a deep and meaningful sense of self-worth. It will also help such individuals understand how best to help those around them to understand their situation as much as it will educate family and friends.
Gladeana McMahon,
Director, Gladeana McMahon Associates
The book NEVER BLEND IN is a provocative look into the lives of successful people who live in a world where the odds are stacked against us. It is important to give hope to the younger generation with diverse sexual orientations to see that we can be happy, healthy, and successful players in this game we call life. I hope by telling my story in this book, I can, in some small way, make life easier for those who march to the beat of a different drum. I am a rebel with a cause...you can either march with me, or step out of my way.
I am excited to order several copies of your book and share them with friends and family as gifts. I may try to use it with one of my classes that I teach at my college on the psychology of diversity.
Director of the Counseling Center and Professor at Franklin College of Indiana, President, Shafer Consulting Services
NEVER BLEND IN, and the efforts of writer David Watters, is a brilliant collection and resource of openly LGBT and successful role models across the globe. The value to all, especially for the younger generation, is paramount. The presentation of individuals who are successful, determined, active and visible in our communities will undoubtedly inspire all who read this collection, to do better, become a better person, and strive for greatness in their lives and that of others.
The LGBT community has often been portrayed in a less than favourable light – NEVER BLEND IN rips that inaccurate veil off, and offers a face and portrait of today’s LGBT community, its leaders, history, accomplishments and potential.
Herb Sosa, Editor|Publisher - Ambiente Magazine
& President - Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida
NEVER BLEND IN is a vital project that is sure to make a difference in many young (and not so young!) lives. As the author of HEATHER HAS TWO MOMMIES, I have seen firsthand how important it is for children to see a family like theirs portrayed in the media. It is just as important for teenagers and adults to see themselves represented in books, in film, and on TV.
By showcasing people who are out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and living authentic lives, David Watters is sending an important message to those struggling to come out and be out: You CAN be yourself and live a full, satisfying, meaningful, and glorious life.
Lesléa Newman
This book is crucially important because we need to continually shed light on the struggles and adversity facing the LGBT community.
We can never become complacent in our fight for equal rights and we need to remember the trailblazers who ignited the spark for the flame of progress that burns today.
As role models following in the legacy of others like Harvey Milk, we need to stand as proud confident people and continue to broaden the path of acceptance for those that follow us.
Jack Mackenroth
Swimmer, model and fashion designer who competed in the fourth season of American reality show Project Runway.
David Watters is a highly motivated author and freelance writer. He is passionate in his work, inspiring others to become their best selves, and to value themselves and others. His considerable writing skills help create and promote inclusivity and equality for all people, and offers another positive role model for youth and others on the margins.
Rev. David Weekley, Minister, United Methodist Church
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