Marissa is a queer, polyamorous trans woman who came out by screaming in the face of a hate preacher. She is a published author, multiple podcast host and producer, public speaker, and LGBTQ/atheist activist.
Marissa went from being homeless in her early 20s to graduating the Ivy League Cum Laude with three degrees after not passing a single year of high school. During that time she studied writing, media, anthropology, and theatre; which gives her a unique sense of communication both written and oral.
Since beginning podcasting, she has interviewed a wide variety of atheists and skeptics, including most notably Noam Chomsky. She wrote a book a few days after the election that captured the spirit of the immediate aftermath and since then she has spoken at Lehigh Valley Humanists, Skepticon, NaNoCon, the FreeThought Alliance Convention, and the UPenn V-Day.
Marissa has published six books since November 2016 and have had numerous contributing skeptics like Karen Garst, Noah Lugeons, Chris Kluwe, Dan Arel, Eli Bosnick, Mandisa Thomas, and many others. Most recently I hosted a live podcast record in Chicago with Stephanie Zvan, Mandisa, and Alix Jules.
Marissa can speak to your campus about the following topics:
- LGBTQ issues
- Transgender issues, transition, and visibility
- Cultural anthropology
- Media studies, especially cinema
- Writing, podcasting, public speaking
- Theatre, acting, performing
- Intersectional activism
- Atheism/skepticism
- Sexual assault and harassment
Learn more at Marissa's website: rismccool.com
Social Justice Issues