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Tate Barkley is a speaker, author, educator, and a 30-year practicing litigation attorney. For years he lived his life in shame—of living in poverty, of alcoholism and addiction, and of being a closeted gay man. His 25-year recovery journey has compelled him to write and speak on the themes of releasing shame, recovery and resilience, self-acceptance and mental wellness, as well as personal integrity and ethics. His story demonstrates how shame and addiction can disrupt lives, businesses and institutions. Tate shares with his audiences the tools that have enabled him to embrace self-honesty and service to others as a means to long-term personal growth and resiliency. His story will be familiar to anyone who struggles with feeling “less than” or suffers from imposter syndrome. Tate’s energy, self-deprecation and sincerity provide a thoughtful and uplifting experience for his audiences.
His memoir, Sunday Dinners, Moonshine, and Men, published in September 2023, recounts Tate’s troubled relationship with his father and his journey to overcome his shame and the scarcity mindset that fueled his addictions and blocked his ability to find peace in his life. Tate offers readers a deeply personal account of his dysfunctional childhood, from the backwoods of North Carolina, to his family’s struggles with poverty in Central Florida, and their ultimate move to the boomtown of 1970s Houston, Texas.
He details his attempts to control his escalating drinking and repress his sexuality as he became a successful attorney, only to hit rock bottom and lose it all. Tate’s story will resonate with readers as they follow his quest to accept himself and find peace.
Tate resides in Houston, Texas with his husband of six years, Anson, and their dog, Emerson.
Restore Resiliency and
Personal Empowerment
In my talks. I relate my own experiences as a victim of shame and a recovering alcoholic to lead audiences through my proprietary Five Step Process to develop humility, recover their innate resiliency, and achieve authentic empowerment. My programs are appropriate for all audiences, in particular those who are struggling with self-empowerment and addiction. In addition, the process benefits both treatment professionals and managers in for-profit and nonprofit organizations who are tasked with leading employees and helping them reach their full potential.
