Wednesday, December 3
- 5:30 pm
–
- 7:00 pm
Sponsored By:
LGBTQ+ Elected Officials Reception
- Invite Only
Hosted by
An evening of drinks and networking to celebrate our network of LGBTQ+ elected officials, and the great work they do on behalf of the community.
Thursday, December 4
Elected Officials Summit
- Summit
A pre-conference convening exclusively for currently serving LGBTQ+ elected officials and those elected to take office in 2026.
- 10:00 am
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- 3:45 pm
Candidate and Campaign 101 Training
Curious about what it means to run for office as an LGBTQ+ person? Join LGBTQ+ Victory Institute for a FREE one-day Candidate & Campaign 101 Training to cover the basics of campaigning, messaging, fundraising, and so much more. LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is the only global organization to exclusively provide trainings for LGBTQ+ folks looking to run for public office and we want YOU to join us for a one-day program to engage, inform, and excite our community to increase LGBTQ+ representation on the ballot.
- 12:00 pm
–
- 7:00 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Registration
- Registration
Registration is open from 9:00 AM until 3:45 PM. Please visit registration upon arrival at the conference to get your access badge and gift bag!
Note: All conference activities are secured, and you must have your badge to enter workshops, sessions and the main conference floor. You may be denied entry without a badge. If you lose your badge, please see the registration desk.
- 4:00 pm
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- 4:10 pm
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Opening Keynote with Governor Maura Healey
- keynote
- 4:10 pm
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- 5:30 pm
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Opening Plenary
Kick off the 2025 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference with a reflection on the challenging year 2025 has been for the LGBTQ+ community both socially and politically. Hear from elected officials on the emerging struggles, the importance of community– and coalition-building, and what we can do moving forward to fight anti-LGBTQ+ policies and sentiments.
- 5:30 pm
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- 7:00 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Opening Reception
Kick off the conference by meeting and mingling with fellow attendees!
Friday, December 5
- 9:40 am
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- 11:00 am
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Breakfast Plenary: LGBTQ+ Women in Politics
It’s more important than ever that women have a seat at the table, but fewer LGBTQ+ women are stepping up to run. This discussion will revolve around the unique experiences that LGBTQ+ women face running for and holding public office, how we can address those issues, and ultimately, try to close the representation gap.
- 9:30 am
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- 9:40 am
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Breakfast Plenary: Opening Keynote with Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones
- 9:00 am
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- 9:30 am
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Breakfast Friday
- Dining
Enjoy a breakfast buffet included with your conference registration!
- 11:00 am
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- 12:15 pm
Breakout 1b: Managing Constituent Expectations
- workshop
When holding public office, it is impossible to please everyone. Leaders must be prepared to manage constituent expectations and frustrations, whether they be over a policy disagreement or simply a scheduling conflict. Join this session to discuss how to navigate these relationships with constituents and still hold true to your priorities.
- 11:00 am
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- 12:15 pm
Breakout 1d: Sharing Strategies for Global Equality
- Policy
Across continents, LGBTQ+ activists, elected leaders, and advocates are finding new ways to build community, protect rights, and strengthen democracy — often in the face of shared challenges. This session creates a space for collective reflection and exchange: what’s working, what’s emerging, and what we can learn from one another’s victories and mistakes.
Using the “empty chair” methodology, participants will rotate through the conversation, leaving one chair open for anyone who wishes to join and share. There are no formal speakers — only stories, lessons, and ideas in motion. Together, we’ll map the practices that sustain our movements globally and locally and explore how connection itself becomes a strategy for survival and progress.
- 11:00 am
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- 12:15 pm
Breakout 1c: From Stonewall to Skrmetti: Intergenerational Trans Activism
- Pipeline Building
Trans people have always existed and so has the fight for trans rights. Hear from transgender leaders and activists on generational and intergenerational strategies, and how people of all backgrounds can work together to continue to advocate for the trans community.
- 11:00 am
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- 12:15 pm
Breakout 1a: Evolution of Messaging (GLAAD Media Institute)
- workshop
Join GLAAD Media Institute for a workshop on their new research on the current state of media messaging and how to better reach your audience. Whether an elected official, a candidate or an activist, you will walk away from this workshop with new insights on how to tailor your messaging to help your cause.
- 12:30 pm
–
- 1:00 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Lunch Friday
Enjoy a lunch buffet included in your conference registration!
- 1:00 pm
–
- 1:15 pm
State of Victory
President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, Evan Low, provides an address on the state of LGBTQ+ representation in the U.S. and around the globe, with reflections on the unique challenges that 2025 brought and what this means moving forward.
- 1:45 pm
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- 3:00 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Lunch Plenary: Health Equity
Hear from elected officials and policy experts on the impacts of recent changes to healthcare policy in the United States. Whether these changes affect you as a patient or as a legislator, attendees will walk away with a better understanding of current health policies and the actionable strategies that can be taken to protect health equity.
- 3:00 pm
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- 4:15 pm
Breakout 2c: Strong Public Narratives
- workshop
Step into your full presence as a speaker and leader. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to use your breath to your advantage, ground your message in authenticity, and connect with voters through genuine, embodied communication. Blending performance craft and neuroscience, this workshop gives you practical tools to speak with clarity, confidence, and heart—on the campaign trail and beyond.
- 3:00 pm
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- 4:15 pm
Breakout 2b: Uplifting Strategies for Trans Equality
- workshop
2025 has seen a dramatic increase in anti-trans rhetoric and anti-trans legislation. In this session we’ll discuss strategies to combat these attempts, both through coalition–building and when working with chambers such as the city council or general assembly.
- 3:15 pm
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- 4:30 pm
Breakout 2a: Victory Institute Research on Political Violence
- Pipeline Building
Political violence is on the rise around the globe, putting elected and public officials at additional risk. Come together to discuss the realities of the political climate right now and how to protect yourself and others at this moment.
- 3:00 pm
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- 4:15 pm
Breakout 2d: Immigration
- Policy
Immigration policy in the United States has drastically escalated in the new administration, causing harm and alarm for communities throughout the United States and around the globe. This session will look at the impact that these policy changes have had on the LGBTQ+ community.
- 4:15 pm
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- 6:15 pm
Miscellaneous Programming
Collaborate and learn with fellow LGBTQ+ elected officials, political leaders and human rights advocates in a series of topical discussions and panel sessions.
- 6:00 pm
–
- 8:00 pm
- Invite-Only
Bohnett Leaders Reception
- Reception
An invite-only reception for Bohnett Leaders Fellowship alumni.
- 6:30 pm
–
- 8:00 pm
- Invite-Only
Our Leaders Caucus Reception
- Reception
An open reception for young LGBTQ+ political leaders and supporters.
- 8:00 pm
Late Night with LGBTQ+ Victory!
Looking for evening plans while in Washington, DC? Meet up and celebrate with LGBTQ+ Victory Institute at Crush Dance Bar!
Saturday, December 6
- 10:00 am
–
- 11:30 am
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Breakfast Plenary: Together, We Win: Lessons, Data, and Leadership from a Global Movement
- Plenary
Around the world, LGBTQ+ movements are confronting rising polarization and efforts to divide us—from attempts to separate trans people from the rest of our communities to borders and governments that keep us from building global solidarity. Yet history reminds us that isolation has always been their strategy, and unity has always been our power. This conversation explores how LGBTQ+ leaders and solidarity networks are sustaining democracy, strengthening movements, and ensuring that none of us ever stands alone—because when we stand together, we win.
- 11:45 am
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- 1:00 pm
Breakout 3a: Campaign workshop
- workshop
Join this session to hear from a variety of consultants about the type of support they provide for political campaigns, how one can find and select the right consultant, and how to manage these critical relationships.
- 11:45 am
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- 1:00 pm
Breakout 3b: Caregivers in Office
- Pipeline Building
Millions of people serve as caregivers to someone in their lives, whether as a parent or a loved one who needs additional support. While that shouldn’t be a barrier to running for office, caregiving presents its own opportunities and challenges. In this breakout we’ll hear from caregivers themselves about what it is like to hold office while balancing personal responsibilities and the ways in which we can work to increase the number of caregivers in office.
- 11:45 am
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- 1:00 pm
Breakout 3c: Status of HIV/AIDS Funding
- Policy
This session will discuss recent executive orders and policy shifts that have caused extensive cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention and research programs. Conversations will include the impact of these budget cuts, how HIV/AIDS is being addressed globally, and what next steps are in this pivotal moment.
- 11:45 am
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- 1:00 pm
Breakout 3d: Global: Intersex Rights
- Policy
This session will take a global approach to look at current policies around intersex rights, how we can increase the representation of intersex people in office, how we can continue to create policies that will protect intersex people.
- 1:00 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Lunch Saturday
Enjoy a lunch buffet included in your conference registration!
- 1:45 pm
–
- 3:00 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Lunch Plenary: Artificial Intelligence
- Plenary
- 3:00 pm
–
- 4:30 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Closing Reception
- Reception
Join us at our Closing Reception as we bid farewell to this year’s conference, reflecting on the moments of inspiration, collaboration, and empowerment shared over the past few days.