Wednesday, December 3
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- 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.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 3:45 pm
- Salon G
Sponsored By:
Candidate and Campaign 101 Training
Curious about what it means to run for office as an LGBTQ+ person? Join LGBTQ+ Victory Institute for a one-day Candidate & Campaign 101 Training to cover the basics of campaigning, messaging, fundraising and more. Please register for this pre-conference training in advance. Conference registration is not required for participation.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 7:00 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Registration
- Registration
Registration is open from 12PM until 7PM. 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.
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- 4:10 pm
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Opening Remarks: Governor Janet Mills
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- 4:15 pm
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Opening Remarks: Congressman Robert Garcia
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- 5:30 pm
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Opening Plenary: The State of LGBTQ+ Political Power: Challenges, Momentum, and the Road Ahead
This opening session grounds the conference in a clear-eyed assessment of where LGBTQ+ political power stands today—and what it will take to advance it. With more LGBTQ+ people in public office than ever before, and unprecedented efforts to roll back protections, our leadership has never been more essential. Through insights from national leaders, we will explore emerging trends, threats, and opportunities shaping the path forward.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 7:30 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Sponsored By:
Opening Reception
Kick off the conference by meeting and mingling with fellow attendees!
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- 11:30 pm
- 1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Sponsored By:
Late Night with LGBTQ+ Victory!
Join us at TRADE for drinks, dancing and networking as we celebrate LGBTQ+ representation and political power.
Bring your conference badge! Starting at 9pm, the first 100 people with a conference badge will receive a complimentary drink ticket!
Please Note: TRADE will be open to the general public and we cannot guarantee entrance.
Also, taking Lime to the Late Night? Receive 40% off all rides taken on Lime vehicles from Dec 4 through Dec 6 by entering this promo code into the “wallet” option of the rider app: VICTORYFUNDDC
Friday, December 5
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- 3:45 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Registration
- Registration
Registration is open from 8AM until 3:45PM. 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.
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- 9:15 am
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Breakfast
- Dining
Enjoy a breakfast buffet included with your conference registration.
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- 9:40 am
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Breakfast Plenary: Keynote with Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones
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- 11:00 am
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Breakfast Plenary: Women + Power: Attorneys General Defending Equality and Justice
LGBTQ+ women remain underrepresented in public office, yet their leadership is reshaping the front lines of justice in the United States. This plenary features three groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Attorneys General who are leading major efforts to counter federal attacks on LGBTQ+ people, civil rights, and social justice. In a candid discussion, they will share how they navigate these high-stakes challenges, wield the authority of their offices to protect vulnerable communities, and chart a path forward in a volatile national landscape. Their insights will illuminate what it takes to lead boldly, defend hard-won progress, and build the next generation of LGBTQ+ women in elected leadership.
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- 12:15 pm
- Salon F
Breakout: Sharing Strategies for Global Equality
- Policy
This breakout session will include speakers in both English and Spanish. Translation is through Wordly and will require you to have both your phone and headphones. A limited number of headphones will be available at registration.
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.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 12:15 pm
- Salon G
Breakout: From Stonewall to Skrmetti: Intergenerational Trans Activism
- Pipeline Building
Trans people have always existed, and so has the struggle for dignity, autonomy, and the right to live freely. In the wake of United States v. Skrmetti and an escalating wave of legislative and legal attacks, the movement for trans rights is entering a new and defining chapter. This session brings together transgender leaders and activists from multiple generations to examine how strategies have evolved—from the lessons of Stonewall to the frontline battles of today. Together, they will explore how activists, elected officials, and community members can work across age, identity, and experience to build resilient coalitions, defend trans lives, and advance lasting equality in a challenging national landscape.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 12:15 pm
- Salon E
Breakout: Managing Constituent Expectations
- workshop
Holding public office demands more than decision-making—it demands relationship-building. In this session, join five elected leaders as they share their frameworks for aligning constituent energy with strategic priorities, navigating conflicts, and turning expectations into momentum for your agenda.
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- 12:15 pm
- Salon D
Sponsored By:
Breakout: Evolution of Media, Audience, and Messaging
- workshop
Join GLAAD Media Institute for a workshop on their new research on the current state of the media landscape, and how that will impact who and how you are reaching your target audience. Whether an elected official, a candidate or an activist, you will walk away from this workshop with new insights on how to be impactful in our new media landscape, reaching the right people, with the right messages.
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- 1:00 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Lunch
Enjoy a lunch buffet included in your conference registration.
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- 1:30 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Lunch Plenary: First Inductee to the 2025 LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame
The LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame honors the LGBTQ+ elected officials, appointed officials and candidates who made significant contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ political power and equality. See past honorees here.
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- 1:45 pm
State of Victory
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute President & CEO 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.
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- 2:50 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Sponsored By:
Lunch Plenary: Health Equity at a Crossroads: Strengthening Systems and Protecting Communities
Shifts in Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and other major health policies are creating new pressures on communities—including LGBTQ+ people, rural residents, people of color, people with disabilities, and people living with HIV/AIDS. This lunch plenary brings together leading experts and advocates to break down these changes, examine their impact on population health, and provide practical strategies to strengthen health equity. Panelists will offer clear, actionable approaches leaders can use to protect access to care and advance better health outcomes in their own communities, whether a policy maker, advocate or community member.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 3:15 pm
- Grand Ballroom (~3 level)
Keynote Plenary: President Joseph R. Biden
- keynote
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- 4:30 pm
- Salon G
Breakout: Tell Your Story: Crafting Public Narratives That Move People
- workshop
A strong public narrative can shift opinion, build trust, and move people to action. This session offers practical tools for structuring persuasive messages, using personal stories intentionally, and adapting your delivery to different audiences. Drawing on performance techniques and key insights from neuroscience, this workshop will show you how to communicate with clarity, authenticity, and impact—equipping you with skills you can use immediately in legislative, campaign, and community settings.
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- 4:30 pm
- Salon E
Breakout: Strategies That Work: Protecting & Advancing Trans Equality
- workshop
Across the country, LGBTQ+ elected officials are leading critical efforts to defend and advance trans equality—whether navigating hostile legislatures in red states or driving proactive protections in blue states. This session highlights practical strategies these leaders are using on the ground: building bipartisan coalitions, shaping committee debates, leveraging procedural tools, framing effective public narratives, and partnering with local advocates to protect trans constituents. Participants will learn from officials who have succeeded in protecting or advancing rights in challenging environments and from those pushing bold policy gains where political conditions allow.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 4:30 pm
- Salon D
Navigating Political Harassment & Violence: Realities for LGBTQ+ Leaders
- Pipeline Building
Political harassment and intimidation are increasing nationwide, with LGBTQ+ elected officials facing distinct and disproportionate challenges. This session reviews the current landscape, the factors driving these threats, and the impact on LGBTQ+ public service. Victory Institute will also share new research capturing the experiences of LGBTQ+ candidates with harassment and political hostility. Panelists will discuss practical approaches for personal safety, institutional support, and community-based strategies that help leaders continue their work with confidence and resilience.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 4:30 pm
- Salon F
Breakout: Supporting LGBTQ+ Immigrants and Asylum Seekers Amid Changing Policies
- Policy
Shifting federal and state policies are reshaping the daily realities of LGBTQ+ immigrants and asylum seekers—from access to legal pathways and public services to safety, housing, and community stability. This session brings together advocates and public leaders to discuss how these changes are affecting individuals on the ground and what practical steps officials can take to support and protect affected residents. Participants will explore approaches that help LGBTQ+ immigrants and asylum seekers navigate evolving requirements, strengthen local support networks, and connect people to trusted resources and protections.
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- 6:30 pm
- Salon G
Black Leaders Caucus Conversation
- Reception
The Black Leaders Caucus session is a strategy and community-building space designed to create a shared action plan and toolkit regarding advancements and protections for Black LGBTQ+/SGL elected officials and the communities they serve and represent. Attendees will hear best practices from their peers, collectively build a framework for amplifying and leveraging their power.
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- 8:00 pm
- Invite-Only
Sponsored By:
David Bohnett Leaders Fellowship Alumni Reception
- Reception
An invite-only reception for alumni of Victory Institute’s David Bohnett Leaders Fellowship program. Learn more about the fellowship for LGBTQ+ elected and appointed leaders.
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- 11:00 pm
- 2007 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Sponsored By:
Late Night with LGBTQ+ Victory!
Join us at Crush Dance Bar for music, drinks and celebration.
Bring your conference badge! People with a conference badge can skip the line and will receive a $7 rail drink special all night. Free vodka will be provided from 10pm – 11pm (only at the first floor bar).
Please note: Crush Dance Bar will be open to the general public and we cannot guarantee entrance. The first floor is accessible, which includes a DJ and bar, however there is no elevator to the second floor.
Also, taking Lime to the Late Night? Receive 40% off all rides taken on Lime vehicles from Dec 4 through Dec 6 by entering this promo code into the “wallet” option of the rider app: VICTORYFUNDDC
Saturday, December 6
–
- 3:45 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Registration
- Registration
Registration is open from 8AM until 3:45PM. 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.
–
- 10:00 am
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Breakfast
Enjoy a breakfast buffet included with your conference registration.
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- 11:20 am
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Breakfast Plenary: Together, We Win: Lessons, Data, and Leadership from a Global Movement
- Plenary
This plenary will include speakers in both English and Spanish. Translation is through Wordly and will require you to have both your phone and headphones. A limited number of headphones will be available at registration.
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.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 11:30 am
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Second Inductee to the 2025 LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame: John Heilman
The LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame honors the LGBTQ+ elected officials, appointed officials and candidates who made significant contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ political power and equality. See past honorees here.
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- 1:00 pm
- Salon E
Exhibit: LGBTQ+ Campaign Consultants
- workshop
LGBTQ+ and allied campaign consultants will be available at this exhibit for short, individual conversations about services, selecting the right consultant, and how to manage these critical relationships. The consultants available are well-versed in supporting LGBTQ+ candidates and can provide unique advice on how to best utilize money and resources.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 1:00 pm
- Salon F
Breakout: 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.
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- 1:00 pm
- Salon G
Breakout: Protecting Progress: Responding to HIV/AIDS Funding Cuts and Charting the Path Forward
- 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.
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- 1:00 pm
- Salon D
Breakout: Intersex Rights: Stories, Representation, and Policy Progress
- Policy
This breakout begins with a 15-minute video introducing intersex experiences and the global movement for bodily autonomy and inclusion. Intersex rights leader Kimberly Zieselman will lead a conversation after, exploring the realities intersex people face, recent policy developments, and the growing visibility of intersex advocates in public life. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the issues, learn how representation is shifting, and identify ways elected officials and community partners can support intersex rights and inclusion in their own work.
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Lunch
Enjoy a lunch buffet included in your conference registration.
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- 1:40 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Third Inductee to the 2025 LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame: Ricardo Lara
The LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame honors the LGBTQ+ elected officials, appointed officials and candidates who made significant contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ political power and equality. See past honorees here.
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- 1:50 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Tammy Baldwin Breakthrough Award Presentation
- Plenary
The Tammy Baldwin Breakthrough Award is given to a state or local LGBTQ+ elected official with a promising political career and who champions equality and lives to fight for the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s recipient, Denver City Councilmember Shontel Lewis, will receive the award and provide remarks.
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- 2:00 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Global Trailblazer Award Presentation
- Plenary
This presentation will include speakers in both English and Spanish. Translation is through Wordly and will require you to have both your phone and headphones. A limited number of headphones will be available at registration.
The Global Trailblazer Award honors the contributions of an LGBTQ+ leader serving outside of the U.S. who is instrumental to the fight for equality. The 2025 Global Trailblazer Award recipient is Robert Biedroń, Member of the European Parliament, who will accept the award via recorded video.
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- 3:15 pm
- Grand Ballroom Foyer (~3 level)
Lunch Plenary: Going Viral For Change: Winning Hearts and Votes in the Digital Era
- Plenary
In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, effective online communication is essential to reaching voters and shaping public understanding. This plenary brings together influencers, LGBTQ+ elected officials, and communications professionals to discuss how they use social and new media to engage constituents, counter misinformation, and make complex policy issues accessible. Panelists will share practical insights on digital storytelling, audience engagement, and using emerging platforms to build trust and drive impact.
Session Speaker(s)
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- 4:45 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.