2026 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference - Agenda

The mental health field is experiencing rapid transformation through the emergence of psychedelic‑inspired treatments, and broader neuroplasticity-focused therapeutics. As these innovations move closer to clinical reality, our policy and regulatory systems must evolve to ensure safe and equitable access. This session will explore (1) PTSD and its relevance to the LGBTQ+ and other communities, (2) the science of neuroplastogens, (3) healthcare systems readiness, and (4) potential access roadblocks for consideration.

While the practice of providing mutual aid—horizontal community organizing to benefit an entire community—is old as time, it has gained a new prominence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to grow. Today, there are at least 800 mutual aid networks actively operating across the U.S. alone. These networks do everything from grocery deliveries for undocumented neighbors, connections to free legal and social services, local disaster relief, rides to doctors’ appointments, and more. But mutual aid and local governments don’t always operate in harmony. Mutual aid donations exist in a gray zone of federal tax code, and political reception to mutual aid networks is mixed, with organizers and opponents alike viewing these groups as Band-Aids for larger systemic gaps. Join this session for a deep dive into the real impacts and drawbacks of mutual aid networks and imagine a road map for how local governments and mutual aid groups can collaborate for stronger communities.  

The lives and safeties of LGBTQ+ youth are being litigated at every level, while those most affected—queer and trans youth and their families—are left vulnerable to the quickly shifting tides of political policy and opinion. In this panel, learn how the policies affecting LGBTQ+ students in schools shape safety, privacy, and inclusion for all students, not just those targeted. Our school board leaders and advocates will highlight the key issues queer and trans youth face, their ramifications on the LGBTQ+ community writ large, and what we can do to make a difference.    

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 2026 brought and what this means moving forward. 

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.

Ending the HIV epidemic will require strong leadership not only at the federal level, but also in state capitals, city halls, and local communities. This session will examine the practical policy tools available to governors, legislators, mayors, and local officials to strengthen access to care and improve health outcomes. 

Panelists will highlight strategies to leverage Medicaid, AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs), insurance regulation, public health infrastructure, and community partnerships to expand access to HIV prevention and treatment services. Participants will leave with concrete policy approaches that can help reduce new infections, improve long-term health outcomes, and address disparities in communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. 

The midterms are behind us, and the work of governing is in front of us. Join fellow Black LGBTQ+/SGL elected officials and active accomplices to set issue priorities, leverage our influence, and put state and local tools to work for our communities. 

Together, we’ll explore: 

• Building our Blackprint. How can we use our roles in state and local government to create models, case studies, and testing grounds for inclusive governance, and then amplify what works? 

• Organizing beyond government. How do we convene our communities and build coalitions strong enough to deliver what the government cannot, or does not do well? What are you already doing to meet this need? 

• Learning from community-led models. The Black Panther Party’s free breakfast program fed children and later shaped federal school meal programs. How can we elevate community organizations as models for state, local, and federal programs? What examples are alive in your communities? 

In Gallup’s annual climate survey, 44% of Americans reported in 2026 that they worry a great deal about climate change, with a “record-high percentage of Americans [believing] seriousness of global warming is underestimated” (Gallup). All global citizens have concerns around the climate crisis, with those most marginalized and disenfranchised facing the greatest impact of environmental disasters. The LGBTQ+ community is no exception. This session will discuss the impact of climate change on LGBTQ+ people and how community leaders can advance environmental justice that will improve the lives and safety of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Join conference attendees for late night fun at Crush Dance Bar (2007 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009). Drink specials will be available to conference attendees from 8:30pm – 11:00pm.