This information is related to a past event. New information will be posted here ahead of the next Summit.
Image Credit: Mike Hiller & Our Lives Magazine
Advocacy & Policy
Effective advocacy is rooted in individual and collective leadership. Neighbors, co-workers, friends, and families—we are all the core of building a safer and more inclusive society where LGBTQ people can thrive. Workshops in this theme might include discussions of laws, policies, and how you can use your leadership and connections to advance LGBTQ equality in Wisconsin.
Allyship
Acting in allyship is something we can all do! Actions speak louder than words (though words matter too), and using the areas of our identity where we have privilege to support more marginalized folks in our community is crucial work. Workshops in this theme will be focused on how individuals can act in allyship within the LGBTQ community with those that share a different set of identities than their own.
Anti-Violence
LGBTQ people experience high rates of violence that include hate, intimate partner, sexual, and hookup-related violence, yet the LGBTQ narrative is often left out of movements focused on anti-violence. The experiences of violence both within our community and from outside our community are a direct result of oppression. Workshops in this theme will educate audiences about the violence faced by LGBTQ individuals and will offer tools for survivors or for those who serve survivors to create safe and equitable services and to enforce resiliency among LGBTQ survivors.
Health & Wellness
There are many dimensions LGBTQ health & well-being: physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and reproductive health are all a part of overall thriving. Workshops in this theme might cover LGBTQ health disparities, tools for increasing health & well-being, and / or healthcare-related advocacy focused on ensuring the systems created to enhance our health meet the needs of LGBTQ people.
Older Adults
The safety, well-being, happiness, and thriving of LGBTQ older adults is an important topic that is not highlighted often enough. Workshops in this theme might discuss or provide room to share the experiences and needs of older LGBTQ adults, as well as resources or tools for older adults or those who support them.
QTPOC Liberation
While queer liberation was revolutionized and motivated by people of color and trans individuals, the current face of the LGBTQ movement is often dominated by whiteness and privilege found within gay and lesbian communities. Workshops in this theme will uplift and center discussions on the needs and experiences of queer and transgender people of color (QTPOC) in order to create spaces that are truly empowering of all LGBTQ people.
Spirituality
Religion is often at the core of efforts to discriminate against LGBTQ people; however, many religious and spiritual leaders and communities are actively working to end anti-LGBTQ discrimination and build inclusive communities. Workshops in this theme will discuss religion and spirituality for and / or by LGBTQ people, as well as the role they can play in advancing equality.
Transgender / Nonbinary / Gender-Nonconforming
Gender expression and identity in all forms is beautiful and should always be celebrated! Yet there is still much progress to be made to ensure that TNG individuals can feel safe and have access to services and support that meet their needs. Workshops in this theme might include discussion of gender expression and identity, as well as support, advocacy, and allyship with transgender, nonbinary, and gender- nonconforming folks.
Youth & Young Adult
Creating communities that nurture and empower youth and young adults to remember that they are beautiful, loved, and worthy is a critical role of friends, families, teachers, organizations, providers, and more. Workshops in this theme might include discussions of tools, topics, and resources that are for youth and young adults, for those that are in supportive roles, or are by youth and young adults. Workshops in this theme may include youth presenters or may be of particular interest to emerging young leaders.