From Jan. 22 to 26, nearly 3,000 LGBTQ+ advocates will gather in Las Vegas for this year’s Creating Change conference, emceed by Out100 honoree Tre'vell Anderson. Influential speakers and performers, including Imara Jones, Mandisa Moore, Dr. David Johns, Frenchie Davis, Ada Vox, and more are set to appear in powerful events, plenaries, and workshops.
“As a Black trans and nonbinary journalist, I’m grateful for the opportunity to train, organize, and community build alongside the changemakers on the frontlines,” Anderson said on Instagram of their role at the conference.
Founded in 1988 by the National LGBTQ Task Force, one of the oldest and most influential LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in the country, the annual conference has long provided queer professionals with opportunities to develop career skills and build community. According to the organization’s President Kierra Johnson, this year’s theme, “Rooted in Resistance, Power & Love,” underscores the importance of confronting injustice, harnessing collective power, and acting with love.
Kierra Johnson (on the left) at a past Creating Change conference.Photo Courtesy of the National LGBTQ Task Force
“Our communities have been resilient through decades and centuries,” said Johnson. “We will bring that resilience to Creating Change. We know we are living in challenging times, but we must remember the process of our ancestors and foreparents. Now we’re called to carry on that legacy. We have a responsibility to do the same, and that is what Creating Change is all about.”
The conference offers a rich lineup of programming, including notable plenaries such as “Black Leadership Rising,” “Democracy, Fascism, and the Road Ahead,” and “State of the Movement” hosted by Anderson and Johnson. Special evening events include drag show Kierra’s Cabaret, the Desert Sun Meets Vegas Lights House Ball, and more.
Photo Courtesy of the National LGBTQ Task Force
Last year’s conference in New Orleans provided financial assistance to nearly 1,000 participants, including reduced registration fees and meal support. This year, the Task Force aims to continue fostering inclusivity and accessibility for attendees.
“I couldn’t begin to list the countless things I have learned,” said Cathy Renna, Communications Director of the Task Force. Renna, who has attended the conference since the early 1990s before she even joined the organization, added, “Every year I walk away inspired, energized, and more ready to do the work.”
Photo Courtesy of the National LGBTQ Task Force
Although registration for the conference has closed due to high demand, a weekend party pass is still available for purchase HERE for $50 — this pass grants access to Friday and Saturday evening events, including Kierra’s Cabaret and the House Ball. Additionally, all plenaries will be streamed live on the Task Force’s YouTube page, where they will remain available for viewing afterwards.
“So many of our peers didn’t make it to be freedom fighters but we have,” Johnson emphasized. “Let’s step into our power, together, in Las Vegas.”
To view the full conference schedule, please visit https://www.thetaskforce.org/creating-change/schedule/.
This story is brought to you by our partners at the National LGBTQ Task Force.
