More than 3,000 LGBT advocates converged in Atlanta Jan. 23-27 for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's (NGLTF's) National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change.
Celebrating 25 years of Creating Change conferences, the 2013 gathering focused on intersectional issues; there were many workshops and caucuses focusing on immigration reform, transgender advocacy, sex positivity, ability, ball culture, as well as violence and suicide within the LGBT community.
"The movement for equality is making great strides as we saw with the sweeping marriage victories on Nov. 6, but there is much more left to do from securing protections against discrimination, to fighting HIV/AIDS and anti-LGBT violence, to securing racial and economic justice for all," said Sue Hyde, Creating Change director.
During the state of the LGBT movement address by Rea Carey, executive director of the NGLTF, a video from President Obama was screened especially for the conference.
"Decades ago, in the dark days when most doctors declared being gay a mental disorder, you organized and rallied to change their minds," said Obama. "When thousands suffered in the shadows during the early days of the AIDS epidemic, you cast a bright light on their pain. And today, you're helping to lead the way to a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, no matter who they love or where they come from."
During the plenary focused on immigration reform, many activists who are out as LGBT and undocumented shared their stories. Traditional methods for petitioning for citizenship often do not apply to LGBT people because our familial relationships are not always legally recognized because of legislation like the Defense of Marriage Act.
"We don't have marriage as a pathway to citizenship," said Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez, national field director for GetEqual. "To say people will marry into a green card, for us, it's a joke."
Mistress of ceremonies Kate Clinton highlighted the attack on women's rights, calling conference attendees to action with the chant, "reproductive rights are LGBT rights." Clinton also called out popular conservative rhetoric around rape and small government.
"There is no such thing as 'legitimate rape.' There is no such thing as 'gift from God rape.' … These are people who believe in small government, small enough to fit in my vagina," said Clinton.
The NGLTF also honored outstanding community members such as Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' intern Daniel Hernandez Jr.; undocumented journalist Jose Antonio Vargas; and the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Communion, Gene Robinson. Office Depot was also honored, for corporate leadership.
The conference included nightlife opportunities like dance parties for youth and seniors as well as balls, underground competitions in which different houses battle for prizes and trophies with a fusion of cat-walking, dancing, voguing and drag.
American Idol alumna Frenchie Daviswho came out last yearclosed the conference by performing covers of classic pop hits.
In addition, according to a press release, leaders from local, regional, and national bisexual organizations met for the first time. BiNet USA President Faith Cheltenham and Bisexual Resource Center President Ellyn Ruthstrom planned and facilitated the first national Bisexual Leadership Roundtable.