Leadership Conference History
In 1997, a few LGBTQ+ movement leaders came together at the Highlander Center in Tennessee. Sitting in a circle of rocking chairs in the room where Rosa Parks was trained in civil disobedience, they envisioned coming together as a state-based movement to form the “Federation of Statewide LGBT Political Organizations.” From that loose network, an organization grew.
The following year, in 1998, the first Summer Meeting, now known as Leadership Conference, was held in Denver. From that first Summer Meeting, it became clear that an annual event for LGBTQ+ advocates to convene, strategize, and build relationships was critical to the movement's momentum.
Leadership Conference Today
Leadership Conference is our signature event. It’s where the LGBTQ+ advocacy movement comes together.
Each year, Equality Federation’s Leadership Conference brings together over 300 LGBTQ+ leaders, advocates, and funders from across the country for three powerful days of connection, learning, and movement building.
Our time together begins with a beautiful opening reception, featuring voices from national and local leaders, sponsors, and movement partners. The next day, we dive into plenaries, workshops, and special affinity areas that center collaboration and collective strength. We let off steam at our annual Fed Fling, which brings us out into the local city. An annual highlight is our FEDTalks, 5-minute presentations by Equality Federation state partners highlighting something interesting or innovative they've done since the last Leadership Conference. These moments create space for learning, celebration, and renewal. Throughout the week, attendees participate in programming that reflects the full diversity of our network. The Conference is grounded in the belief that every organization, no matter its size, brings what it needs to strengthen the collective power of our movement.
