2025 Black Queer Women's Conference

📅 Thursday, September 18th – Welcome Reception
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Kick off the weekend with a warm and welcoming evening that sets the tone for connection and celebration.

• Mix, Mingle & Manifest: A relaxed meet-and-greet with curated vibes, community love, and empowering energy.

• Sounds by Ndless Summer: A DJ set to open the weekend with joy and rhythm.
   
• Strike a Pose: An interactive photo booth experience to capture moments with fellow attendees.
   
• Auction for Empowerment: Bid on exclusive items to support the BEL Scholarship Fund, helping us uplift and empower the next generation of Black queer women.
   

📅 Friday, September 19th – Wellness, Intimacy & Liberation

Professional Headshot Signup: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Start the day with nourishing community connections and powerful discussions focused on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

• 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM – Nourish & Network: Join us for a community breakfast to connect and start the day energized.
   
• 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM – Opening Prayer & Grounding Ritual: Center yourself with a grounding ritual to set intentions for the day.
   
• 9:50 AM – 10:00 AM – Welcome from the Founder: Hear from LaJoya Johnson, the founder of BEL, about the mission and vision of the conference.
   
• 10:05 AM – 10:50 AM – Healing Out Loud: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Black Queer Experience with Dr. Dionne Bates
   
• 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – Real Love, Real Talk: Building Healthy Relationships with Boundaries, Truth & Care with Charity Williams
   
• 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Break / Reflect / Reset
   
• 12:35 PM – 1:15 PM – Breaking the Silence: Find Your Way Back, Finding Love After Abuse with Jewel The Gem
   
• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Lunch & Light Conversations
   
• 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM – Our Bodies, Our Power: Reproductive Rights: Faith & LGBT Policy with Elise Saulsberry
   
• 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM – Queer Parenting in Color: Navigating Motherhood, Advocacy & Affirmation with Meagan Mason, Calina Kimbrough, and a special guest
   
• 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM – Day One Reflections & Closing Words: Reflect on the day and prepare for the next.
   

📅 Saturday, September 20th – Money, Mental Health & Community Power

Professional Headshot Signup: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

A day dedicated to financial empowerment, mental health strategies, and strengthening our sense of community and collective power.

• 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM – Breakfast & Check-In: Gather for breakfast and check in with fellow attendees.
   
• 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM – Morning Prayer & Intention Setting: Center your energy with an intention-setting session led by Nadine Rawls.
   
• 9:50 AM – 10:00 AM – Day Two Welcome: Kick off the day with excitement and anticipation.
   
• 10:05 AM – 10:50 AM – Global Healing: Mental Health, Movement, and Visibility from the Diaspora with Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, UK Black Pride
   
• 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – Secure the Bag & the Legacy: Financial Literacy for Black Queer Women with Stephanie Grey
   
• 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Break / Journal / Recharge
   
• 12:35 PM – 1:15 PM – Talk Saves Lives: Suicide Prevention and Community Intervention Tools (Facilitator TBD)
   
• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Lunch & Community Walk with GirlTrek: Enjoy a walk with community members to stretch, reflect, and connect.
   
• 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM – Masculine Lesbians: Identity & Advocacy: A Masculine Lesbian Panel Discussion on Visibility, Workplace Dynamics, and Leadership Opportunities with Alicia Boykins, Belinda Brewer, and Dania Henry
   
• 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM – Love Through the Years: A Couples Panel on Commitment, Growth & Queer Joy, featuring Alicia & Wife, Dana & Shannon Cooper, Joy & LaShay Young
   
• 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM – Weekend Closing, Gratitude & Community Dismissal: Conclude the weekend with reflections, gratitude, and a strong sense of community.
   

🚨 Special Offer: The first 50 registrants will receive exclusive swag bags!