Mere days after the (hopefully) peaceful transfer of power and the inauguration of Donald Trump for the second time, thousands of LGBTQ+ advocates and our allies will descend on Las Vegas for the National LGBTQ Task Force’s annual Creating Change conference.

In case you missed the cover story in QVegas this Summer here is the context and the information that I hope will convince you to join thousands of LGBTQ+ and allied people to help write the next chapter in our movement’s history.

Creating Change was founded in 1988, a year after the 1987 National March on Washington, which drew hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people to Washington. AIDS was ravaging our community while the government ignored us, our civil rights were few and far between and visibility mattered for so many LGBTQ+ people who were isolated and alone.

The message of the 1987 March was clear: go home and get to work. And we did – in droves – and the idea of creating an annual gathering where queer advocates could gather, network, share and plan was born shortly after by the National LGBTQ Task Force staff Urvashi Vaid and Sue Hyde.

Creating Change has always been a unique and extraordinary space to gather, strategize and learn. The upcoming conference will be one of the most important ones ever for the National LGBTQ Task Force and for the LGBTQ+ movement. We hope it is one of the largest, because we will need every one of us in the days and months ahead. It will be a space for both processing and planning our movement’s future but also a time to lean into our joy and diversity as queer people. Either way it is not to be missed.

For the first time, it will be held in Las Vegas, and the city has welcomed us with open arms and rolled up sleeves.

Why is Creating Change 2025 so important?

You know why. We are all reeling from the recent election results and need to get to work.

First, it is important to take in the victories and bright spots, here in Nevada and across the country, from the election of Sarah McBride in Delaware to the three states that affirmed marriage equality - California Colorado, and Hawaii - and the seven states that passed measure to protect reproductive rights.

But we know that the reality is that we live in a country where the divisions are real, as are our concerns and fears. We are witnessing explicit, planned threats to our democracy and all marginalized communities. We are at risk of losing ground on the progress we have made and the rescinding of hard-fought rights. We have seen our trans siblings scapegoated and LGBTQ+ people blamed for the loss in the so-called “culture wars.”  Many are now locked in challenging, seemingly impossible conversations with family, friends, co-workers and more. Want the tools, the motivation and the support to take on what is before us?

We must face these challenges head on – together. And we want YOU to be a part of it. From the hundreds of Las Vegas locals who joined our kick-off reception to the scores helping as Ambassadors and partners – we are thrilled that this historic event will happen here and want everyone to be a part of it.

I could never quantify how much I have learned, how many amazing people I have met or the life-changing experiences I have had thanks to Creating Change. As a new activist in the early 1990’s I attended my first media training and was moved to begin a journey of a lifetime. It is now an annual pilgrimage, one that has continued for decades. And every year I walk away inspired, energized and more ready to do the work.

As Las Vegas to Creating Change, January 22-26, 2025, at The Rio Hotel & Casino you can join us and be part of a movement that builds on decades of activism and sets the stage for a more just and inclusive future. Whether you’re a seasoned activist, a community leader, or a newcomer, your voice matters here and welcome.

I have a colleague who wears a shirt that says “busy making my ancestors proud.”  Whether you are new to activism or have been active for decades, bring your voice, your energy and your spirit to Creating Change and be part of an experience that is bigger than all of us and will change you. Let’s get busy.

To learn more about the conference and register head to CreatingChange.org