Enrichment Workshops and Programming

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Workshop | Doesn’t God Love Me Too? My Worship Is For Real

The Westin DC Downtown, Potomac Salon 2 (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary

ASL interpreters will be available.

Facilitator: Janeé Lee, Founding Executive Director, Queer Ministry

An intimate conversation between Black trans and queer people who are surviving religious trauma and navigating their relationship to the church. This workshop is an opportunity to share stories about our calls from God and reflect on our successes, struggles, and strategies in our spiritual lives. This space is hosted by Janeé Lee, the founder of Queer Ministry - an organization dedicated to inclusive Christian theology and the spiritual liberation of LGBTQ+ people across faiths. Participants will leave with a spiritual healing guide complete with affirming scriptures, Biblical insights and inclusive theology to continue their journeys.

Doesn’t God Love Me Too? My Worship Is For Real is open to all people who desire to strengthen their connection to the Creator and heal the harm of White Supremacist Christian Nationalism.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Workshop | Flamingo Cafe: Love, Lust & Labels

The Westin DC Downtown, Potomac Ballroom Salon 1 (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary

ASL interpreters will be available.

Facilitator: Letoi Williams, Deputy Director Volunteer Leadership, Human Rights Campaign

Love, Lust & Labels is an engaging and reflective workshop designed for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women to explore the complexity of attraction, identity, and relationships. In queer communities, labels can provide affirmation and belonging—but they can also evolve over time. This workshop creates a welcoming space to unpack how identity, desire and connection intersect, while honoring each person’s unique journey.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Workshop | Humility vs. Visibility: Playing Small Is Expensive

The Westin DC Downtown, Potomac Ballroom Salon 3 (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary

ASL interpreters will be available.

Facilitator: Asa Leveaux, Founder, House of Icons

Black queer people are often taught that humility is the safest way to move through the world. But what if playing small is actually costing us opportunity, income and influence?

This workshop explores the tension between humility and visibility — and how being unseen impacts careers, leadership, and financial freedom. We’ll examine why talent alone isn’t enough, how visibility shapes access, and what it means to advocate for yourself without compromising your values.

Designed for Black queer professionals, creatives, and founders navigating systems that weren’t built for them, this conversation is honest, affirming, and practical. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to position themselves, communicate their value, and move forward with confidence in spaces where they’ve been taught to shrink.

This is about choosing presence over permission — and understanding the real cost of staying quiet.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Workshop | Who Am I Now in This New Body?

Johnny Pistolas, 2333 18th St NW, WDC 20009

Complimentary

ASL interpreters will be available.

Facilitator: Jerome Pearce

Major weight loss is often celebrated through physical transformation. People see the before and after photos, the smaller clothing sizes, and the visible change. What is rarely discussed is the deeper mental and emotional journey that comes with it.

For many Black queer men and male identifying individuals, body transformation can bring unexpected shifts in identity, confidence, dating experiences, community interactions, and mental health.

This panel creates space for an honest conversation about those changes. Panelists will share personal stories and reflections on how weight loss impacts how we see ourselves and how we are seen by others.

At the center of this discussion is a question many people quietly ask themselves after transformation.

This panel aims to create a safe and affirming space for Black queer men to explore the emotional and psychological aspects of body change while encouraging self acceptance, reflection, and community support

12 – 4 p.m.

ONYX University

Presented by ONYX Mid-Atlantic

The Westin DC Downtown, Anacosita Ballroom Salon F (Ballroom Level)

Partner Event Complimentary

School is in session, and the curriculum is Kink! Join the Men of ONYX Mid-Atlantic for ONYX University – an unfiltered afternoon of Kink/BDSM and Leather exploration. We’re tearing down the walls between curiosity and expertise with high-octane demos, interactive games, and the kind of frank, “no-limits” discussions you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re still hunting for your first piece of gear or you’re a seasoned pro, bring your burning questions and an open mind. Class is about to begin. Are you ready to play?

1 – 2:30 p.m.

Workshop | How DC is Building D.C.'s Blaq Future by Honoring Its Past: Preserving Local Black LGBTQIA+ History

The Westin DC Downtown, Potomac Ballroom Salon 3 (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary

ASL interpreters will be available.

Facilitaor: Sonya Joseph, Associate Director of Engagement, Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs

Join local Washington, D.C. leaders for a panel discussion highlighting how the District stewarded political leadership, a pro-LGBTQIA+ law, and resources to support preserving and expanding the local Black LGBTQIA+ historical record. Come to hear about how this came about, how this project engaged Black LGBTQIA+ community leaders, organizations, historians, and World Pride participants to build the historical record. Also come to learn about the major milestones of Black LGBTQIA+ Washingtonians history, culture, and advocacy, particularly the roots of the Black Pride movement, local trans leadership and the community's response to the early AIDS crisis.

1 – 2:30 p.m.

Workshop | The Lesbian Liberation Lab

The Westin DC Downtown, Potomac Ballroom Salon 1 (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary

ASL interpreters will be available.

Facilitator: Tiera Craig

The Lesbian Liberation Lab is a dynamic, joy-centered space designed to uplift, connect, and strengthen Black Lesbian communities. Rooted in Black feminist thought, the Lab explores the full spectrum of Black Lesbian life including leadership, relationships, health, economic empowerment, civic engagement, culture, and collective healing. Rather than focusing on one issue, the Lab creates space for honest dialogue, skill building, and community strategy while also celebrating the joy, creativity, and resilience that define Black Lesbian experiences.

Through a mix of interactive conversations, leadership development, and cultural exchange, participants engage in meaningful discussions reflecting the intersections shaping their lives. The Lab is designed to be both grounding and energizing, offering practical tools, shared wisdom, and opportunities to build lasting connections. Whether experienced through virtual gatherings or in-person activations, the Lesbian Liberation Lab is a space where Black Lesbians can learn, lead, laugh, and imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities.

1 – 2:30 p.m.

Workshop | The New Black Renaissance: Aging, Identity and Our Becoming

The Westin DC Downtown, Anacosita Ballroom Salon D (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary

ASL interpreters will be available.

Facilitator: June Crenshaw

An affirming and intergenerational workshop centering Black Queer women, trans women and non-binary people as we explore the evolving journey of aging. Together, we’ll unpack how mental health shifts across the lifespan, reflect on midlife reinvention and address the realities of isolation and connection in later years. Grounded in community wisdom and lived experience, this session challenges limiting narratives about aging and instead reclaims it as a space of power, growth and possibility. Through guided reflection, storytelling, and interactive activities, participants will leave with tools to support emotional well-being, deepen connection and embrace the fullness of who they are, at every stage of life. Whether you’re navigating transition, seeking community or redefining your path, this workshop honors that we are all still becoming.

1 – 6 p.m.

Black Trans Pride 2026: Centering Black Trans Leadership, Community Power and Ballroom Culture

Presented by Destination Tomorrow BX, ATL, DC LGBTQ Centers

The Westin DC Downtown, Rock Creek Ballroom (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary Registration Required

Register now

Get ready for a powerful day of joy, community, visibility and celebration.
Pull up, bring your people and celebrate Black trans excellence in a space filled with love, energy and community. Before you arrive, take a quick moment to register. It helps us get a headcount and create the best possible experience for everyone. The registration form is fast and includes a few optional demographic questions so we can continue building for our community the right way.
Tap in, show up and show out. We can’t wait to see you there.

3 p.m. (During Black Trans Pride)

Black Trans Pride 2026: What We Carry, What We Release & How We Lead

Presented by Destination Tomorrow BX, ATL, DC LGBTQ Centers

The Westin DC Downtown, Rock Creek Ballroom (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary

Register now

This gathering will hold space for real conversation, real reflection, and real community, centered on pride, joy, balance and leadership.

Hosted by Dominique Jackson, model, actress, ballroom icon and author, with Tabytha Gonzalez, international advocate, cultural strategist, consultant and policy director of Destination Tomorrow, serving as moderator. Featured panelists include Monroe Alise, actress, advocate, cultural strategist and writer; Lala Zannell, national advocate, speaker, community strategist with the ACLU; and A1 Scruggs, Black policy and media strategist and founder/executive director of Visible Truth 365.

The program will also include performances by Stasha Sanchez, legendary entertainer, ballroom icon and Hall of Famer, and Jazell Harvey, performer, creative, cultural influencer and beauty queen. The event will feature the Savanna Wanzer Award Ceremony, honoring those who lead with impact and intention, including Koniva Walker, Emerging Leader Award, and Daijah Watters, Leadership Award.

3 – 4:30 p.m.

Workshop | Fight or Flight: Navigating Parenthood During Trying Times

The Westin DC Downtown, Potomac Ballrom Salon 3 (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary

ASL interpreters will be available.

Facilitators: PFLAG National, Rainbow Families and Rainbow in Black

Join local Washington, D.C. leaders for a panel discussion highlighting how the District stewarded political leadership, a pro-LGBTQIA+ law, and resources to support preserving and expanding the local Black LGBTQIA+ historical record. Come to hear about how this came about, how this project engaged Black LGBTQIA+ community leaders, organizations, historians, and World Pride participants to build the historical record. Also come to learn about the major milestones of Black LGBTQIA+ Washingtonians history, culture, and advocacy, particularly the roots of the Black Pride movement, local trans leadership and the community's response to the early AIDS crisis.

3 - 5 p.m.

Workshop | Voices for Equality: Moving Hearts & Changing Minds Through Storytelling

The Westin DC Downtown, Potomac Ballroom Salon 1 (Ballroom Level)

Complimentary

ASL interpreters will be available.

Facilitated by: Nia Desiré Clark (she/her), Senior Specialist, Strategic Outreach & Training, Human Rights Campaign

This interactive workshop invites Black & Brown LGBTQIA+ community members and allies to explore the power of personal storytelling. Participants will learn how to share their lived experiences with confidence, intention and care—uplifting stories of joy, resilience, love, and truth. Through guided discussion and group activities, the training shows how authentic storytelling can build connection, increase visibility and help shift narratives within our communities and beyond. This session centers community pride, and empowerment, and affirms that our stories matter.