SESSION DESCRIPTIONS ARE LISTED BELOW SCHEDULE
CHRONOLOGICALLY - BY ROOM
FRIDAY - OCTOBER 11, 2024 - Bismarck Event Center
Events take place in the 1st Floor of the BEC
8:30am to 5pm - Professional Development Day
5:30pm - Summit Pre-Registration
6:00 to 9:00pm - Welcome Social
Speakers, hors d'oeuvres, & cash bar
SATURDAY - OCTOBER 12, 2024 - Bismarck Event Center
Text color indicates the room that the presentation will take place in:
Prairie 3, Youth & Young Adult - Prairie 2, Breakout - Prairie 1, Lobby Area
8:00am - Registration opens
8:30am - Welcome!
9:00am - Keynote: Transgender Resilience In The Modern Rainbow
Scare - Erin Reed
10:30am - IN-clued - Inclusive Healthcare (Youth & Young Adult session)
- Hannalee Shaw & Morgan Stokke
11:00am - Transforming the State for Future Generations
- Susan Williams
11:00am - Planned Parenthood Information Session (Adult session)
- Katie Christensen Mineer
11:00am - Breaking Barriers: Harvesting Stories from the Northern Plains
Oral History Workshop - Larry Peterson - (Lobby Area - Follow Signs)
12:00pm - Lunch Break/Networking
1:00pm - Our Stories Make a Difference: Narrative Medicine with a
2SLGBTQ+ Lens - Community Engagement and 2SLGBTQ+
Healthcare - Morgan Whyte & Cailean Dakota MacColl
1:00pm - Fair Housing after Bostock - Bri Hall
1:00pm - Breaking Barriers: Harvesting Stories from the Northern Plains
Oral History Interviews/Chats (All afternoon, by appointment - Follow Signs)
2:30pm - Break
2:30pm - YA Activism: A Journey of Advocacy and Empowerment
- Lexx Francis
3:00pm - Fostering Queer Joy in the Face of Adversity - Gabby Doyle
3:00pm - Celebrate & Advocate! PRIDE 365 - Cody Schuler
3:30pm - The Alphabet Mafia - Tiffany Russell
4:00pm - Alphabet Panel - Tiffany Russell, Ethan Dahl, Cody Schuler,
Chad Pitts
4:00pm - Gender Diverse Youth and Young Adults: Assessing Mental
Health and Providing Access to Best Care - Dr. Danial Sturgill
4:00pm - Dakota Center for Independent Living - Royce Schultze
SUNDAY - OCTOBER 13, 2024 - Bismarck Event Center
Text color indicates the room that the presentation will take place in:
Prairie 3, Youth & Young Adult - Prairie 2, Breakout - Prairie 1, Lobby Area
8:00am - Registration
8:30am - Welcome!
9:00am - Keynote - Gender Justice: Rights, Visibility, and Empathy
- Christina Sambor
9:00am - Mental Health & Self Harm - Gabby Doyle/The Trevor Project
9:00am - Young Adult Creative Session - Lexx Fancis
10:00am - Gender Justice Panel: Rights, Visibility, and Empathy
- Christina Sambor, Brittany Stewart, Erin Maye Quade
11:00am - Equality Federation Presentation - Vivian Topping
11:00am - How to Change the World - Faye Seidler
12:00pm - Lunch Break
12:30pm - Legislative Outlook Presentation - Cody Schuler
1:00pm - Queering Citizenship/Concordia Student Panel
- Dominic Meyers
1:00pm - All About Youth Groups - Youth Panel - Evolve & QSpace
1:00pm - Substance Use & Addiction - Opioid Response Network
2:00pm - Youth Listening Session - Andrea Kaniuka/ND Hopes
2:30pm - Break
3:00pm - What's Next - Cody Schuler & Dalton Erickson
All Day - Breaking Barriers: Harvesting Stories from the Northern Plains
Oral History Interviews/Chats (By appointment - Follow Signs)
Topics/Speakers for the weekend are listed below
in chronological order, by room.
MAIN ROOM - PRAIRIE 3 - SATURDAY
Transgender Resilience In The Modern Rainbow Scare
- Erin Reed (she/her)
Erin Reed will explore the enduring presence of transgender people throughout history and the ongoing fight for their rights in the face of rising anti-trans legislation. She will highlight the challenges of amplifying transgender stories through journalism, emphasizing the asymmetrical battle against widespread, well-funded disinformation and prejudice. Erin will also underscore the critical work of organizations like ACLU North Dakota in protecting LGBTQ+ rights and draw important connections between the fight for transgender rights and broader struggles for bodily autonomy, reproductive rights, access to healthcare, and the fundamental human right to human dignity.
Transforming the State for Future Generations
- Susan Williams (she/her)
Having a need can be the catalyst for vision and action. Recognizing the lack of resources and services for trans citizens in South Dakota led to the creation of the Transformation Project and the state’s only LGBTQ2S+ center. Meeting people where they are on their journey is vital and lifesaving work, but for the Transformation Project, it was just the genesis of a broader vison for an inclusive South Dakota. The Transformation Project and Transformation Project Advocacy Network tells a powerful story of how a movement can take root in the most challenging of environments. This session will empower us to see ourselves as part of making a larger generational impact.
Our Stories Make a Difference: Narrative Medicine with a 2SLGBTQ+ Lens
- Morgan Whyte (she/her) & Cailean Dakota MacColl (they/she/iskwew)
Improving patient health outcomes in a costly and unsatisfying healthcare system is often centered around what can be identified as the gaps in a medical providers exposure to stories about our community. Training of medical students has not utilized storytelling through narrative in case based learning for medical students. In 2023, University of Minnesota Medical School implemented a massive curriculum restructure. This provided the opportunity to integrate a more fully formed picture of a patient's health; particularly for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. This session will highlight the importance of the 2SLGBTQIA+ experience as a family across a wide developmental span in case based learning context for medical students in a cohort specifically training to work with the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It will also discuss the importance of providing the opportunity for medical students to learn how to cater to our communities’ specific healthcare.
Celebrate and Advocate: Pride 365
- Cody Schuler (he/him)
The month of June is draped in rainbow flags, filled with events, and stamped with corporate sponsorship and ads.
But celebrating and radiating radical queer joy can’t be contained in one month. In this mini session, we will explore how Pride can be a twelve-month celebration.
The Alphabet Mafia & Panel Discussion
- Tiffany Russell, Moderator
The LGBTQ+ community is diverse with more queer voices, views, and identities than there are letters in the alphabet to label them. There are moments when our diversity must be honored, respected, and celebrated. And there are times when we still must be one community, united in striving for equality and justice. This panel representing diverse voices of the Alphabet Mafia will bring context, depth, and insight into how queer community can be both many and one during this important time in our own story and history. This will be an important and timely panel discussion, which will also include session attendees.
YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT ROOM - PRAIRIE 2 - SATURDAY
IN-clued: Sex Education for LGBTQ+ Teens and Allies
- Hannalee Shaw (she/her) & Morgan Stokke (she/her)
Inclusive healthcare for Young Adults - Youth & Young Adult session.
Far too many sex education programs fail to address the identities and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. That’s why we are proud to bring IN·clued, sex education specifically designed for LGBTQ+ teens, to North Dakota. Any teen at the Summit is welcome to join this 3-hour workshop of fun and engaging activities. Participants who complete the program receive a $50 gift card. Parental permission required for 17 and under. (Click title for additional information.)
Youth & Young Adult Activism: A Journey of Advocacy and Empowerment
- Lexx Francis
Activism is and should never be one size fits all. Through a quick overview of historical movements/activists through the ages, we will be discussing how youth can get started and engaged in advocacy through schools, friend groups and community organization. Together, we will highlight how to utilize/hone their skills into empowering themselves and their communities. You don’t have to do everything to do something that matters.
Gender Diverse Youth and Young Adults:
Assessing Mental Health and Providing Access to Best Care
- Dr. Danial Sturgill (he/him)
Join us for a discussion of how young people in our state are accessing care for gender dysphoria. We will be reviewing the importance of supportive family involvement, affirming assessments, and ongoing review as treatment is provided. Participants will come to fully appreciate the difference between identity and embodiment goals and ways to assure that people seeking care understand these as related but separate concepts. Dr. Sturgill invites this to be an interactive discussion to fit the needs of participants.
BREAKOUT ROOM - PRAIRIE 1 - SATURDAY
IN-Clued: Why does North Dakota Need Inclusive Sex Education? (Adults session)
- Katie Christensen Mineer (she/her), Planned Parenthood
Let out your inner-adolescent out as we explore IN-clued, our state's only sex education program specifically designed for LGBTQ+ youth. The session will begin with engaging activities from IN-clued followed by discussion on how sex education can address the diverse needs of our youth.
Fair Housing After Bostock
- Bri Hall (she/her)
Exploring how the Supreme Court's Bostock v. Clayton County ruling enhances protections for sexual orientation and gender identity under the Fair Housing Act. This presentation breaks down what these protections mean for renters, how they ensure fair treatment for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and offers practical advice for applying these protections in everyday housing practices.
Dakota Center for Independent Living
- Royce Schultz (he/him)
Learn how DCIL provides advocacy and assistance to folks with a variety of disabilities in North Dakota. Serving 18 counties across the state, DCIL provides peer support, information & referral services, individual & systems advocacy, assessments, and education. Disability does not discriminate, it can affect anyone. DCIL services are available to everyone and can help the LGBTQ+ community navigate the barriers that can be encountered along the way.
LOBBY - SATURDAY
Breaking Barriers: Harvesting Stories from the Northern Plains
Oral History Workshop
- Larry Peterson (he/him)
Are you interested in interviewing others in our LGBTQIA2S+ communities? Or becoming an interviewer with the Breaking Barriers oral history project? Or in starting your own community-based oral history project? If so, please join trained interviewers from Breaking Barriers for a hands-on workshop/introduction to this exciting and engaging activity.
Breaking Barriers: Harvesting Stories from the Northern Plains
Oral History Interviews/Chats
- Larry Peterson (he/him)
Interviewers from the Red River Rainbow Seniors Breaking Barriers oral history project will be on site to conduct interviews or talk with folks who are interested. Sign up at the Registration Table or with Larry for a time-slot.
MAIN ROOM - PRAIRIE 3 - SUNDAY
Gender Justice Keynote/Panel: Rights, Visibility, and Empathy
Christina Sambor (she/her), Brittany Stewart (she/her), Erin Maye Quade (she/her)
Gender Justice will present on current climate of ND for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender citizens and their families. This session will include findings on views people in the state have about the queer community, updates on current legal action regarding bodily autonomy, and a vision of a future fueled by change and hope.
Equality Federation Presentation
- Vivian Topping (she/her)
Vivian's work touches so many parts of what makes it possible to live our lives authentically where we stand. Her engagement with national and regional LGBTQ+ organizations and expertise in crafting legislative action will serve as the background for speaking about what Equality Federation is engaged in and how what is being done on a national level and in larger cities can be used in North Dakota.
Queering Citizenship/Concordia Student Panel
- Presentation & Panel moderated by Dominic Meyers (any/all)
How do we become engaged citizens when our very identities are not acknowledged by our nation state? A person cannot engage in citizenship without engaging with their identity including sexual orientation, gender identity, family identity, and the many other social categories that artificially enhance and constrain our experiences. This session will challenge and/or reimagine gender and sexual arrangements whether they be queer, heterosexual, cisgender, transgender, or simply existing without the need for a label. This is a space for all of us to explore and understand the complexities of our identities without the pressure to fit into neat little boxes.
What's Next
- Cody Schuler (he/him) & Dalton Erickson (he/they)
Closing the 2024 Summit will be an interactive and informative send-off which will seek to bring the weekend full circle with what it means to celebrate, empower, and radiate radical queer joy. This will include resources for wellness, a brief look into issue areas for the upcoming legislative session, and a call to live a life of celebration!
YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT ROOM - PRAIRIE 2 - SUNDAY
Mental Health and Self-harm
- Gabby Doyle (she/her) /The Trevor Project
Join The Trevor project is on the forefront of addressing mental health challenges in the LGBTQ+ community, including self-harm. Gabby will talk about the recent comprehensive survey done by the Trevor Project and how what was learned can benefit everyone. The data provides critical insights into some of the unique suicide risk factors faced by LGBTQ youth, top barriers to mental health care, and the negative impacts of COVID-19 and relentless anti-transgender legislation. This research also highlights several ways in which we can all support the LGBTQ young people in our lives—and help prevent suicide.
How to Change the World
- Faye Seidler (she/her)
This training is geared towards teaching individuals how little actions can lead into big change, by providing real life examples of North Dakota activism. It teaches participants of any age how to think about problem solving, ways to apply themselves, and even an opt-in interactive workshop that challenges participants to complete one activism. If available, please bring a device that is capable of emailing people!
All about Youth Groups
- Evolve & QSpace
A panel on how to start and keep a Queer Youth Group going. Hosted by Evolve and Qspace youth and leaders. Come join us and find out what has kept these groups going over the years.
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YA Listening Session
- Andréa Kaniuka (she/her)/ND Hopes
Having what is on your mind heard by others is important to being a strong and resilient person, no matter what age you are. For young adults, it is critical. This conversation, hosted by Andréa Kaniuka, ND Hopes, (and perhaps a special guest from the Trevor Project) will be an open conversation where you can voice your opinions, concerns, and hopes.
BREAKOUT ROOM - PRAIRIE 1 - SUNDAY
YA Creative Session
- Lex Francis (they/them)/Youthworks
Lexx and folks from Youthworks have crafted a fun morning filled with a number of activities for youth and Young Adults. Origami? Poetry/Spoken Word? Whatever you are looking for, you're likely to find your creative outlet here.
Substance Use and Addiction
- Opioid Response Network
The Opioid Response Network has been one of the groundbreaking institutions in the country when it comes to inclusive care for the LGBTQ+ community. They train providers and care for folks with substance use issues. They also provide information on related healthcare topics that focus on Q+ folks. This overview of what the ORN has to offer in ND is comprehensive, and full of tips and tools when dealing with substance use and addiction.
LOBBY - SATURDAY
Breaking Barriers: Harvesting Stories from the Northern Plains
Oral History Interviews/Chats
- Larry Peterson (he/him)
Interviewers from the Red River Rainbow Seniors Breaking Barriers oral history project will be on site to conduct interviews or talk with folks who are interested. Sign up at the Registration Table or with Larry for a time-slot.