Moderator: Marame Kane  ·  Contributors: Claire Lallemand (CNCDH); Melissa Camara (European Parliament); Michaela Mou (European Commission); Emmanuelle Campos (Eramet)

This opening plenary brings together representatives of public institutions, the European Union, civil society, and the private sector to examine their respective — and shared — responsibilities in advancing equality. The session explores what meaningful institutional leadership looks like when combating racism and LGBTQIA+ discrimination; how laws, policies, workplaces, and public services can respond to the lived realities of Black LGBTQIA+ people; and how cross-sector partnerships can move beyond statements of solidarity toward measurable change.

Moderator: Noor Sultan  ·  Contributors: Rikki Nathanson (Outright International); Crystal Hendricks (ILGA World); Yvee Oduor (GALCK+); Clare Byarugaba (Chapter Four)

This interactive session presents an overview of the queer organizing landscape in Africa, with a particular focus on LBQ, trans, and intersex groups, and surfaces strategies from activists, allies, and other stakeholders in fighting anti-gender backlash and advancing rights and inclusion amid a restrictive funding and organizing landscape.

Moderator: Monroe France  ·  Contributors: Damon L. Williams Jr.; Lisa Coleman; Chiké Frankie Edozien

This panel rejects traditional boundaries of advocacy by asserting that a crisis of this scale cannot be solved in silos. It calls for an intentional, multi-sector ecosystem where Black LGBTQ+ leaders, activists, artists, scholars, policy makers, and elected officials collaborate directly to address the mental health and well-being crises in our communities across global locations. It integrates holistic well-being as a non-negotiable, foundational component of achieving liberation, justice, and collective Black Joy.

Moderator: Marame Kane  ·  Contributors: Megane (Les Gawas); Taj Donville-Outerbridge; Terry Grimoire (Pilon de La Réunion); House of Guramayle; BiFwi Centre; LGBT Guadeloupe

This session centers the voices, analysis, and imagination of young Black LGBTQIA+ people. Rather than treating youth as the “leaders of tomorrow,” it recognizes them as organizers, cultural workers, innovators, and rights-holders leading change now. The conversation explores how young people understand belonging and citizenship; how racist and restrictive immigration systems affect their safety, opportunity, and sense of home; and what institutions, schools, governments, funders, and movements must do to support their rights and leadership.

Moderator: Oliver Anene  ·  Contributors: Nyira Hens (Antwerp Pride of Color); Naomie Pieter (Amsterdam Black Pride); Alexus D’Marco (Bahamas Pride); Pride des Banlieues; Kreyol Pride

This conversation examines how Black and community-led Prides sustain themselves; build safety amid racism, anti-LGBTQIA+ hostility, and political backlash; develop relationships with public authorities and mainstream Pride organizations; and protect the political integrity of Pride while making room for joy, artistry, celebration, and intergenerational connection. It asks a forward-looking question: what must Pride become if it is to remain a movement for liberation rather than merely an annual event?