What is the Black Queer Creative Summit?

The Black Queer Creative Summit is the first-of-its-kind in-person event, specifically geared towards empowering, educating, and training 150 emerging Black LGBTQ+ creative across five sectors of the entertainment industry:  1) Executives, 2) Creators, 3) Behind the Scenes, 4) On Screen Talent, and 5) Music Supervision. The summit will feature keynote speakers, plenaries, and breakout sessions from top industry professionals to illuminate various career opportunities in the entertainment industry, increase professional development, and foster a professional network for Black creatives.

The four day summit takes place from Thursday, September 14 through Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA.

Is the Black Queer Creative Summit only for Black people?

While the goal of the summit is to foster visibility, support, and education around emerging Black LGBTQ+ creatives, we understand we cannot do it alone. Allyship is key towards building an equitable and sustainable future. We expect that there will be guest speakers, talent, professionals, and network executives who do not identify as Black and/or Queer, however, all invited special guests will have a shared value and commitment to creating and sharing space for their Black and queer colleagues. All of the selected emerging attendees will be Black and queer identified creatives.

When and where will the Black Queer Creative Summit take place?

The Black Queer Creative Summit will take place in-person from Thursday, September 14 through Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA.

Who is attending the summit?

The Black Queer Creative Summit will welcome Black Queer Creatives from around the country with travel and lodging supported by GLAAD. Additionally we will invite special guests including writers, musicians, directors, producers, personalities, artists, filmmakers, photographers, and other leading industry professionals to be guest speakers during the summit.

What is the Black Queer Creative Summit (BQCS) attire?

During our time at the BQCS we ask attendees to dress in their most comfortable yet business casual  attire. We want each person to have free creative expression each day with limited restrictions.

We ask that you keep in mind the following items while packing / attending: Jacket, Sweater, Hoodie, Close toe shoes as temperatures within the hotel may be cooler.

What are the times of the Black Queer Creative Summit?

The Summit will start with a welcome reception on Thursday, September 14th. Day 1 and 2 of the summit will take place from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm PT on September 15-16, with evening socials. The summit will conclude on September 17th with departures.  An overview of the summit with times are below:

• Arrival Day – Thursday, September 14th
  Welcome Reception, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Day 1 – Friday, September 15th
  Black Queer Creatives Summit, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  Evening Social, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Day 2 – Saturday, September 16th
  Black Queer Creatives Summit: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  Evening Social: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Departure Day – Sunday, September 17th
  Black Queer Creatives Summit Departures: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

How much is the Black Queer Creative Summit?

Knowing that registration, lodging, and transportation can be a barrier to attendees, we are committed to covering these associated costs so summit attendees can get the full experience without worrying about any financial burdens while attending the summit. If attendees would like to contribute to their summit experience, we ask that they make a direct donation to GLAAD to continue our work for future programming and become a GLAAD member or shareholder.

*Please note; making a donation to GLAAD does not guarantee summit acceptance or participation in current or future summit programming. 

How can I register to apply for the Black Queer Creative Summit?

You can apply for the Black Queer Creative Summit starting today by completing an application via our website’s apply button or click here. Deadline to apply is Monday, June 12th at 11:59 PT, and applicants will receive notifications of attendance no later than July 2023.

What is included in my registration?

Guests attending the Black Queer Creative Summit will receive hotel, airfare and/or ground transportation; including the following:

• All Access Pass to the Black Queer Creative Summit Programs
  *Featuring panel discussions led by Writers, Musicians, Directors, Producers, Personalities, Artists, Film Makers, Photographers, and leading industry professionals.

• Meals (Breakfast and Lunch)

• Access to the Attendee Directory
  *This directory will be shared after the last day of summit

• Ability to submit and share your resume with all participating companies executives

• Film Submissions Call
  *For the attendees, during registration we will gather information on recent project they’ve created to include in the directory for mass access

How are applications selected? What is the deadline for applying to the summit?

Applicants will be selected based on experience in one of the five sectors: 1) Executives, 2) Creators, 3) Behind the Scenes, 4) On Screen Talent, and 5) Music Supervision. We hope to gather creatives who are emerging artists with hopes to boost their works while offering access to networking opportunities, often not accessible, to engage, grow, and learn amongst peers. Applications are open from Monday, May 1, 2023 until Monday, June 12, 2023.  A committee will review each application and begin selections in June 2023. All applicants will receive notifications of attendance no later than July 2023.

How long is my stay in Los Angeles, CA during the Black Queer Creative Summit?

Guests of the Black Queer Creative Summit will arrive the morning of Thursday, September 14th and depart on Sunday, September 17th.