BEYOND THE MARGINS: AMPLIFYING UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN THE LGBTQIA2S+ COMMUNITYWorkshop DescriptionThis powerful workshop centers the experiences and leadership of those who remain underrepresented even within LGBTQIA2S+ spaces, including BIPOC individuals, asexual and aromantic community members, people with various abilities, immigrants and refugees, those from rural communities, neurodivergent individuals, and others living at intersections of marginalization. Moderated by Taylor Chandler from TLC Consulting & Solutions, this conversation features intersex educator and activist Aubrey Lay, International Two Spirit Ambassador Mel Willie, award-winning radio personality and entrepreneur Anna DeShawn, transgender and deaf advocacy leader Asher McMaher, and internationally recognized asexual activist and model Yasmin Benoit.
Through thoughtful dialogue and collaborative exploration, participants will examine how power dynamics manifest within our movements and develop concrete strategies to create more inclusive, representative advocacy.
Participants will:
- Identify persistent barriers to meaningful participation for underrepresented groups
- Learn effective techniques for creating accessible spaces and processes
- Explore methodologies for equitable decision-making and resource allocation
- Develop skills to amplify marginalized perspectives without tokenization
- Practice building coalitions that honor difference while working toward shared goals
Facilitated by leaders from diverse backgrounds within the LGBTQIA2S+ community, this workshop combines critical analysis with practical tools that participants can immediately implement in their organizations and advocacy work. Special attention will be given to sustainable approaches that center care and wellbeing alongside effectiveness.
Join us to strengthen our collective capacity to build truly representative movements where leadership reflects the full diversity of our communities. This session embodies the conference's commitment to ensuring every voice is heard in our shared struggle for human rights and dignity.
