We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 Black Queer Creative Summit is returning to Los Angeles this September. This one-of-a-kind conference is dedicated to empowering, educating, and training emerging Black LGBTQ+ creatives across five sectors of the media industry:
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Over three unforgettable nights and two transformative days, 150 Black Queer Creative Scholars will experience keynote conversations, plenary panels, and breakout sessions led by top industry professionals — all designed to illuminate career pathways, expand professional development, and build lasting networks.
We’re excited to learn more about you — your story, your creative work, and your vision for what’s possible. As you complete the application, here are a few things to keep in mind:
We welcome a wide range of voices, styles, and creative disciplines — you don’t have to be “industry polished” to be ready. We’re looking for real people with real passion, bold ideas, and a desire to grow in community.
Please Note: The application deadline for the Black Queer Creative Summit has passed.
You may still submit an application, but it will be added to our Waitlist. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified by mid-June. Waitlisted applicants are not eligible for scholarship consideration. If accepted, you may attend by paying a conference fee. More details are below.
We’re proud to offer scholarship support for up to 60 BQCS Scholars, which includes lodging, meals, and a travel stipend — $350 for airfare. Scholarship recipients will receive lodging, regardless if they are local to the Los Angeles area or traveling.
To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must indicate their interest on the application and complete a short written prompt. Please note: If travel costs exceed the stipend amount, attendees are responsible for covering the difference.
For those not receiving a scholarship, there will be an option to confirm attendance by covering a conference. Options include:
Conference fee:
$1500 > Includes Lodging, Meals and Event Transportation. Does not include airfare.
$750 > Includes Meals and Event Transportation. Does not include airfare.
The Summit is open to emerging Black LGBTQ+ creatives, ages 21 and up, working or aspiring to work in the entertainment industry. You don’t need to be industry-established — we welcome creatives at all stages of their journey.
Not at all – the Summit is open to Black LGBTQ+ creatives across the U.S. However, we are not accepting international applicants for the 2025 cohort.
The Summit focuses on five sectors: Executives, Creators, Behind-the-Scenes Production, On-Screen Talent, Audio/Music Supervision. However, we recognize creativity is expansive — if your work touches any of these worlds, we encourage you to apply.
No. We honor the many ways Black LGBTQ+ people show up in the world. If you identify with the community, you are welcome — whether your queerness is private, evolving, or fully expressed.
No problem. While a resume, portfolio, or website is encouraged, it’s not required. However, these materials help us get a fuller picture of your creative practice and will be taken into consideration.
We’re prioritizing new applicants for the 2025 Summit. If you’ve previously attended, we’d still love your support — there may be opportunities to plug in as a mentor, panelist, or volunteer. Reach out to communities@glaad.org to learn more.
The fee includes lodging (3 nights, 2 days), meals(breakfast, lunch, social evening events), and ground transportation (off site programming, social events) throughout the Summit.
Airfare is not included.
All applicants will be notified by May 30th via email. If you are not selected for a scholarship, you will still have the option to attend by confirming your spot with the conference fee.
Feel free to reach out to us at communties@glaad.org — we’re happy to help.
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To become an event partner, contact GLAAD Corporate Partnerships at partnerships@glaad.org.
stay tuned!
