Frequently Asked Questions

The Black Queer Creative Summit is designed to empower, educate, and train 150 emerging Black LGBTQ+ creatives across five key sectors of the entertainment industry:

1) Executives
2) Creators
3) Behind-the-Scenes
4) On-Screen Talent
5) Music & Audio Supervision

The Summit features keynote conversations, plenary panels, breakout sessions, and mentorship opportunities led by respected industry professionals. The goal is to illuminate career pathways, support professional growth, and foster long-term networks within and beyond the media industry

The 2025 Summit will take place from Thursday, September 18 through Sunday, September 21 in Los Angeles, CA.

The Summit will start with a welcome reception on Thursday, September 18th. Day 1 and 2 of the summit will take place from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm PT on September 19-20th, with evening socials.

The summit will conclude on September 21st with departures. An overview of the summit with times are below:

Arrival Day – Thursday, September 18th
Welcome Reception, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Day 1 – Friday, September 19th
Black Queer Creatives Summit, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Evening Social, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 

Day 2 – Saturday, September 20th
Black Queer Creatives Summit: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Evening Social: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Departure Day – Sunday, September 21st
Black Queer Creatives Summit Departures: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

We’re proud to offer scholarship support for up to 60 BQCS Scholars, which includes lodging, meals, and a $350 travel stipend for airfare. Scholarship recipients will receive lodging regardless of whether they are traveling or local to Los Angeles. If airfare costs exceed the stipend, attendees are responsible for covering the difference.

Non-scholarship attendees are responsible for covering  round-trip airfare and lodging (3 nights, 2 days at our GLAAD Rate). GLAAD will cover all other expenses, including meals, group event transportation (excluding airport travel), and full access to all programming and social events throughout the Summit.

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.

Feel free to reach out to us at  communties@glaad.org and Cc events@glaad.org — we’re happy to help.

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.

The Summit is open to Black LGBTQ+ creatives across the U.S. However, we are not accepting international applicants for the 2025 cohort.

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.

Scholarships include lodging, meals, and up to $350 for airfare. If travel costs exceed the stipend, attendees will be responsible for the difference.