APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 BLACK QUEER CREATIVE SUMMIT NOW OPEN

GLAAD’s COMMUNITIES OF COLOR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR BLACK QUEER CREATIVE SUMMIT 2025 COHORT NOW THROUGH MAY 23

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – Monday, May 12, 2025 – GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced that its Communities of Color and Media Department has opened applications for the 2025 Black Queer Creative Summit (BQCS).

This dynamic event, which returns to Los Angeles this September, is a fully-funded initiative designed to empower, educate, and train emerging Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer creatives across five key sectors of the entertainment industry: executives, creators, behind-the-scenes professionals, on-screen talent, and music supervision.

Launched in 2023 by GLAAD’s Communities of Color and Media Department, the Black Queer Creative Summit has become a vital platform for fostering professional growth, network-building, and visibility among Black queer creatives. The inaugural summit brought together more than 150 participants and featured over 60 industry leaders, including Kalen Allen, Tre’vell Anderson, Michelle Buteau, Jordan E. Cooper, Scott Evans,  Victor Jackson, David Johns, Obio Jones, Isis King, Kidd Kenn, Ts Madison, Mariah Moore, Peppermint, Patrik-Ian Polk, Angelica Ross, Kendrick Sampson, Sidra Smith and more.

 

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The summit will once again offer immersive workshops, mentorship sessions, keynote conversations, plenary panels, and career-shaping opportunities—all led by top voices in media, entertainment, and advocacy. The program is designed to illuminate career pathways, strengthen peer networks, and build power for Black LGBTQ creatives across industries.

DaShawn Usher, GLAAD Senior Director, Communities of Color and Media:
“I’m beyond excited for the return of the Black Queer Creative Summit. With so much going on in the world and so many of our intersecting communities under attack, this summit remains both relevant and pivotal to furthering the network of creatives that have long lasting cultural influence. From our inaugural summit in 2023, we’ve seen so many new projects, connections and collaborations that were the results of these incredible creatives attending BQCS.”

Applications are open now through May 23, 2025.

Eligibility:
Black LGBTQ creatives with experience or demonstrated interest in the following sectors:

• Executives (producers, showrunners, publicists, agents)
• Creators (filmmakers, directors, writers, photographers, animators)
• Behind-the-Scenes Professionals (hair, makeup, wardrobe, styling)
• On-Screen Talent (actors, personalities, media influencers)
• Music Supervision (artists, songwriters, composers, music editors)

Selected applicants will be notified in July. 

New this cohort: Scholarships will be offered for support for up to 60 BQCS Scholars, which will include lodging, meals, and a travel stipend. For those not receiving a scholarship, there will be an option to confirm attendance by covering a $1,500 conference fee, which includes lodging, meals, and round trip shuttle service for off site sessions. Airfare is not included in this fee.

To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must indicate their interest in the application and complete a short written prompt.

Apply now at: https://glaad.org/bqcs/2025-applications

For Corporate or Brand partnerships opportunities in support of the Black Queer Creative Summit, please reach out to Partnerships@glaad.org – the sponsor deadline for BQCS is July 23.

Media Contact:
Tony Morrison, GLAAD Comms: tmorrison@glaad.org

About the GLAAD Media Institute: The GLAAD Media Institute provides training, consultation, and actionable research to develop an army of social justice ambassadors for all marginalized communities to champion acceptance and amplify media impact.

About GLAAD: GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect @GLAAD on social media.

– GLAAD –