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2026 Southwest American Indian 2SLGBTQIA+ Rainbow Gathering: Call for Speakers

Saturday August 8, 2026
9:00AM-2:00PM
Phoenix Indian Center, Building B, Phoenix, AZ 85012

The Annual Southwest American Indian 2SLGBTQIA+ Rainbow Gathering is seeking workshop proposals for gathering sessions on August 8, 2026. In-person workshop content should be culturally relevant, educational, engaging, and reflect our theme of “Generations of Pride."

ABOUT THE EVENT

Each year the Phoenix Indian Center hosts the Southwest American Indian 2SLGBTQIA+ Rainbow Gathering to share lived experiences, best prevention practices of suicide, homelessness, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS etc., culturally relevant strategies, with a focus on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

This event brings together:
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ relatives & allies
  • Researchers & Advocates
  • Behavioral Health Specialists
  • Prevention Specialists
  • Tribal and local community members

SESSIONS SHOULD ADDRESS TOPICS IN:
  • Cultural Revitalization Efforts for Two Spirit community:
    • Highlighting traditional stories and knowledge of 2SLGBTQIA+ people’s history within tribes.
    • Preserve traditional practices where Two Spirit persons were involved (i.e., ceremonies, songs, prayers, language, etc.).
    • Uplift contemporary 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.
    • Efforts in communities to hear from other 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals to increase their voices, recognize and amplify their work, ideas and research.
  • Prevention Efforts in 2SLGBTQIA+ community:
    • Successes and challenges in tribal, urban, and/or rural community efforts.
      • Addressing stigma, access to prevention services.
      • Historical Trauma/Cultural Awareness.
    • Prevention, intervention, and postvention support
    • Relevant data reflecting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
    • Resources in HIV/STD prevention, STI testing, shared clinical and behavioral health services, housing and/or other community needs.
  • Working to improve Physical, Mental, Spiritual and/or Emotional Health for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community:
    • Holistic approaches to healing, self-care, and healthy coping mechanisms.
    • Learning practical skills using hands on activities, movement exercises, or other interactive models.
    • Highlighting resources and culturally rooted healing practices.
Sessions should contain contemporary and/or traditional Indigenous knowledge. Please plan for a 30 min presentation.

SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Please read all information carefully.
2. Fill out the online application form below before or by Monday, July 6, 2026.
3. A member of our staff may contact you if they have any questions about your application.
4. You will be notified if you are selected to speak at the Southwest American Indian 2SLGBTQIA+ Rainbow Gathering

* Indicates Required Response
1.Full Name(Required.)
2.Address(Required.)
3.Organization Name (If applicable)
4.Phone Number (Preferred)(Required.)
5.Email(Required.)
6.Workshop Title(Required.)
7.Workshop Description (please include learning objectives, brief agenda, and how your session addresses this year’s theme and topic(s))(Required.)
8.Biography (tribal affiliation if applicable, relevant education, personal, and/or work experience)(Required.)
9.Please upload a headshot photo(Required.)
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Please consider the following best practices in submitting your workshop proposal:

· Best Practices and Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide: https://reportingonsuicide.org/wp-content/themes/ros2015/assets/images/Recommendations-eng.pdf

· Suicide Prevention Resource Center Culturally Competent Approaches https://sprc.org/keys-to-success/culturally-competent-approaches/

· Best and Promising Practices for the Implementation of Zero Suicide in Indian Country https://zerosuicide.edc.org/toolkit/toolkit-adaptations/indian-country