Present

Submit a Proposal to Present

SOGIEcon is built on the idea that expertise lives everywhere – in clinics and classrooms, in lived experience and academic research, in youth group meeting rooms and policy offices. Our workshops reflect that breadth. Each year, nearly 200 sessions are led by people who care deeply about LGBTQIA+ youth and have something meaningful to offer.

We welcome proposals from:

LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults sharing their own stories and perspectives

Educators and school counselors with classroom-ready tools and strategies

Social workers, clinicians, and mental health providers

Healthcare providers and medical professionals

Child welfare and juvenile justice professionals

Parents, caregivers, and family members

Community organizers, advocates, and activists

Artists, performers, and creative practitioners

Researchers, policymakers, and scholars

Faith community leaders and clergy

You do not need to be a professional or an academic to present at SOGIEcon. Some of our most powerful workshops have been led by youth themselves. First-time presenters are also warmly welcomed. If you have never presented at a conference before and are unsure whether your idea is a good fit, please reach out. We are happy to help you shape your proposal.

Explore the Conference Tracks

What Makes a Strong Proposal

The SOGIEcon programming committee reviews all submissions and selects workshops based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance: Does the session address a topic meaningful to LGBTQIA+ youth or those who serve them?
  • Clarity: Is the session description clear, specific, and honest about what attendees will take away?
  • Audience fit: Is the proposed track the right match for the content and intended participants?
  • Engagement: Does the format encourage participation, dialogue, or hands-on learning rather than passive listening?
  • Diversity of voices: We actively seek proposals from LGBTQIA+ presenters, presenters of color, youth presenters, and those whose perspectives are underrepresented in professional settings.

How to Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted presenters will be notified by January 15th, 2027. To apply, you will need:

  • Your name, organization (if applicable), and contact information
  • A short bio (150 words or less)
  • Your workshop title
  • A session description (250 words or less) written for the public-facing program guide
  • A brief description of your session format and any technology or setup needs
  • Your preferred track and intended audience
  • An indication of whether you are applying for CEC eligibility
  • Whether you are requesting a stipend or travel support
Apply to Present

Presentation FAQs

Most SOGIEcon workshops are 50 minutes. Some sessions, particularly in the Professional Best Practices Institute, may run longer. Please indicate your preferred session length in your application.

Rooms are arranged in a variety of configurations (theater style, classroom style, or circle) depending on the nature of the session. You may request a preferred setup, and we’ll do our best to accommodate it.

Basic A/V equipment (projector, screen, and microphone where needed) is available in most workshop spaces. If your session requires specific technology, please note this in your application. Presenters are responsible for bringing their own laptops and adapters.

Yes. SOGIEcon offers CECs for qualifying professional sessions. If you’d like your workshop to be eligible, there are additional steps in the application process, which will be outlined in the presenter application.

All accepted presenters receive complimentary conference registration. A limited number of stipends and travel reimbursements are also available for presenters who aren’t sponsored by an employer or institution. Please indicate in your application if you would need financial support to participate.

Questions?

Please email rainbowcenter@uconn.edu and someone from our programming team will be happy to get back to you.

“This past week, I had the privilege of presenting at SOGIEcon at the University of Connecticut, an experience that felt especially meaningful after spending the past year volunteering behind the scenes to support conference operations.” – Charisma Farrington, UConn Senior