Overview

VISION

We believe our 2S-LGBTQIA+/Same-Gender Loving (SGL) peoples of color deserve a future that is free from discrimination, shame, stigma, and have a right to live in communities that nurture and provide support; they are among us, present and visible.

MISSION

The In My Mind Conference is about, for, and by LGBTQIA+/SGL peoples of color.

Overview

A coalition of volunteers from community-based non-profit organizations, led by DBGM, Inc. host a conference to focus on topics surrounding the mental health of the LGBTQIA+ Black and peoples of color communities, and is a highly collaborative, conducive to and an inclusive forum for stakeholders, and the wider community to become informed about academic, health, psycho-social, and overall public policy issues impacting these communities.

Conference Focus

This one-day conference focuses on LGBTQIA+ Black and Peoples of Color living with Serious Mental Illness, Physical and Cognitive struggles, and on neurodiverse spectra – the ways they see themselves and the ways these perceptions influence and affect their mental health. It is intended to raise awareness of the many underlying issues and to identify ways of effectively addressing efficient and comprehensive solutions, along with tools, coping skills, best practices, and connecting community members to support services.

Audience

The Conference’s intended audience includes LGBTQIA+ Black and Peoples of Color living with serious mental illness, physical and cognitive struggles, and on neurodiverse spectra, high school seniors and college students, faculty and administration, community stakeholders, local municipalities, county and state wide governments’ Departments of Health, K-12 administrators, teachers and social workers/counselors, private practice and public therapists, licensed clinical social workers, counselors, and case managers; and all interested parties from the surrounding New York Tri State area, the country, and internationally.

History

This Conference engages various communities and brings awareness of the effects and impact of mental health, illness, and wellness affecting 2S-LGBTQIA+ Black and Peoples of Color. In October 2014, a summit was held at Rutgers University, Newark Campus, in New Jersey. The Conference emerged from interviews in the documentary, “You Are Not Alone”. While touring the country screening this compelling and acclaimed documentary, the need emerged for in-depth discussions on 2S-LGBTQIA+ Black and Peoples of Color mental health. Following the Summit, a conference developed:

• In 2015, by the first-ever, “In My Mind: LGBTQ Peoples of Color Mental Health Conference – Examining Our Challenges, Healing for Our Strengths”, held in partnership with the Diversity Council of Mt. Sinai Beth Israel;

• In 2016, “In My Mind: A LGBT Peoples of Color Mental Health Conference – Recognizing, Articulating and Meeting Our Needs” over two days was held at the Alexander Hamilton US Customs House Building in NYC;

• over two days in 2017, “In My Mind: A LGBTQ People of Color Mental Health Conference – Navigating Mental Health Care: Concerns, Development, Promises”, was held at The Stewart Hotel in NYC;

• for two days in 2018, “In My Mind: A People of Color Mental Health Conference – My Identity Matters” was held at the Metropolitan College of New York.

• over two days in 2019, “In My Mind LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference – Overcoming Barriers; Creating Opportunities” at The New School in NYC, where in recognition of the Conference’s fifth anniversary, NY State Governor, Andrew Cuomo, issued a Citation and NYC Mayor, Bill DeBlasio, issued a Proclamation that Oct 10 is, “In My Mind Day”;

• in 2020’s virtual one-day forum, In My Mind: LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference “The Environment and Me”;

• by 2021’s virtual two-day forum, In My Mind LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference “Youth Mental Wellness, Resilience in Uncertainty”;

• by 2022’s virtual one-day forum, “In My Mind LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference –Tenacity and Agelessness in Healing” - Considering LGBTQ+ Older Adults of Color Mental Health and Wellness;

• by 2023’s hybrid Conference, “Embracing Differences”, Uplifting LGBTQIA+ Black and Peoples of Color Disability Communities, held in partnership with the Hofstra University’s Rehabilitation Counseling Department at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY., and

by 2024 – the conference’s 10th anniversary, “In My Mind LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference Moving to Thriving and Belonging; Migrant Communities’ Healing Journeys”.

Exhibition:

The White Shirt Project - by the late Jose Ramon, with permission from Albert Rodrigues, his surviving spouse.

The In My Mind Conference exhibits The White Shirt Project (TWSP) during its annual edition.

TWSP is an annual photographic exhibition featuring community members struggling with their mental health, and honors a commitment made to the photographer, Jose Ramon; it is shown with permission from Albert Rodrigues, his surviving spouse.

This exhibition was first shown at the IMM Conference in 2018.

In My Mind Conference is recognized by both New York State & New York City.

**Bill de Blasio, NYC Mayor, in honor of the Conference’s 5th anniversary, proclaimed October 10, 2019 as “In My Mind Day”.**

**Andrew Cuomo, NYS Governor, conferred a special Citation honoring the “In My Mind” Conference’s 5th Anniversary.**

TEAM

We are a collection of leaders, experts, researchers, specialists, and activists, dedicated to mental health advocacy and activism for LGBTQIA+ Black and peoples of color. Meet our 2025 Conference Planning Team: