Overview

VISION

We believe our 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.

A coalition of volunteers from community-based non-profit organizations, led by DBGM, Inc., hosts the In My Mind Conference to focus on topics surrounding LGBTQIA+/Same-Gender Loving (SGL) Black and peoples of color communities’ mental health.

The Conference is a highly collaborative and inclusive event for stakeholders and for the wider community to become informed about academic, health, psycho-social, and overall public policy issues impacting LGBTQIA+/SGL Black and peoples of color.

History

 
 

While touring the country to screen the compelling and acclaimed documentary “You Are Not Alone”, the need emerged for in-depth discussions of the mental health of LGBTQ+ people of color, and the DBGM Board of Directors decided to launch a community-wide forum to raise issues impacting a marginalized demographic.

  • In October 2014, a Summit was held at the Newark Campus of Rutgers University in New Jersey.

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

  • In 2016, “In My Mind: An LGBT Peoples of Color Mental Health Conference – Recognizing, Articulating and Meeting Our Needs” was held over two days at the Alexander Hamilton US Customs House Building in NYC, and featured a combination of 25 workshops, panel discussions, and stand-alone presentations.

  • Over two days in 2017, the “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, the “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, the “In My Mind LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference – Overcoming Barriers; Creating Opportunities” occurred 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 De Blasio proclaimed October 10, “In My Mind Day”.

  • Amidst the COVID-10 pandemic, the “In My Mind: LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference – The Environment and Me” took place online, during one day in 2020.

  • In 2021, the “In My Mind LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference – Youth Mental Wellness, Resilience in Uncertainty” took place as a virtual two-day forum.

  • In 2022, the “In My Mind LGBTQ+ People of Color Mental Health Conference - Tenacity and Agelessness in Healing” with the theme, “Considering LGBTQ+ Older Adults Mental Health and Wellness” occurred online as a one-day forum.

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 2023 Conference Planning Team:

  • Antoine Craigwell (DBGM)

  • Lissette Marerro, MSW (Voces Latina/LM Consulting)

  • Eleanor Coley-Brody, LCSW (Helen Keller Institute)

  • Talia Santiago (OMH)

  • Andrea Perkins Nerlich, Ph.D. (Hofstra University)

  • Jamie S. Mitus, Ph.D. (Hofstra University).

    with Lafi Melo - Graphic Designer, and

    Vaughn Constable (Twist By Vee) - Website