About the Conference
In My Mind ‘s (IMM26) 12th Annual Conference, with the title, "In My Mind: Collective Care; A Climate Solution” and theme,“Organizing Change with Visible and Invisible Communities for Mental Health and Environmental Justice will be held on Thursday, October 8 from 9:00am to 6:00pm at the LGBT Center, 208 West 13th St., NYC. With national and global partners, the planning team’s collective efforts for this one-day conference will focus on climate change’s impacts on 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous, Black and Peoples of Color communities’ mental health. It will gather the strengths and wisdom shared by clinicians, academics, advocates, and community members, who will raise, examine, and discuss climate change’s many intersecting and overlapping aspects and its impact on their mental health - particularly preparing, enduring, and surviving; efforts will be made to provide policy recommendations for international, national and local governments to include and enact changes for these communities.
The Program is divided into two distinct areas: Speakers (invited Speakers will address aspects of the conference Theme and Tracks) and concurrent Presentations (Workshops, Panel Discussions, and Stand-Alone Presentations conforming to the Conferences’ Tracks). Abstract submissions are encouraged to complete the requirements for Continuing Education Units/Credits (CEUs) to ensure that LCSW, LMSW, LMHC attendees to their presentations receive credit toward their licenses.
The Conference’s planning team welcomes everyone and recognizes Same-Gender Loving (SGL) and Two-Spirit (2S) who are members of Indigenous, Black and peoples of color communities. The Conference Program is divided into two distinct areas: Speakers (invited Speakers will address aspects of the conference Theme and Tracks and set the tone for the Conference) and Presenters (Workshops, Panel Discussions, and Stand-Alone Presentations conforming to the Conference Tracks). Abstract/proposals are encouraged to complete the requirements for Continuing Education Units/Credits (CEUs) to ensure that LCSW, LMSW, and LMHC attendees to their presentations receive credit toward their licenses. Here are the guidelines for abstract submissions; occasionally, an abstract submission may be selected to join our speaker roster. Carefully read these guidelines.
IMM26 Program:
IMM26 will take place on Thursday, October 8 2026, with check-in/registration at 8:00am and a light breakfast, the formal program beginning at 9:00am, continuing through the day, and concluding at 5:30pm; and will be held at The LGBT Center, 208 West 13th St., NYC.
This forum is for clinicians, academics, advocates, activists, community members with lived experience, and high school and college/graduate students.
The Conference will feature 45-minute Speaker presentations to establish common starting points (30 minutes + 15 minutes for Q&A), which will be followed by 75-minute concurrent single/stand-alone, small group presentations – some geared for clinicians and others for community members. On the Conference’s program, presentations will be marked by CE, indicating that the breakout presentation will provide Continuing Education Credits/Units (CEUs) for licensed professionals. Clinicians (LCSWs, LMSWs, and LMHCs) requiring CEUs MUST attend a presentation for at least 50-minutes and complete the post-presentation requirements to receive the one-hour CEU for that presentation; a person could receive as many as three-contact/CEU hours from attending the Conference.
IMM’s parent organization, Depressed Black Gay Men (DBGM), Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0905.
IMM’s parent organization, Depressed Black Gay Men (DBGM), Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0371.
Program: Abstract Submission and Tracks:
The Conference theme sets the tone for selected presentations from our abstract submission process, conforming to four tracks.
Track A – Advocacy
Track B – Community
Track C – Education, and
Track D – Research.
Click on each Track below to read the full description
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Advocacy: Climate Justice and Intersectional Leadership
This track explores current and historical advocacy and activism addressing the impacts of climate change on 2SLGBTQIA+ Black communities and people of color. Across environmental justice movements, 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders—particularly those who are Indigenous, Black, migrants, and people of color—have played critical roles in mobilizing communities, demanding environmental accountability, and advocating for equitable climate solutions.
From grassroots organizing to policy advocacy, 2SLGBTQIA+ advocates are confronting the disproportionate effects of climate change on marginalized communities, including increased exposure to environmental hazards, housing insecurity caused by climate disasters, barriers to healthcare during climate emergencies, and economic instability linked to environmental degradation.
Despite these efforts, many 2SLGBTQIA+ people of color continue to face compounded vulnerabilities due to racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and structural inequities that shape access to climate resilience resources. Climate-related displacement, disaster response systems that fail to recognize diverse identities, and limited access to inclusive health and social services are exacerbating these challenges.
Using the conference theme “In My Mind - Collective Care; A Climate Solution” - Organizing Change with Visible and Invisible Communities for Mental Health and Environmental Justice, we invite presenters to highlight advocacy efforts supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of color in the fight for climate justice.
Submissions may explore questions such as:
How have 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous, Black and people of color shaped environmental and climate justice movements?
What advocacy efforts are addressing the unique climate vulnerabilities faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of color?
How are organizations mobilizing policy changes around climate displacement, environmental health, housing, and disaster response?
What strategies are effective in amplifying 2SLGBTQIA+ voices in environmental policy and climate decision-making?
What opportunities exist to strengthen cross-movement collaborations between climate justice, racial justice, and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy?
This track highlights advocacy as a powerful tool to ensure equitable climate policies, strengthen community resilience, and center the leadership of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of color in shaping sustainable futures.
Submit your abstract/proposal: https://tinyurl.com/IMM26-AbSubmission -
Community: Building Climate Resilience Through Collective Care
In keeping with the conference theme “In My Mind - Collective Care; A Climate Solution” - Organizing Change with Visible and Invisible Communities for Mental Health and Environmental Justice, this track centers on the resilience, solidarity, and community-building efforts within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of color responding to climate change.
Across the world, climate change is reshaping the environments in which people live, work, and build community. 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals—especially those who are Indigenous, Black, migrants, or people of color—often face heightened risks during environmental crises due to social isolation, housing insecurity, discrimination in shelters or relief services, and limited access to culturally appropriate care.
This track invites presenters to share lived experiences and community-based responses to climate challenges. How are 2SLGBTQIA+ communities creating networks of mutual aid, safety, support, and belonging in the face of climate disruptions?
Presenters may explore questions such as:
How are 2SLGBTQIA+ communities organizing mutual aid and community resilience during climate-related disasters?
What strategies are being used to create inclusive and affirming emergency response and recovery spaces?
How do 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of color build solidarity while navigating climate stressors such as displacement, environmental health risks, and economic instability?
What role do grassroots networks, community centers, and local organizers play in supporting climate resilience?
This track also seeks to examine the intersectional experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people of color who face compounded environmental, racial, and social inequities.
In the context of ongoing societal challenges—such as climate migration, environmental racism, public health crises, and rising anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric—how do communities sustain resilience, care for one another, and envision more just and sustainable futures?
Through storytelling and shared knowledge, this track highlights the power of community in confronting climate change and strengthening collective survival, and may suggest options for care and support in times of a climate crisis/disaster.
Submit your abstract/proposal: https://tinyurl.com/IMM26-AbSubmission -
Education: Climate Literacy, Equity, and Inclusive Environmental Practices
With the Conference’s title and theme, “In My Mind - Collective Care; A Climate Solution” - Organizing Change with Visible and Invisible Communities for Mental Health and Environmental Justice, this track emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and capacity-building in fostering inclusive approaches to climate action and environmental justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of color.
Education and information play a vital role in ensuring that climate policies, environmental programs, and sustainability initiatives address the diverse needs and lived experiences of marginalized communities; that communities are able to understand and participate in their own survival. Yet 2SLGBTQIA+ perspectives—particularly those of Black and communities of color—are often overlooked in climate education, environmental policy discussions, and professional training.
Submissions are encouraged to explore:
What current and emerging educational models promote climate literacy and environmental justice through an intersectional perspective?
How are educators and organizations integrating 2SLGBTQIA+ perspectives into environmental education and sustainability programs?
What strategies help build cultural humility, sensitivity, and inclusive practices in environmental and climate-related fields?
How are communities and institutions preparing leaders to advocate for equitable climate solutions?
Presenters may also examine how climate change intersects with social determinants of health, including housing, food security, mental health, employment, and access to healthcare.
We invite presentations that explore how professionals and community leaders are supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ people of color in navigating climate-related challenges such as:
Climate-related displacement or migration
Environmental health disparities
Mental health impacts of climate anxiety and disaster trauma
Economic instability linked to environmental change
By expanding education and awareness, this track seeks to strengthen community leadership, inform policy changes, and equip institutions with the tools needed to support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of color in a changing climate.
Submit your abstract/proposal: https://tinyurl.com/IMM26-AbSubmission -
Research: Climate Change, Health, and Environmental Justice
We are seeking recent and ongoing research from academics, practitioners, and community-based researchers that explores the impacts of climate change on 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, particularly Indigenous, Black people and people of color.
This track highlights research that examines how environmental change intersects with structural inequities to shape the physical, mental, and social well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ populations.
Research submissions may address topics such as:
Environmental health disparities affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of color
Climate-related displacement and housing insecurity
Mental health impacts of climate anxiety, disaster trauma, and environmental stress
Barriers to equitable disaster preparedness and recovery services
Environmental racism and its impacts on 2SLGBTQIA+ populations
Community-based climate resilience strategies
In keeping with the conference theme “In My Mind - Collective Care; A Climate Solution” - Organizing Change with Visible and Invisible Communities for Mental Health and Environmental Justice, research should contribute to both theoretical knowledge and practical solutions that improve climate resilience and equity.
Submissions may explore:
How climate change disproportionately impacts 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of color?
What policies and institutional practices influence environmental justice?
Which interventions and programs effectively support climate resilience?
How community-led initiatives are shaping climate solutions?
We welcome a wide range of research methodologies, including community-based participatory research, program evaluations, policy analyses, and interdisciplinary studies. Submissions may include findings from master’s theses, dissertations, independent studies, and professional research projects.
Submit your abstract/proposal: https://tinyurl.com/IMM26-AbSubmission
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT ABSTRACTS
Submitted abstracts will be reviewed and selected by an independent panel, and a draft program will be made available in the first week of July, when early registration will commence; Speakers and Breakout Presenters receive complimentary registration. Selected Presenters are encouraged to obtain time off from work and make travel and accommodation arrangements to present at IMM26.
Accessibility
The 2023 Conference adopted as a standard, that accessibility will be available for community members with visible and invisible disabilities. Partnering with the Helen Keller Center of New York to produce a training VIDEO on what to do and not to do to ensure that community members with hearing and or sight disabilities attending a presentation are equally able to participate.
As a potential IMM presenter, please refer to this VIDEO to ensure that community members attending your presentations are able to access it.