Full Breakdown
Activists Gather for Creating Change 2026 Amid Political Challenges
1/29/2026, 3:11:35 AM
Overview of the Conference
Approximately 2,000 activists, organizers, and supporters of LGBTQ+ rights convened in Washington, D.C., for the National LGBTQ Task Force’s Creating Change 2026 conference, held from Wednesday to Sunday at the Washington Hilton. This annual event took place against a backdrop of increasing political repression and disinformation, with a central theme resonating throughout the conference: “We keep us safe.”
Key Messages from the Conference
Fernando Z. López, the Task Force senior strategist and conference director, opened the event by acknowledging the challenging political climate, stating, “Shit’s fucked up, but we’re still here.” He emphasized the importance of community relationships and infrastructure in preparing for crises. Former Minneapolis City Council President Andrea Jenkins highlighted the broader implications of violence and repression, asserting, “This is not just a Minneapolis problem. It’s a United States problem. Fascism is running rampant all over the world, and it’s up to us to fight it.”
Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the Task Force, reframed the current backlash against LGBTQ+ rights as a reaction to the community's successes, warning that complacency can arise from proximity to power. “Winning invigorates the opposition,” she stated, underscoring the need for deep organizing.
Addressing Extremism and Community Resilience
The conference featured a plenary titled “Leaving Extremism,” moderated by journalist Laura Flanders, where speakers discussed the pervasive climate of fear and violence. Nadine Smith from Color of Change warned that extremism aims to keep communities disempowered, while Kris Hayashi from the ACLU highlighted the strategic nature of attacks against transgender rights. Hayashi noted the interconnectedness of these threats, emphasizing the need for sustained community support and engagement.
Impact of the Conference
As the conference progressed, attendees faced disruptions due to Winter Storm Fern, which caused flight and Amtrak cancellations. Despite these challenges, the Washington Hilton provided extended discounted rates for those unable to leave. The conference also served as a platform for participants to engage with D.C.'s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, which boasts the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ representation in the U.S. at 14.3%.
Looking Ahead
Creating Change 2026 concluded with a call for attendees to maintain connections and continue their advocacy efforts. The next conference is scheduled for January 27 to 31, 2027, in Louisville, Kentucky. Organizers encouraged participants to prioritize care and rest as essential components of their resistance efforts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But we’re still here.” — Fernando Z. López, Task Force Senior Strategist
- “It’s a United States problem. Fascism is running rampant all over the world, and it’s up to us to fight it.” — Andrea Jenkins, Former Minneapolis City Council President
- “Winning invigorates the opposition,” — Kierra Johnson, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the conference highlighted significant issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, specific data on the number of attendees and the impact of the political climate on local LGBTQ+ organizations were not detailed. Further information on the outcomes of the discussions and any actionable steps taken by attendees remains to be seen.
