Conferences

National LGBTQ Task Force: Creating Change

CHLP's PJP team will be attending and presenting at the National LGBTQ+ Task Force's annual Creating Change conference in Washington, DC on January 24, 2026.

HIV and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Saturday, January 24: 9:00am

In addition to renewed attacks on federal and state public health and social services, people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to face discrimination in housing, healthcare, employment, and other settings. Although successful challenges using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have resulted in the removal of discriminatory laws, policies, and practices for decades, novel legal strategies leveraging the ADA are now being used to attack HIV criminalization.

Speakers:

Sean McCormick, CHLP
Kara Ingelhart, Northwestern Law Bluhm Legal Clinic, LGBTQI+ Rights Clinic
Allen Morris, Know Your Rights/Legal Advice

Abolitionists Imagining a Brighter Future for TLGBQ+ PLAHIV
Saturday, January 24: 10:45am

Since January 20, 2025, we have seen the systems we rely upon for healthcare, education, etc. be destroyed. The barrage has led many to despair on how to protect those most vulnerable, particularly Black and brown LGBTQ+ folks living and aging with HIV (PLAHIV). People wonder, Can it be fixed? Abolitionist Mariame Kaba challenges us to consider: When something cannot be fixed, what can we build instead? The systems being ravaged, the status quo, while critical to our health and well-being, were also inequitable, consistently failing to meet PLAHIV's needs. This workshop seeks to introduce the oft-misunderstood concept of abolition, with a focus on abolitionist frameworks and strategies for imagining new, equitable systems that promote the health and dignity of all.

Speakers:

Kytara Epps, CHLP
Jada Hicks, CHLP
Elder Antionettea Etienne, PWN NY
Nayimah Sanchez, The Bernadine Casseus Transgender Laureate

Winning Strategies: How to Successfully Modernize HIV Criminalization Laws in Your State
Saturday, January 24: 1:30pm

This workshop of dynamic speakers equips advocates and coalitions with the tools and strategies to navigate the challenging terrain of HIV decriminalization advocacy. Drawing upon the expertise of successful leaders from states that have achieved significant progress in modernizing their HIV criminalization laws, this session offers a unique blend of practical guidance, lessons learned, and best practices to empower advocates to overcome barriers and propel their efforts forward. You will leave equipped with concrete strategies and best practices for navigating the complexities of HIV decriminalization advocacy.

Speakers: