SPEAKERS
Rebecca S. Markert (she/her)
Vice President and Legal Director at Americans United
Prior to joining AU, Rebecca was the Legal Director at the Freedom From Religion Foundation, where she built the legal department from scratch and led its team of attorneys for 15 years. Rebecca has overseen more than 80 church-state cases, and coordinated and drafted amicus briefs in federal appellate courts across the country including the U.S. Supreme Court. Rebecca is a co-host and creator of the We Dissent podcast, a popular monthly podcast featuring secular women attorneys discussing true religious liberty and their work to keep religion and government separate.
Workshop: Project 2025 IS Christian Nationalism: How to Fight Back
Dr. Lisa M. Diamond (she/her)
Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Gender Studies at University of Utah
President of the International Academy for Sex Research
Lisa received her Ph.D. in Human Development from Cornell University in 1999, and has spent nearly 3 decades studying the development and expression of gender and sexuality across the life course. Dr. Diamond is also co-editor of the first-ever APA Handbook of Sexuality and Psychology, published in 2014, and is a fellow of two divisions of the APA. She has published over 140 articles and book chapters, and has been invited to present her research at over 150 national and international Universities and conferences. Her current work focuses on the importance of social safety for the human immune system, and the negative long term health implications of living with chronic unsafety in one’s day-to-day life. Dr. Diamond also studies religious trauma among sexually-diverse and gender-diverse individuals raised in the Mormon church, and the factors that promote adjustment and acceptance among this population and their families.
Workshop: Social Safety and Human Thriving Across the Spectrum on Sexual and Gender Diversity
.jpeg)
Blue Parker (she/they)
Associate therapist with Flourish Therapy
Blue Parker, CSW (she/they) is a queer, non-binary, multiply neurodivergent associate therapist at Flourish Therapy Inc. They graduated as a first generation student in 2023 from Weber State University with a Master in Social Work. In their undergraduate social work program they worked with 2SLGBTQIA+ runaway and homeless youth utilizing a harm reduction framework. During her graduate program she worked in community mental health in Ogden, UT helping youth and their families address complex mental health and social needs. Blue currently works with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and is one of the facilitators of Flourish Therapy’s Transgender & Non-Binary support group. They are passionate about social justice and the rights of the 2SLGTBQIA+ community and their intersecting identities. Blue believes in each persons innate ability to access healing from within and uses an eclectic approach that is tailored to meet the needs of each client. In her free time she enjoy spending time with her partner of seven years and their four fur babies. They love being outside in nature, spending time with friends, and connecting with their community.
Workshop: Parent Advocate: How to advocate for your LGBTQ+ Child within your Family, in their School and in your Community
Ben Greene (he/him)
Transgender Advocate and Educator
Ben Greene is a transgender advocate and educator who has spoken internationally on topics surrounding transgender inclusion. After coming out at 15 in a small town, Ben has devoted his career to spreading empathy, education, and storytelling around the trans experience, and has spoken for companies, hospitals, schools, religious organizations, and government entities sharing what it means to be transgender and how to show up as an ally. He is a fierce advocate for transgender youth, regularly speaking in their defense at the Missouri State Capitol, and is the author of the book "My Child is Trans, Now What? A Joy Centered Approach to Support". He is passionate about educating others from a place of compassion—no matter where they’re starting from.
Workshop: Creating a Joy-Centered Approach to Supporting LGBTQ+ Kids
%20-%20Nikki%20Miho.jpg)
Dr. Nikki Mihalopoulos (she/her)
Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah
Dr. Mihalopoulos is Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah. She is also the Medical Director of the University of Utah Health Adolescent Medicine Clinic and the Primary Children’s Hospital Gender Management and Support (GeMS) Clinic. Her approach to medicine is deeply patient-centered, prioritizing open communication and understanding, which has made her a trusted figure in the lives of many gender-diverse adolescents and their families.
Workshop: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape for Your Transgender Child
Stan Mitchell (he/him)
Speaker, LGBTQ+ Advocate, and Consultant
Stan Mitchell currently serves as a Teaching Pastor at The Village in Atlanta, GA. and Austin New Church in Austin, TX. He is the Pastor Emeritus of GracePointe Church in Nashville, TN, having served as its Lead Pastor from 2003 through 2019. In 2015, GP made the move to the full affirmation and celebration of LGBTQ+ people. He spends his vocational time now as a speaker, LGBTQ+ advocate, and consultant within the Progressive Christian movement.
Workshop: Advocating from a Place of Faith: Incorporating your Faith Tradition into your Advocacy
Keynote speaker on Friday
Dr. Gwen Bass (she/her)
Author, teacher, Advocate, Researcher
Dr. Gwen Bass is a teacher, child advocate, parent mentor, researcher, and collaborative consultant focused on supporting kids whose needs and voices aren’t honored by conventional systems. The author of the bestselling memoir Immaculate Misconception, she holds an important place in LGBTQ+ history as one of the first babies born in the US to lesbian parents by a secret artificial insemination. Raised with no genetic information or access to her paternal side, Gwen was already in her 30’s when she unexpectedly connected with a dozen siblings all born from the same donor. Her memoir illuminates what it was like to straddle two worlds: one in which rainbow flags waved and love made a family – and another in which she and her family tried to fit in with everyone else in 1980’s America. With a decade of experience in K-12 classroom teaching and teacher education, Gwen provides consultation and training to help nonprofits, educators, government agencies, and caregivers foster positive outcomes for young people — especially those with disabilities and learning differences, LGBTQ+ youth and families, and youth in foster care and unique family situations. She is also a foster and adoptive parent in a queer, blended family.
Workshop: How to Reinvent Relationships with Your Child as They Enter Adulthood
Sara Urquhart (she/her)
Co-founder of The Divine Assembly and Founding Manager of Psychedelics in the Beehive
Sara Urquhart is an organizer of chaos. She is the co-founder of The Divine Assembly (the mushroom church) and the founding manager of Psychedelics in the Beehive, a winter festival in downtown SLC. Sara is the Past Chair of Mama Dragons and is a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Sara runs SaraU Productions, an event production company. She has a Master’s Degree in emergency management. Sara is married to her awesome husband and has four fabulous adult children, including a 30-year-old baby dragon.
Workshop: Therapy using Psychedelics - Understanding the Current Trend for Psychedelic Treatments
_heic.png)
Hayley Mclaughlin, RN (she/her)
Clinical Nurse Coordinator in the University of Utah's Adolescent Medicine Clinic and the Gender Management and Support Clinic at Primary Children's Hospital
I am the clinical nurse coordinator in the University of Utah's Adolescent Medicine Clinic and the Gender Management and Support (GeMS) Clinic at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. I am also mother to two excellent young adult men (1 cis, 1 trans). I am passionate about empowering adolescents and young adults to advocate for themselves in healthcare and in life.
Workshop: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape for Your Transgender Child
Erika Nordfelt MA, LCPC, CMHC (she/her)
Clinical Mental Health Therapist
Erika has been working as a Clinical Mental Health Therapist for over a decade. She runs a group practice in Idaho with locations in Rexburg and Pocatello. Her practice specializes in working with marginalized communities including LGBTQAI+ and faith crisis/transitions. She loves her wok and love helping individuals, couples, and families find healing paths forward. Erika is also a trauma therapist and uses methods like EMDR and IFS to help clients work through areas where trauma limits them. She is very dedicated to providing services that create lasting change. That includes lasting change in their most important relationships. Relationship dynamics are tough and Erika works to reshape new ways to connect with others and self, decrease shame and distress, and increase empathy and bonding. She runs her group practice with her husband, Brady. They have 4 kids and try to play outside as a family as much as possible.
Workshop: Embracing Acceptance: Navigating Emotions & Family Understanding
Jessica Couser (she/her)
Owner and Managing Attorney at Jess Couser Family Law
Jess Couser practices family law, adoption, assisted reproduction, LGBTQIA+ law and she is regularly appointed by the Courts as a private Guardian ad litem. She is the owner and managing attorney at a small firm in downtown Salt Lake City, Jess Couser Family Law. For the past 12 years Jess has been a regular volunteer at the Rainbow Law Clinic, which is hosted by the S.J. Quinney College of Law Pro Bono Initiative and the Utah Pride Center. In 2018 she was granted a Distinguished Pro Bono Legal Award in by the Utah State Bar, Utah Legal Services, and S.J. Quinney College of Law for her work with the Rainbow Law Clinic. For more than 8 years, Jess has provided pro bono and low bono representation to transgender adults and children seeking to change their legal name and gender. Her pro bono work has been featured locally in the Salt Lake Tribune and SLUG Magazine. Jess also serves as the Chair on the Board of Directors for the Utah Pride Center. Jess is consistently engaged in community events and organizations that promote and protect the rights of children, minorities, and other marginalized populations.
Workshop: Transfamlaw: Legal Issues Affecting Transgender Individuals and Families
Rhiannon Crossley (she/her)
Certified Breathwork Practitioner
Rhiannon Crossley is passionate about helping people transform their lives and relationships through breath. Sign up, show up, relax and remember to just breathe.
Workshop: Breathwork - For those days when you
can't catch your breath
Aymee Condie, LCSW (she/her)
Social Worker at Kaivara Counseling
Aymee has been social worker for over 20 years. She currently manages a private practice focused on individuals who have experienced trauma and neuro-developmental challenges such as ADHD and Autism. In addition to her clinical work, she hosts the Utah County chapter of The Divine Assembly, providing a supportive community for healing and growth through the religious use of psychedelic medicines. Passionate about innovative treatments and evidence based practices, Aymee advocates for the use of psychedelic medicine as a promising avenue for enhancing mental well-being.
Workshop: Embracing Acceptance: Navigating Emotions & Family Understanding
Jay Tactay (he/him)
Youth Programs Manager at the Utah Pride Center
Jay Tactay is the Youth Programs Manager at the Utah Pride Center, where he is dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Born and raised in Southern California, he moved to Saint George, Utah during middle school. It was during these formative years that he first recognized the significance of community and belonging within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, despite having little knowledge about it as a teenager. As a transgender man, he is passionate about advocating for young people and helping them navigate their identities with confidence and pride.
Workshop: Ask Me Anything - A Trans and Nonbinary Panel
Dr. Rixt Luikenaar MD, FACOG (they/them)
OB/GYN at Rebirth Health Center in Salt Lake City
​Rixt Luikenaar (they/them) is a Board Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist with an additional certification in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. They are WPATH SOC7 and 8 certified, and hold a Certification for Hormonal Transgender Treatment of Minors in Utah. Dr. Luikenaar opened the first clinic for LGBTQ+- patients in 2011 then with the University of Utah. In 2014, they opened "Rebirth ObGyn", now "Rebirth Health Center", a neurodivergent-inclusive medical clinic, with a focus on gender affirming care, (peri)menopausal and transgender hormone therapy , fertility and sexuality, preventive care, harm reduction, trauma responsive gynecology and mental heallth including ketamine treatnent for chronic depression, anxiety, PTSD and suicidality, .Dr. Luikenaar is co-author and co-editor of "Transgynecology"; the first textbook written on gynecology for transgender people, published by Cambridge University Press in 2023 and they live in SLC with their partner, 2 kids (one of them transgender) and 4 Sphynx cats.
Workshop: Culturally Competent Gynocological Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Persons
Cole Brennan (he/him)
Mental Health Therapist with Ellie Mental Health in Denver, CO
Cole is a queer and transgender mental health therapist with Ellie Mental Health in the Denver area, former bike mechanic and youth outdoor educator, and lover of nature, adventures, and above all, people. Cole works primarily with LGBTQ+ identified youth and adults, and has a passion for helping his clients find their innate love and joy for themselves, their many identities, and the world around them. Cole lives in Denver, Colorado with his partner, two young children, and two equally young pups.
Workshop: Ask Me Anything - A Trans and Nonbinary Panel
Benee Larsen (she/her)
Director of the NAMI Utah Prevention Department
Benée Larsen is the Director of the NAMI Utah Prevention Department. As Director of the NAMI Utah Prevention program, Benée works with, supports, and provides grant funding to local organizations throughout Utah to implement and evaluate suicide prevention and mental health promotion strategies. She also is the Co-Chair of the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a national nonprofit whose mission is to help ensure the dignity and improve the lives of those impacted by mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy. Benée is a certified instructor of Mental Health First Aid, Vital Cognition suicide prevention in the workplace and Safe and Effective Messaging Training. Benée is also certified as a Master Trainer for QPR (Question, Persuade, & Refer). Benée Larsen, the Director of the NAMI Utah Prevention Department, is not just a professional in the field but also a mother of three children, one of whom lives with a mental health condition. This personal experience, combined with her professional expertise, allows her and NAMI Utah to bring a unique perspective, one rooted in lived experience, support, education, and advocacy.
Workshop: LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Training
Lisa Dame (she/her)
Clinical Mental Health Counselor at Flourish Therapy
Lisa has been an ally for the LGBTQ+ community starting in 2013 when her oldest daughter officially came out. She joined Mama Dragons in 2014 and found her own support and friendship among women with similar life journeys. She has been on the Board of Mama Dragons for the last 7 years, which continues to be a sustaining part of her advocacy. In 2020, Lisa decided to go back to school to become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and joined Flourish Therapy as an intern in 2021 and then became an employee as an Associate therapist in 2022. She currently enjoys her life of seeing clients, walking her dog, spending time with family and being outside in nature through hiking, playing sports and gardening.
Workshop: DBT Crash Course: When you Feel Like Crashing
Laura Skaggs, LMFT (she/her)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Flourish Therapy
Laura Skaggs is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in treating spiritual trauma at the intersection of LGBTQ+ experiences and religion. Laura earned her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at San Diego State University with an emphasis in LGBTQ+ mental health within conservative religious social contexts. She went on to serve for two years on the board of directors of Affirmation: LGBT+ Mormons, Families, and Friends with a focus on responding to spiritual trauma and suicide prevention. Laura is also the co-creator of CWEERS Empowerment groups: a practice designed to help LGBTQ+ individuals and their supporters confront social discrimination and internalized stigma. Laura is the mother of two daughters and presently sees clients full time in Provo, UT, as part of Flourish Therapy.
Workshop: How to Reinvent Relationships with Your Child as They Enter Adulthood
Neca Allgood (she/her)
Founding Member, first President, and current Board Member at Mama Dragons
Neca Allgood is one of the founders of Mama Dragons and currently serves on their Board of Directors. She also served as the first President of Mama Dragons and ran their support group for Mamas with transgender and gender diverse kids. She and her husband, David, are the parents of three adult children plus count some bonus kids as beloved parts of their family. Their middle child, Grayson, came out as transgender in 2011, when he was 16. In 2015 Neca and Grayson worked with Equality Utah to help pass a bill that extended housing and employment non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ Utahns. Neca is also active in the gun violence prevention movement. She has a PhD in Molecular Biology from Princeton University.
Workshop: How to Reinvent Relationships with Your Child as They Enter Adulthood
Sara Call (she/her)
Psychedelic Guide
Sara is a dedicated psychedelic guide and educator with a profound commitment to healing and transformation through plant medicine. As an active member of The Divine Assembly, a vibrant psychedelic mushroom church and community, Sara works to create safe, sacred spaces where individuals can explore their consciousness and find deep, personal insights. With years of experience guiding others on their psychedelic journeys, Sara has developed a deep understanding of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Through her work with The Divine Assembly and her business, Unbound & Free, she offers guiding services that are rooted in respect, care, and a commitment to personal growth and collective healing. She believes that psychedelics can be powerful tools for reconnecting with one’s true self, breaking down barriers, and fostering a deep sense of acceptance and love.
Workshop: Therapy using Psychedelics - Understanding the Current Trend for Psychedelic Treatments
Lupe Marie Bartholomew (she/her)
Mother of singer David Archuleta
In 2021, Lupe's son David came out, inspiring her to become an outspoken LGBTQ+ ally. Now, she actively advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and promotes acceptance and understanding within her community. Combining her expertise in childcare, her passion for music, and her unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity, Lupe continues to make a positive impact on the lives of her students and the community at large.
Keynote speaker on Friday
Rod & Nan Osborne
Parents of life coach Sal Osborne
After raising their five children in the LDS church, Rod and Nan Osborne were thrust into the spotlight two years ago when Hulu decided to produce a documentary about their family, specifically their daughter Sally who had recently realized she is gay. Trying to maintain close relationships with each family member as they navigated their way through new circumstances was a stretching experience, especially while the cameras were rolling! Rod and Nan have gained an understanding of the value of being vulnerable, of learning from their children, and of being willing to grow. Currently, they are more than happy as they volunteer at the Provo Encircle House and share their experiences as a rainbow family.
Keynote speakers on Friday
Deb Glenn (she/her)
Mother of singer Tyler Glenn
Raised in the northeast, Deb began working at 11 in the tobacco fields of Connecticut, developing a strong work ethic that has shaped her life. With a passion for art, history, and travel, she's sought to enrich both her life and those around her. Married for 49 years to Dale, they've raised 4 children and are proud grandparents of 8. When her son, Tyler, came out as gay at 29, 11 years ago it marked a significant moment in her life, deepening her understanding, love, and support for him. This experience changed her path, inspiring her to become an even stronger advocate for acceptance and love.
Keynote speaker on Friday
Eva Lopez Chavez (she/her)
Salt Lake City Council Member
Eva Lopez Chavez is the eldest daughter in a working-class Mexican immigrant family. She was raised to respect her elders, always lend a helping hand, and above all else, la familia es siempre primero: Family is always first. Elected to serve in 2024, Eva is the first Mexican-American elected to the Salt Lake City Council. Born in Salt Lake City and raised in Southern Idaho, she is a proud daughter of the Rocky Mountain West, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and serves as a local consultant to businesses and organizations. Eva attended the University of Utah and studied political science from 2015-2018. Throughout her career, Eva has been actively involved in grassroots organizing and community engagement efforts, with a focus on social justice for marginalized communities. Eva has witnessed firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities in the City, such as civil enforcement, community engagement, public process and more. In her former role, she worked as a Mayor’s Office Liaison and outreach specialist helping connect communities to the intersections where policy is created. As Council Member, her decisions revolve around these three core principles: inclusivity, sustainability, and community. She firmly believes that Salt Lake City thrives when every voice is heard, and every resident feels valued. Eva aims to ensure that diverse perspectives are represented in decision-making processes and that all community members have equal access to resources and opportunities. Eva is committed to building partnerships and fostering transparent and accountable governance, fighting for policies that prioritize the well-being of District 4, ensuring residents are heard and protecting their interests. Together, with the support of the community, Eva aims to connect communities and include every Salt Laker in the public process.
Workshop - Parent Advocate. How to Advocate for your LGBTQ+ Child Within your Family, in their School, in your Church and in your Community
Chad Call (he/him)
Executive Director of the Utah Pride Center
Chad Call is the Executive Director of the Utah Pride Center; with a mission to unite, empower and celebrate Utah's diverse LGBTQ+ community. Born and raised in Utah, Chad is a proud member of the queer community, and is passionate about creating positive spaces for our community to thrive.
Workshop - Parent Advocate. How to Advocate for your LGBTQ+ Child Within your Family, in their School, in your Church and in your Community
Dr. Ariel Richer (she/her)
Co-Founder/Director of Urban Indigenous Collective
Dr. Richer is an interventionist who engages in community-driven research to co-create culturally-tailored interventions and services. Specifically, she is interested in addressing the substance use, intimate partner violence, and HIV and STI risk (SAVA) syndemic. She works with Black, Indigenous, and queer communities who experience structural stigma related to drug use, involvement in the criminal-legal system, sexuality, and racism. Additionally, Dr. Richer seeks to increase access to psychedelics and indigenous plant medicines among BIPOC communities. She is also the Co-Founder/Director of Urban Indigenous Collective, a community-based public health non-profit that ensures access to culturally-tailored services to Indigenous people living in Lenapehoking (New York City) and the surrounding tri-state area through research, advocacy, and programming.
Workshop - Therapy using Psychedelics: Understanding the Current Trend for Psychedelic Treatments
Allen Morris (he/his/gladiator)
Director of Policy for the National LGBTQ Task Force
Allen Morris, M.A., (he/his/gladiator) currently serves as the Director of Policy for the National LGBTQ Task Force. Before joining the Task Force, Allen worked in the immigrant rights movement where he started the first policy team for the largest immigration non-profit in Texas. A graduate of Regent University School of Law (M.A.) and Grand Canyon University (B.S.), Allen has over a decade of broad-based public policy, immigration, criminal, and human rights experience across the legal, corporate, government, and non-profit sectors. Allen started his career as an entry-level staffer in Houston, TX. Allen attributes learning the value of hard work and the importance of treating everyone with respect regardless of socioeconomic and educational status to his grandmother. Working in the movement has taught him many can attempt, but few are called. Since then, he has garnered several public policy wins and worked with many prominent political figures across various sectors of the Civil Rights Movement. Allen has been featured in Business Insider, The Advocate, The Washington Blade, BBC News, The Hill, Spectrum News, ABC and other publications/affiliates. Allen prides himself on being a fearless advocate for directly impacted and historically marginalized people.
Workshop - Becoming an Activist: Transitioning from your house to the state house (panel)
Rebecca Farmer (she/her)
Senior Communications Advisor at MAP
Rebecca Farmer is a senior communications leader with two decades of experience maximizing strategic communications for social impact, with LGBTQ equality as a core area of expertise. She has trained hundreds of people on how to effectively use their voices to advocate for a better world. Rebecca has led communications at the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), State Bar of California, and the ACLU of Northern California. At the ACLU she lead the coalition communications efforts to successfully pass the first law in the country to affirmatively support transgender students. She is a previous Rockwood Leadership Institute LGBTQ Fellow.
Workshop - Sharing your Story! How to Effectively Amplify your Voice and Story to Advocate for a Better World
WORKSHOPS
-
Project 2025 IS Christian Nationalism: How to Fight Back
​
-
Hormones 101
​
-
Embracing Acceptance: Navigating Emotions & Family Understanding
​​​​
-
Advocating from a Place of Faith: Incorporating your Faith Tradition into your Advocacy
​
-
Navigating the Healthcare Landscape for your Trans Child
​
-
How to Reinvent Relationships with your Child as they Enter Adulthood
​
-
Breathwork - For Those Days you Can't Catch your Breath
​
-
Parent Advocate: How to Advocate for your LGBTQ+ Child within your Family, in their School and in your Community
​
-
Ask Me Anything - A Trans Panel
​
-
Culturally Competent Gynocological Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Persons
​
-
DBT Crash Course - for when you feel like crashing
​
-
Becoming an Activist: Transitioning from your House to the State House
​
-
Transfamlaw: Legal Issues Affecting Transgender Individuals and Families
​
-
Social Safety and Human Thriving Across the Spectrum on Sexual and Gender Diversity
​
-
Therapy Using Psychedelics: Understanding the Current Trend for Psychedelic Treatments
​
-
Sharing your Story! How to Effectively Amplify your Voice and Story to Advocate for a Better World
​​​​
-
Creating a Joy-Centered Approach to Supporting LGBTQ+ Kids
​​