Sue Hyde, director of The National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, took some time to talk to Gay Life about the weekend's speakers, panelists, and programming. It's a full schedule that includes some big names, and some lesser-known activists from around the world.

Creating Change, an annual leadership and skills-building conference for the LGBT social justice movement, is just around the corner. In January, Charm City will host the event along with thousands of advocates, activists, and organizers from around the nation, but it is going to take a lot of work.

The National Conference on LGBT Equality Creating Change
January 25-29, 2012, 401 W. Pratt St. Hilton Hotel, Baltimore.
CreatingChange.org

Ever notice the purple and pink stickers, fans, etc. with the sayings “Power is Sexy” and “Action is Hot” handed out at various LGBTQ events, including Baltimore Pride? They represent the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

The Task Force is hosting their 24th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, January 25–29, 2012 in downtown Baltimore, at the Hilton. Here are the basics:

What is Creating Change? It is the nation's pre-eminent political, leadership and skills-building conference for the LGBT social justice movement. Since 1988, Creating Change has been the opportunity for thousands of committed people to develop and hone their skills, celebrate victories, build community, and to be inspired by visionaries of our LGBT movement and allied movements for justice and equality.

What is the goal? To touch on the outcomes of many contemporary issues facing us, including the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and its implementation, repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the plethora of attacks on marriage/family recognition as well as our progress on these issues, our community organizing efforts to create safer schools, legal equality for all including our trans sisters and brothers, and looking forward to the 2012 general elections.

Why attend? Typically 2,000 - 3,000 people attend the Creating Change Conference from all over the United States, with a few attendees from other countries. It is gathering of organizers and activists working to create a world in which our sexual orientations and gender expressions will be welcomed and celebrated.

What to expect? Our five-day program features over 250 workshops and caucus sessions, four keynote plenary sessions, worshipful gatherings, film screenings, meetings, receptions, social events, and a multitude of opportunities for attendees to meet and learn from each other.

What is the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation? They build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement. They also have think tank that provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. Overall, they work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all.

NOTE: Kate Clinton is emceeing the 2012 Creating Change Conference in Baltimore

Self proclaimed “fumerist” or feminine humorist, Kate Clinton kicked off her comedy career in 1981 using her hilarious blend of lesbianism, Catholicism, and politics as material for her jokes. This is quite the departure from her initial career as a high school English teacher. I had the exciting opportunity to capture a few minutes of Kate’s time and catch up on her career, her tour, and her thoughts on Baltimore.

Award-winning artist Denise Duarte is offering a free, weekly art program, "Express Yourself," for LGBTQ youth.

"The program will nurture creativity and provide leadership skills, team building, and community building opportunities in a safe and accepting environment," said Duarte, an artist in residence at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB).

Creating Change 2012 Projected to Bring 3,000 Attendees to Charm City