About Go Higher Summit
As Michelle Obama famously said, "When they go low, we go higher!" This summit is dedicated to elevating our community - which starts on the individual level.
30+ speakers sharing their life stories, lessons and experiences – all to empower, elevate, and educate!
We will be hearing from professionals, community members, educators, artists, and public officials. This will be 4 days of mind blowing discussions and presentations on how we as a community can continue to thrive and showcase our beauty to the world while healing and growing from within so we can have a greater impact and transformation on the world!
GoHigher Summit is about elevating the rainbow community by finding the gift of growth and healing that resides within each of us.
As a diverse group, we have many identities. What unites us all is that throughout history, we have been different from the mainstream. This has resulted in being misunderstood, discriminated against, or worse vilified and persecuted.
The beautiful and colorful tapestry that is our history has created a profound strength and courage which is often overlooked by outsiders. And when we tell our story, we tend to focus on the adversity we have (and continue) to face.
GoHigher Summit is a place to celebrate our diversity and unique culture, but also to learn how we can more easily expand our identity beyond our wounds.
We are stronger together!
Speakers
you can attend
Day 1 - June 15th
Join Theo as he shares his powerful story and insights on finding freedom from fear and unlocking your true identity of love, courage, and strength. Drawing from his personal experiences and coaching expertise, Theo will guide you in identifying and overcoming the biggest blocks holding you back from achieving your desires. Discover how to ignite your energy, forge deeper connections with others, and unlock your natural confidence. Don’t miss this transformative talk that will empower you to create the reality you truly desire.
Blake Mitchell, a gender noncomforming advocate and drag performer who goes by Mary Lou Pearl will be talking about their experience growing up queer, embracing one’s true self and exploring gender identity. Learn how they discovered self-acceptance and the potential for positive personal growth through the joys of Drag. They will also talk about the amazing mentorship they provide to queer youth by providing inclusive spaces at a Drag Summer camp!
Discover the transformative power of embracing authenticity and courage with Shermain Melton, a powerful truth-teller and experienced coach, consultant, and teacher, as he shares his journey of overcoming fear and embracing his true self as a Black, Christian gay man. Learn how courageous action creates confidence, how to break free from societal constraints, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive circle. Shermain’s mission as the Chief Courage Officer of Courage to Impact is to inspire positive change through audacious courage. Don’t miss this opportunity to tap into your own reservoir of bravery and unlock the freedom and fulfillment you deserve.
Join Tristan Gatto, a licensed physical therapist, registered yoga teacher, and bestselling course author, as he unveils the secrets to reversing the effects of aging and reclaiming vitality in your life. Discover how a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, supplementation, and mindset can help you defy the aging process. Tristan’s proven methods have empowered over 160,000 individuals worldwide to transform their lives, relieve pain, and experience newfound joy. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your well-being, increase mobility, and tap into your body’s innate ability to heal and rejuvenate. Join Tristan on this transformative journey and unlock the secrets to living a vibrant and youthful life, regardless of your age.
We’ll be having a break so everyone can grab a bite to eat, stretch your legs, and get some sunshine!
In his talk, Kaelan delves into the profound connection between spirituality and sexuality in the lives of gay men. Drawing from his personal experiences and diverse background, he explores the importance of inclusive spiritual work that embraces one’s sexual orientation and sex life. Discover the key takeaways of this enlightening presentation, including the empowerment to view all aspects of oneself as sacred, embracing divinity in your being, recognizing the unique spiritual connection within the queer community, honoring the sacredness of your sexual expression, and liberating yourself from the shackles of shame. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey towards self-acceptance and spiritual integration.
Join Aydian Dowling, the first Transgender man to grace the cover of Men’s Health magazine and a beloved figure in the transgender community, for an inspiring chat filled with authenticity, resilience, and empowerment. Discover Aydian’s personal journey, his role as a devoted husband and father, and his groundbreaking work with the TRACE APP, a life-saving mobile application for Transgender and Nonbinary individuals and their Allies. Gain valuable insights, be inspired to create positive change, and celebrate the power of community in this unforgettable conversation with Aydian Dowling.
Day 2 - June 16th
Join Addison Brasil, a writer, speaker, and mental health advocate, for a profound discussion on grief, loss, and the power of honoring the journey. In this segment, Addison shares insights from his bestselling book “First Year of Grief Club: A Gift From A Friend Who Gets It” and delves into the concept that grief is not something to be fixed, but rather something to be honored in its entirety. Drawing from personal experiences of trauma, compounded grief, and self-discovery as a Queer identifying male, Addison’s resilience and commitment to mental health advocacy shine through. Discover the transformative power of community and connection as Addison imparts valuable wisdom on navigating the complex terrain of grief and finding meaning amidst loss. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Addison Brasil, a beacon of hope and healing in the face of adversity.
Join some of our speakers as they explore issues surrounding relationships, intimacy, love, sex and all things relationship!
Come listen to Maria Hernandez, a fun and sassy transgender woman and homoromantic asexual, for a candid and enlightening conversation about her journey of self-discovery, navigating asexuality and gender later in life. In this insightful talk, Maria sheds light on the often misunderstood sexual orientation of asexuality and shares her personal experiences with ace erasure and “ace phobia”. With grace and vulnerability, Maria offers valuable tips for becoming a better ally to the asexual community, debunking misconceptions and providing a deeper understanding of asexuality. Maria’s will provide a unique perspective on identity, acceptance, and fostering inclusivity.
Shannon Hernandez shares her inspiring insights on finding joy amidst life’s transitions. With her contagious enthusiasm and profound wisdom, Shannon guides you on a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowering you to awaken to the joy that resides within the everyday moments. Drawing from her own experiences, including a near-death encounter and supporting her spouse’s gender transition, Shannon reveals the non-negotiable power of joy in navigating life’s challenges. Through practical tips and profound mindset shifts, she helps you uncover roadblocks, make aligned decisions, and cultivate meaningful routines and rituals that nurture your daily joy practice.
We’ll be having a break so everyone can grab a bite to eat, stretch your legs, and get some sunshine!
Join August Black, a talented actor, voice over artist, and transgender man, as he takes you on a captivating journey through the various stages of his personal transition. From childhood confusion to finding comfort and identity, August shares his experiences as a living example of authenticity. In this insightful talk, he invites you to explore the transformative power of embracing your true self. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and the profound impact that transition can have on one’s life. Discover how stepping through the looking glass of transition opens up a world of possibilities and empowers you to build your best life. Be inspired by August’s resilience and his commitment to sharing his story, shedding light on the transgender community, and creating positive change.
Join Rob Roell, a certified Positive Intelligence (PQ) Coach and expert in personal development, as he reveals the transformative power of Positive Intelligence in accelerating your personal growth journey. With a background in technology and extensive training in various disciplines, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to help you navigate the invisible forces of self-sabotage and unlock your true potential. Discover how PQ can amplify your progress in personal and business development, and learn valuable techniques to strengthen your mental fitness and tap into your inner Sage. Get ready to harness your X-Factor and embark on a journey of growth and fulfillment.
Day 3 - June 17th
Join Arif and Ricky, a dynamic couple who are actors, influencers, and LGBTQIA+ content creators, as they share their expertise in personal branding and social media success. In this fun and bubbly presentation, they will dive into the importance of personal branding for business creation and career advancement, with a focus on leveraging Instagram and other platforms to achieve your goals authentically. Discover how to monetize your personal brand, build a successful legacy business, and amplify your public influence without compromising your true purpose. Learn valuable strategies to scale your growth, attract ideal clients, and turn your life purpose into a lucrative venture.
Join life-partners Anthony Camargo and Bart Loeser as they lead an open and empowering conversation on the topic of sex in the senior years. In this thought-provoking discussion, Anthony and Bart will draw from their personal experiences to address common sexual issues and challenges faced by gay men over 50. They will explore topics such as changes in sexual desire, managing erectile dysfunction, cultivating positive body image and self-confidence, navigating open relationships and non-monogamy, and the vital role of intimacy and emotional connection in maintaining a fulfilling sexual life. This engaging conversation aims to empower individuals to define their own relationships and embrace a supportive and satisfying approach to sex as they age.
Join Michael, founder of Wellismo Coaching and co-host of the Gay Men Going Deeper podcast, for an enlightening talk on sexual empowerment. In this transformative session, Michael delves into the core aspects of embracing your sexuality and reclaiming your unique sexual appetite. Discover how to overcome societal conditioning and release shame, paving the way for authentic empowerment. Explore what it truly means to be sexy on your own terms and gain practical insights to own your sexuality confidently. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and unleash your true sexual power.
Join award-winning coach Larry Jacobson as he unveils the secrets to successfully navigating the transition from a work career to the next exciting chapter of your life. In this practical and insightful presentation, Larry delves deep into the challenges of retirement and empowers you to redefine your identity, build a new social infrastructure, and overcome ageism in hiring practices. Gain the confidence and tools needed to create a fulfilling plan for your best years yet. Don’t settle for a traditional retirement—discover your encore and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead with Larry as your guide.
We’ll be having a break so everyone can grab a bite to eat, stretch your legs, and get some sunshine!
Siri Lindley and Bek, life-partners and extraordinary forces of inspiration, join forces for a captivating combined Q&A session. Siri, a two-time world champion triathlete and sought-after motivational speaker, shares her remarkable triumph over acute myeloid leukemia and empowers others to conquer fear and self-doubt. Meanwhile, Bek, an accomplished athlete and passionate animal rights advocate, brings her expertise in coaching and her dedication to saving horses through Believe Ranch and Rescue. Together, they offer a unique perspective on achieving peak performance, making a positive impact, and living a purpose-driven life. Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and moved by their incredible journey and transformative insights.
In this compelling talk, spiritual counselor Matt Landsiedel shares his profound insights on the importance of moving beyond societal norms and stereotypical identities to embrace one’s authentic self. He illuminates the transformative journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment. Matt’s insights challenge listeners to recognize the humanity in everyone, encouraging the exploration of our own authentic desires and self-concepts. He fosters a greater understanding of connection, authenticity, and the power of high consciousness. This talk provides listeners with practical wisdom on navigating life with authenticity, forging deeper connections, and living in a state of enlightened consciousness.
Day 4 - June 18th
Prepare to have your understanding of sexuality and gender completely transformed as orientation and gender specialist, Mark Cusack, takes you on a captivating journey of self-discovery. In this thought-provoking talk, Mark challenges the conventional narratives surrounding sexuality and gender, shedding light on the complexities and fluidity of identity. Through engaging insights and powerful revelations, you’ll gain a deep understanding of yourself, untangle confusing terminology, and forge a profound connection with your authentic self. Don’t miss this eye-opening session that will reshape the way you perceive yourself and others forever.
Join Self Empowerment Coach Drummond as he guides you through the transformative power of community and self-identity within the LGBTQIA+ community. Discover the benefits of understanding your role in a community and how it influences your personal growth. Gain valuable insights into setting healthy boundaries and maintaining your individual goals while being an active participant in a diverse community. Drummond’s empowering talk will help you navigate the complexities of community dynamics, unlocking opportunities for personal and collective growth. Embrace your unique identity, foster meaningful connections, and experience the transformative impact of thriving within your chosen community.
Join an esteemed panel of educators and advocates for a compelling roundtable discussion on the state of LGBTQ+ rights in the education world. With diverse backgrounds and experiences, John Rodney, Derrick Carlson, Ryse Tottinham, Nate Lyon, Adrian Lancaster, and Skye Tooley will explore inclusive practices, curriculum diversity, mental health support, and social justice initiatives. From sharing classroom experiences to elevating LGBTQ+ voices in literature, this discussion aims to empower educators to create safe, inclusive spaces where all students can thrive. Gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to foster acceptance, equity, and understanding within educational settings.
Join Erika as she shares how as LGBTQ+ people, we have an innate courage to shift paradigms…to be authentically who we are, and to lead humanity to a more authentic and expansive reality! When it comes to visibility and our fullest expression, we sometimes hold ourselves back because of internalized limitations that she calls Identity Harm. In this talk, she discusses how to overcome identity harm and step into our full radiance as the LGBTQ+ creators and leaders we truly are.We’ll be having a break so everyone can grab a bite to eat, stretch your legs, and get some sunshine!
Join Tommy, a resilient French expatriate in Sydney, as he sheds light on the complex landscape of anxiety in a captivating presentation. Tommy will delve into various aspects of anxiety, exploring its early signs, manifestations in daily life, and the challenges faced by individuals with hypochondria, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and relapses. Discover an array of therapy options, from hypnosis to life coaching, and learn effective techniques like journaling and breathing exercises. Tommy will address the stigma surrounding anxiety and the importance of fostering open conversations to combat loneliness. Through his Anxiety Free Podcast and personal experiences, Tommy aims to normalize mental health discussions and empower individuals on their journey towards anxiety-free living.
José Rolón is a charismatic single father of three from NYC who has become a prominent figure in the Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities. As a renowned television host, wedding planner, and public speaker, José effortlessly bridges the gap between these cultures, creating relatable experiences for all families.
In his empowering talk on creating strong support systems for personal and professional growth, José will draw from his own experiences as a single dad, and share valuable insights on how to build strong support networks that extend to everyone in our community, emphasizing the importance of resilience during times of political strife, grief, and life changes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover practical strategies for maintaining personal and professional growth amidst life’s challenges. Join us as he shares his journey of maintaining personal and professional growth while embracing diversity and celebrating the power of family.
Event Speakers
Meet the Speakers
Go Higher Summit is the #1 event for Rainbow Community members interested in personal development. It’s not just another conference.
It’s a group of amazing rainbow community thought leaders sharing their be and innovative ideas in their space with the rainbow community ABOUT the rainbow community!
Go Higher Summit is tailored to be a positive and high-quality summit, focused on improvement and growth.
Interested in becoming one of our speakers? Click below to apply:
Event Speakers
Drummond Fulcher
Self Empowerment Coach, Positive Space AdvocateDrummond is a Self Empowerment Coach who's main focus is creating leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community. He helps his clients heal past traumas and remove self limiting mindsets that hold them back from reaching their highest level of self. He focuses on each individuals current social/physical environments and helps them build a community/space to support them and their desired futures. Drummond started his journey of being there for others at a young age when he'd look after his two younger sisters. Having gone through many traumatic events during his childhood he understood the importance of seeking help to heal. After reaching a point in life where he felt like his past no longer had power over his life he wanted to share his knowledge of his journey with the world. He started off as a social media influencer on YouTube sharing his personal stories with his audiences which then transitioned into jobs in the leadership development field. After working for a corporate company for several years he decided to leave behind his 9 to 5 job and start his own coaching business where he focused his energy on helping people in the LGBTQIA+ community.
José Rolón
Dad to 3, Nuptial Maestro, and TV PersonalityA NYC single father of three kids. A television host. A wedding planner. A public speaker. José Rolón is considered a new voice in the Latinx and LGBTQ+ space bridging the gap between both cultures while remaining relatable to all families. Featured on the TODAY Show, GMA, and graced the cover of Parents Latina Magazine being the first gay dad to do so. You can find them making their rounds whether it’s through social media, on television, or in person.
Addison Brasil
Grief Expert Creator and ConnectorAddison Brasil never had any intention of being a disruptor in the mental health and grief space. In following his own dreams of creating stories that would connect people; his own story forced him to focus full time on surviving trauma, compounded grief and finding himself as a LGTBQ identifying male in his 20’s.
Michael DiIorio
Life Coach, Podcast Host & Community LeaderMichael is the founder of Wellismo Coaching, co-host of the Gay Men Going Deeper podcast, and community leader in the Gay Men's Brotherhood. As a coach, he specializes in helping his clients build authentic self-confidence by being more of who they really are. Through 1-on-1 coaching, facilitating group workshops, and writing, his mission is to elevate the conversations gay men are having about sex, dating, and relationships. I am certified life & wellness coach and the founder of Wellismo Coaching.
Rob Roell
Positive Intelligence (PQ) Certified CoachRob Roell is an ICF ACC and Positive Intelligence (PQ) Certified Coach and has been in personal development for most his adult life. He is a trainer for one of the leading personal development companies in the world, a Master NLP Practitioner, NeuroStrategist, & Coach. Much of his earlier career was spent in technology, working for Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, Sun Microsystems and General Dynamics. Rob has owned and operated multiple businesses and was a part of a successful Internet startup in the mid-90’s Rob brings a varied educational background. A Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Coupled with studies in psychology and coaching. His additional certifications include massage therapy, Reiki, Karuna, and Shamanic practice. Rob is also a major sports fan, focused mainly on hockey and football. He also plays softball in Dallas PSSA. A member city of NAGAAA. He has played in the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series for the last 5 years. As a coach, Rob guides you thru the tools, techniques, and insight for you to discover additional perspective on the underlying challenges that keep you stuck. On the path to mastering your challenges, other aspects of your life will begin to open up.
Mark Flores
Psychotherapist, LCSW, Drag PersonaMark Flores is an experienced psychotherapist with 18 years of practice in New York City and Austin. Alongside his work as a therapist, Mark is a talented vocalist and theater performer, known for his drag persona, Conchita. Conchita has served as the spokes-queen for the All Genders and Lifestyles International Film Festival (AGLIFFs) for the past three years. Mark is also actively involved in volunteering for various non-profit organizations. With his diverse background, Mark brings a unique perspective to the field of therapy, blending creativity and compassion.
Mark Cusak
Sexuality and Relationship CoachMark (he/they) is a specialist orientation, gender and relationship coach working with those who experience complex, undefined, fluid or intersecting identities. Mark is an internationally recognised LGBTQ+ advocate and proud member of the Bi+/mspec, asexual and non-binary communities. Mark creates educational content on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Patreon through his platform @notdefining. He also hosts a podcast called the Queer Spectrum. Mark is currently working on a book and loves supporting his 1:1 coaching clients to understand themselves and transform their confidence.
Tristan Gatto
Anti-aging and Movement CoachTristan Gatto is a licensed physical therapist and registered yoga teacher for more than a decade and a best-selling DailyOM course author. He is the creator of Yoga Prehab®, an ultra-safe, customizable method he created to protect the body, relieve pain, build greater strength and mobility, and bring back joy to your everyday life. Tristan believes that movement can serve as the first line of defense to combat pain, stiffness, and inflammation — and prevent it from occurring in the first place. His deeply accessible PT-based yoga and wellness courses, suitable for all fitness levels, have helped upwards of 160,000 people worldwide discover a life without pain.
Erika Allison
Spiritual Transformation CatalystErika Allison is an author, speaker, and transformation catalyst. As founder of the Paradigm Shifters Accelerator, Erika works with the change agents of the planet to deprogram inner limitations, clarify their message, and unleash their power as the paradigm-shifting leaders they came here to be! Erika's award-winning book Gay the Pray Away shares a framework called the RAINBOW path for overcoming Identity Harm, one of the primary limiters of performance and happiness for LGBTQ+ creators and leaders.
Siri Lindley
World Champion | World-Class Coach | Author | Keynote Speaker | Animal ActivistSiri Lindley is a two-time world champion triathlete, winner of twelve ITU World Cup races, an inspirational, energetic life coach and one of Tony Robbins’ 10 favorite motivational speakers. With an infectious and authentic passion, she empowers audiences to strive for peak performance, and to work through and ultimately conquer the demons of fear and self-doubt.In late 2019, Siri faced her most difficult battle yet when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Despite being given less than a 10% chance of survival at the time of her diagnosis, she was pronounced cancer-free by her doctors in May of 2020. Whatever she does, Siri Lindley pours herself into the people around her and changes lives for the better, and her results can be seen all around the world. In 2020, after her successful battle against cancer, she launched two new coaching programs – the Sirius Squad for anyone looking to unleash their fitness warrior and find better health, and the Siriusly Authentic Squad, a quarterly in-depth program of life coaching.
Aydian Dowling
Trans Athlete, Fitness Model and Proud FatherAydian Dowling is the first trans-man featured on the cover of Men's Health magazine, has appeared multiple times on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and is the CEO of the Point of Pride nonprofit that's helped over ten thousand people receive gender affirming garments and surgeries. He recently appeared on Justin Baldoni's The Man Enough Podcast. Aydian Dowling is an admired household name in the transgender community His loyal followers have found strength and courage through Aydian’s kindness, confidence, and vulnerability – traits he also brings to his role of devoted husband and father. His dynamic public speaking, insightful consulting, and compassionate entrepreneurship have transformed thousands of people into passionate leaders and allies of the trans community. With the TRACE APP Aydian continues his work by creating a first-to-market mobile app for Transgender and Nonbinary individuals and their Allies to document their transition and build life-saving community.
Tommy Laurens
Model, Podcaster and Anxiety SpeakerTommy was born and raised in the south of France, close to Marseille, now expatriated in Sydney, Australia. Already young, he is facing a few traumas such as the passing of his mum while discovering his gay sexuality. After studying marketing at Montpellier, Tommy moved to Paris to seek his first job in the field. Paris has been at the beginning of his severe anxiety journey. His first panic attack developed in a generalised anxiety disorder. He didn't let himself down and tried many things to overcome it. From therapy, medication, hypnotherapy and different holistic methods, Tommy has now his anxiety under control. The change of environment also helped the healing process. Tommy is now working as a marketing manager for a fashion brand in Sydney Australia. A few months ago, he created the Anxiety Free Podcast which is a safe space where guests and him are sharing experiences with anxiety. Episodes are released every Thursday and offer a platform for mental health discussions. Making mental health a "normal" condition and fighting loneliness are his main goals.
Theo Bill
Coach, Speaker & AuthorTheo is passionate about helping others recognize they have the recipe for their own reality. For many that can be one of isolation, pain, and suffering. But through his coaching, Theo works with his clients to find their recipe - one of joy, love and connection. At a very young age, Theo learned the power of how the meaning we attach to a word can affect our life. At just 6 years old, his grandmother asked him “you’re not gay, are you?” For the next 25+ years, he struggled with issues of self-worth, body-dysmorphia, and limiting beliefs. It wasn’t until he reached his trifecta rock bottom (divorce, bankruptcy, and 40 lbs overweight) that he started to climb out of the pit of despair which had become his reality. His goal is to help alleviate the suffering that exists in much of the LBGTQia+ community. “Pain is a fact of life, but suffering can be a choice” many of us make is one of Theo’s core beliefs. It is through guiding his clients with the tools of mindset, empowerment, and emotional mastery as well as his personal history and intuition that he is able to work to end that suffering.
Bart Loeser
Trainer, Professional Skills CoachBart Loeser is a seasoned professional educator, coach, and trainer with an impressive career spanning over 35 years. His journey began as an HIV and Wellness educator for the AIDS Foundation Houston, where he made a meaningful impact in promoting health and well-being within the community. Above all, Bart is deeply committed to inspiring and empowering individuals to discover better solutions and unlock their full potential. Whether through teaching, coaching, or sponsorship, he fervently encourages others to strive for personal and professional excellence, providing guidance and support along their unique paths to success.
Shermain Melton
Chief Courage OfficerShermain Melton is a powerful, raw, and courageous truth-teller. A professional coach, consultant, teacher, and trusted advisor for over two decades who specializes in leadership development and professional growth. A Black, Christian gay man whose story is one of determination, authenticity, and growth. He hid a part of his identity for over 24 years because he feared being abandoned by the people he loved, alone, and having negative career consequences. He faced discrimination and poverty yet found the courage to create a new destiny, including financial freedom. The Chief Courage Officer and founder of Courage to Impact. His mission: Positive impact through audacious courage.
Larry Jacobson
Author, Traveler, and Life CoachLarry Jacobson is and award-winning coach in the fields of Retirement, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship, as well as a World Class Speaking and Dream Coach. Creator of the Sail Into Retirement and Buoy Training programs, Larry successfully transitioned from CEO to sailor and achieved his dream of sailing around the world, becoming the first openly gay man to do so. He's a two-time TEDx speaker and author of the six-time award-winning memoir The Boy Behind the Gate, journaling his six-year circumnavigation. He is currently working on two new books including Gay and Gray – focusing on the challenges of aging gay and single in America. Larry is an avid sailor with over 50,000 blue water miles under his keel. He lives in the SF Bay Area and welcomes new friends and inquiries at: www.larryjacobson.com
Blake/Mary Lou Pearl
Drag Performer & AdvocateMary Lou Pearl (she/her) aka Blake Mitchell (they/them) sees drag as a powerful tool to entertain, educate, raise money and spread positivity through her work with LGBTQ+ youth and on social media. Mary Lou Pearl got her start in San Francisco in 2017 and now calls Atlanta home. She's campy, country and kind. Maybe she's born with it... maybe it's Mary Lou Pearl!
Anthony Carmago
Creative Director, Owner, and DesignerAnthony Camargo is a dynamic Creative Director, Owner, and Designer whose unwavering passion for design and philosophy has fueled his lifelong pursuit of innovation and creativity. From a young age, Anthony has been driven to blend the realms of the past and present with the avant-garde, creating captivating looks and sensations that inspire, captivate, and challenge the "Status Quo." Deciding to expand the brands market share Anthony ventured into sterling silver jewelry, establishing a program on QVC and reaching a broader audience. However, seeking a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him, he decided to embark on a transformative journey. Fifteen years ago, Anthony left the United States behind to immerse himself in the rich cultures and spiritual traditions of Thailand. During his five-year sojourn, he explored various interests, including Buddhism, reconnecting with nature, and delving into the mystical realms of spirituality. This period of introspection and discovery profoundly shaped his perspective on life. In recent years, Anthony has continued to expand his spiritual journey, embarking on extensive international travels to sacred sites while immersing himself in the study of unseen energies. These profound experiences have significantly influenced his creative process, leading him to develop a jewelry collection inspired by the energetic principles of gemstones and their ability to transfer energies from designer to client. Anthony's captivating designs now serve as conduits for positivity and self-improvement, radiating powerful energies that resonate with his clientele.
Matt Landsidel
Intuitive Life and Spiritual Coach/CounsellorMatt Landsiedel is an Intuitive Life and Spiritual Coach/Counsellor from Calgary, Canada. Matt specializes in teaching people how to heal shame and trauma and embody their authentic self so they can enjoy meaningful connections in their lives. His areas of expertise are working with highly sensitive people (HSP), empaths and gay men to develop a stronger sense of self-worth.
Rebekah Keat
World Champion Athlete, Coach, Animal Rights AdvocateWorld Champion Athlete turned top Triathlete coach, Bek (as she's known to friends) also is a passionate animal rights advocate. She along with her wife, Siri Lindley founded Believe Ranch and Rescue which has saved hundreds of horses from slaughter.
Kaelan Strousse
Ecstatic Spiritual CoachBorn and raised in Chicago, Kaelan has had a connection to both spirituality and sexuality from a very young age. From having conversations with God to out of body experiences as a child, he has long been connected with ecstatic forces. During college, he was inducted into an ancient meditative tradition and studied under a guru for nearly a decade—spending seven years living in one of his ashrams. After graduating from Northwestern University (magna cum laude), he also worked as a professional actor around the United States, collaborating with many Tony and Academy Award-winning actors and directors. In his late twenties, he moved into corporate consulting work, teaching leadership, communication, and empathy for Fortune 500 Companies worldwide. With the onset of the pandemic, he transitioned to writing, publishing the first of his two books: Journey to the Ecstatic Self. During this time, he also launched his YouTube Channel: Ecstatic Self, which currently has over 30,000 subscribers. Active on social media, he has a few hundred thousand followers across his various platforms. His second book, I Dreamt of Flight, was published in 2022. He currently spends his time coaching gay men to live a more integrated, spiritual, sex-positive life. He resides near DC with his husband, two rescue dogs, and cat.
Arif & Ricky
LGBT Actors, Influencers & EntrepreneursFrom early on in their relationship Arif and Ricky realised that they had to share their own way of walking towards happiness; they had to find another way, aside from their Art, to spread that message together. That is when they decided to become personal branding strategists.
M Shannon Hernandez
Joyful Business Coach & LGBT AdvocateM. Shannon Hernandez is ALL ABOUT THAT JOY in life and biz. She is specifically known around the globe for The Content Personality® Wheel and is the Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™, a business growth strategy and consultancy company that works with brick and mortar or online service-based business owners. Shannon and her team specialize in joyful business growth solutions and organic marketing that help their clients grow aligned audiences and deepen community relationships, resulting in more joy, more revenue, and more time off. Shannon’s expertise has been featured on CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC. She has founded The Content Personality® Club and Joy Fueled™, where she and her team champion and rally service-based business owners to grow their profits—while increasing their impact. Shannon has over 25 years in award-winning curriculum design, working with both the NFL & U.S. Military, and she is a master trainer and teacher. Her newest book, Practical Joy, continues to inspire and teach people that joy is an inside job. She is committed to ongoing philanthropic work to bring housing, fresh food and water sources, and medical care to those who do not have access. When she is not speaking and teaching globally, she's spreading joy, reading fiction, snuggling her cat, traveling the world, and hanging with the love of her life, Maria.
John Rodney
Language Arts Educator & LGBTQ AdvocateJohn Rodney is an LGBTQ+ English/language arts educator at the middle and high school levels who has been teaching for 16 years in Southern California. He shares his experiences in the classroom, inclusive practices, favorite books, and more on Instagram and TikTok. He speaks with teachers on his IG Live series, Talking Teacher to Teacher to elevate the voices of teachers and to help teachers reflect on their teaching practices. John also hosts LGBTQ+ authors to discuss their children, middle grade, and YA books on his IG Live series, Rainbow Reads, to help teachers diversify their classroom library bookshelves.
Skye Tooley
LGBTQi Author, Educator & AdvocateSkye Tooley (they/them) is a trans/nonbinary, anti-bias and social justice educator in Los Angeles, California. For the last seven years, Skye has worked to recreate elementary curriculum with a social justice focus and have worked to actively engage their learners in lessons around identity, diversity, equity, action, and justice. They are an author and presenter and have published articles for Learning for Justice and given presentations on LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Skye is currently teaching 5th grade and working closely with their friend Ace Schwarz to create inclusive content on their Patreon: Growing Outside the Binary. They live with their adorable dog Terrance in Los Angeles.
Adrian Lancaster
LGBTQia+ Educator & AdvocateAdrian Lancaster (he/they), M.Ed. is a genderfluid transgender man and Chicagoland native from Plainfield, Illinois with a B.S. in Sociology from Illinois State University and a M.Ed. in Human Relations from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. He is an educator, mentor, and mental health community-care advocate who has been employed at the University of Texas at Austin since 2015, when he began working as an academic advisor. His UT career has gradually shifted to focus on creating opportunities for students to experience genuine social connection, vulnerability, and mutual support as a means to combat loneliness and isolation post-COVID. This year he launched a new mental health peer support program called the Longhorn SHARE Project (SHARE = Support, Healing, Active listening, Reciprocity, Empowerment), and he has also been training students, faculty, and staff across UT Austin in Mental Health First Aid. In addition to his work at the University, Adrian is a husband and cat dad, an occasional film and stage actor, a former drag king with two state titles, and a singer in the Austin Gay Men's Chorus.
Maria Hernandez
Transgender Woman & Homoromantic AsexualMaria Hernandez is a trans woman and homoromantic asexual. Asexuality is one of the least understood sexual orientations, even within the LGBTQIA+ community, and Maria is going to offer insight into what it's been like to find her sexual orientation and gender identity later in life, how she deals with ace erasure and "*phobia", and give you tips that can help you be a better ally to the asexuals you meet.
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Regular Price VIP
- ALL ACCESS Pass
- Speaker Q&A Interviews
- MP3 Downloads
- Download Speaker Slides
- Full Speaker Transcripts
- Lifetime Access - Replay at anytime
- 15% of all profits will be donated to the Trevor Project
About Event organizer
Growing up with a gay father, and eventually coming out himself, Theo has dealt with many of the same issues of mental health that much of the Rainbow Community does. Through his journey he has discovered some successful (and some not so) methods which have helped him battle depression, self worth, and weight and body issues.
- Certified Master Life Coach
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Successful Entrepreneur