Event Speakers
Ben Fulcher
Life Coach, Positive Space HolderAs a Self Empowerment Coach I work with my clients to help them create the mindsets they'll need to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. I create individual programs for each client to meet them where they are so we can create habits and environmental changes to help guide them towards their goals.
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.
Mark Flores
Psychotherapist, LCSW, Drag PersonaWhen we want to change, developing emotional awareness helps the healing process. I have held space with my clients to discover this for 18 years using a variety of techniques from Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Sometimes who we need is a collaborator and coach and at other times someone to validate our experience and I will be this for you. I believe the quality of our working relationship is essential to the quality of your outcomes and we will make sure to incorporate this feedback.
Shermain Melton
Chief Courage OfficerI was born in Mexico City to a Mexican born father and an American born mother. At a young age, I developed an interest for healthcare and medicine from my father, a doctor in dentistry. Following his footsteps, I applied and was accepted into medical school and graduated as a Doctor in Medicine in the top 3% of my class. After practicing family medicine for 2 years, I chose to move to San Diego, to continue my career and passion for sports medicine. Once I arrived, I decided to enroll in my second doctorate, Chiropractic with an emphasis in Sports Medicine at SCUHS. I wanted to master the skills necessary to be able to provide top quality care to those in San Diego needing it. I graduated summa cum laude of my class and since have been enjoying treating my fellow San Diegans. In order to help more people I am certified in Spanish, English and French and am in the process of learning Italian and Japanese. I stay active by doing CrossFit classes and swimming during the weekdays and playing on a competitive kickball team on the weekends.
Arif & Ricky
LGBT 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.
Day One: June 15th
Our host, Theo Bill will introduce you to all the amazing speakers that you will be hearing from over the next 4 days so you don’t miss a single thing! We’ll
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 Two: 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.
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!
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!
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 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 Three: 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.
1:00 PM EST: Bart & Anthony - Sex in the Senior Years - Navigating Changes and Embracing Fulfillment
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 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 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 Four: 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 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 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.
TBUWe’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.
Meet José Rolón, a charismatic single father from NYC who has become a prominent figure in the Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities. As a television host, wedding planner, and public speaker, José effortlessly bridges the gap between these cultures, creating relatable experiences for all families. Recognized as the first gay dad to grace the cover of Parents Latina Magazine, José’s voice resonates through major media outlets like the TODAY Show and GMA. Whether through social media, television appearances, or in-person engagements, José shares his journey of love and parenting, inspiring others to embrace diversity and celebrate the power of family.
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