We have some exciting news…and we are proud to be part of it.
SOGIEcon (the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Conference) is the largest LGBTQ+ youth conference in the world. At its peak, it has brought together 3,500 young people, 1,200 educators, social workers, clinicians, and family members, and more than 200 workshops in a single day. A cornerstone for Connecticut’s young people, families, and the professionals who serve them, it also draws attendees from across the country who travel to UConn because there is simply nothing else like it anywhere.
As of June 2026, SOGIEcon has officially transitioned to the University of Connecticut Rainbow Center, returning to the campus where it was born more than 30 years ago. The Rainbow Center leads this exciting new chapter, and we at the National SOGIE Center are honored to be a key partner in making it happen. Alongside UConn Events, we are contributing the expertise, infrastructure, and deep commitment to LGBTQIA+ youth that a conference of this scale requires.
This partnership is a natural one. The National SOGIE Center’s mission, to build the capacity of systems and organizations to better serve LGBTQ+ young people and their families, is at the heart of everything SOGIEcon does. Together, we are not just sustaining a beloved conference. We are investing in the next generation of LGBTQIA+ leaders and the professionals who walk alongside them.
SOGIEcon’s founder, Robin McHaelen, remains involved as a transition consultant, ensuring that three decades of community relationships and institutional wisdom carry forward into this new era. Robin has dedicated her career to making sure LGBTQIA+ young people are seen, celebrated, and supported, and we could not be more proud that she trusts us to carry that work forward.
SAVE THE DATE: March 19–20, 2027
University of Connecticut: Storrs Campus
SOGIEcon 2027: The 30th Anniversary Conference
More details on registration, sponsorship, and presenter opportunities are coming soon. We hope to see you there.
With pride and purpose, The National SOGIE Center Team
