NYC Pride’s Human Rights Conference is an exciting gathering of activists, artists, educators, journalists, policymakers, students, and others engaged in LGBTQIA+ human rights around the world. This two-day conference provides a unique opportunity for a global dialogue about human rights, ranging from performances to presentations, politics to policies, and activism to academics.

Raquel Willis, Janet Mock, and Tracey "Africa" Norman will lead a pulsating keynote dialogue at this year's Human Rights Conference from June 24 – 25.

Willis, Out Magazine’s Executive Editor, will lead the keynote fireside discussion along with Mock and Norman for the panel entitled, "Marsha Wasn’t Alone | A Brief History of Black Trans Power: on the history of Black trans resistance and resilience in the U.S. and how Black trans organizers are shaping a new future, today."

Raquel Willis

Willis is a Black, queer, transgender activist, writer, and speaker dedicated to inspiring and elevating marginalized individuals – particularly transgender women of color. Willis also launched Black Trans Circles, a project focused on developing the leadership of Black trans women in the South and Midwest by creating healing justice spaces to work through oppression-based trauma, incubating community organizing efforts to address anti-trans murder and violence, and elevating nuanced narratives.

Janet Mock

Janet Mock is a writer, director, and producer whose memoir, Redefining Realness, debuted on the New York Times® Best Sellers list in 2014. Born in Hawaii, Mock began her career as an editor at People.com and has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times, Marie Claire, Interview and Allure. Most recently, Janet made television history as the first trans woman of color to write, direct and produce for a series with Ryan Murphy’s FX drama Pose, which has assembled the largest cast of trans actors in series regular roles ever for a scripted series.

The episode she directed, “Love is the Message,” has been hailed as the best episode of television this year by Vultue. Pose will premiere its second season on June 11th. In addition, Janet is a sought-after speaker, an advocate for trans rights, and the founder of #GirlsLikeUs, a social media project that empowers trans women. 

Tracey "Africa" Norman

In 2017, the name Tracey “Africa” Norman had become synonymous with terms like “full circle and comeback kid.” Norman’s modeling career got started all because she was in the wrong place, at the right time. She'd accidentally wandered into a model casting for the European designer Basile and, as luck would have it, got the booking.

As a result, she was the first African-American transgender woman model to appear on a box of Clairol in the 1970s. Originally from Newark, New Jersey, she’s modeled and has been photographed for publications such as Essence, Vogue Italia and Harper's Bazaar India. Norman also had a magazine cover and life story spread in New York Magazine.

Announcing Harnaam Kaur as one of our talented speakers for the Human Rights Conference!

Harnaam Kaur - otherwise known as The Bearded Dame - is a body positivity warrior, model, world record holder, and activist.

Drawing upon her battle scars and struggles as a bullied teenager, Harnaam inspires people across the globe to embrace their beauty, whatever form it comes in!

Note: Additional speakers and keynote speakers will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Tickets include Breakfast, Lunch, and Coffee break networking throughout the day.

DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 AM

Student Admissions - Student ID required at the door

Senior Admissions - Valid for Ages 55 and up

ADA Accessible

ASL integrated programming

Translation Services are available upon request. Please reach out to info@nycpride.org if needed.

CLE Tuition Assistance Application Available

CLE accredited by New York Law School