Educating and Empowering
True Colors, Sogiecon Shines Light on LGBTQIA2S+ Realities
by CT State Student Vivienne Maley • Designed by CT State Student Vida Goncalves
Shout Out - January/February
True Colors: Sogiecon isn’t just a celebration of LGBTQIA2S+ identity — it’s a powerful space for education, advocacy, and resilience. Designed as a convention centering queer voices, the event dives into the real-life challenges faced by LGBTQIA2S+ individuals today — from navigating healthcare systems and ensuring personal safety, to finding supportive communities in a world that often doesn’t understand or accommodate their experiences.
At its heart, Sogiecon (short for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression) is about bringing visibility to the issues this community faces — and creating a space where those conversations are not only welcome, but essential.
In its 2025 iteration, the conference hosted a range of panels that highlighted the depth and diversity of queer life. These included sessions on the cultural and historical relevance of drag in LGBTQIA+ spaces, and critical discussions around the concept of “safe spaces” — what they truly require to be effective, and how marginalized voices can lead the conversation about what safety and support look like.
The event has deep roots. Originally launched in 1994 as “Children in the Shadows: Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth At Risk,” the conference evolved into the True Colors event many knew until it paused in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its return in 2025 as True Colors: Sogiecon marks not just a revival, but a recommitment — to queer youth, to visibility, and to education as a form of activism.
Many members of the public may not be familiar with the term “SOGIE.” It’s a framework used in medical, educational, and advocacy settings to describe Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression. Using this term in the conference title reflects a more inclusive and holistic approach to supporting LGBTQIA2S+ individuals — acknowledging the complexity of identity and the range of issues people face.
While True Colors: Sogiecon is undoubtedly a place of joy and affirmation, it also serves a deeper purpose — helping to inform the broader public about the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA2S+ people. It brings attention to systemic gaps in education, healthcare, and public policy, while empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge to advocate for themselves.
As one of the largest LGBTQIA2S+ youth-focused events in New England, True Colors isn’t just a conference. It’s a vital lifeline — one that reminds us how far we’ve come, how far we still have to go, and how critical it is to create spaces where queer people can thrive safely and openly.
For those interested in attending, the process is accessible and flexible. Registration options — from individual passes to school groups and even volunteer roles — make it possible for a wide range of attendees to participate. More information can be found at https://www.healthcollective.org/true-colors-lgbtq-conference. Registration fees range from $25 to $200, with free options available through volunteering.
If you attend, come ready to listen, learn, and support. Because True Colors: Sogiecon is more than just an event — it’s a step toward a more inclusive future. •