The ND LGBTQ+ Summit began as a conversation over coffee in 2017 with a simple question-how can LGBTQ+ folks across North Dakota connect in a meaningful way and build a strong community that could counter the isolation many across the state feel. The idea took flight in October '17. Each year since, the Summit has taken place in Bismarck/Mandan, with pandemic years held online.

LGBTQ+ folks and allies from Beach to Grand Forks have gathered each fall to share community news, become advocates for causes and each other, and learn about what is happening nationally and in ND. The Summit has successfully partnered with a wide variety of of organizations to provide timely and impactful programming covering topics ranging from housing discrimination to aging, faith, finding joy and living an abundant life to Q+ history, successful community group organization to suicide prevention.

In 2022 the Summit added a Professional Development Day. PDD is held on Friday prior to the Summit. PDD is geared to topics of particular interest to anyone who works with the LGBTQ+ community across the state. This reaches social workers, teachers, attorneys, healthcare professionals, clergy, counselors and more.

October 3-5, 2025 brings the 8th annual Summit to Fargo! It is amazing to organizers that this important gathering has not only sustained, but gained momentum and attendance since 2017. This fall the gathering will be held in the NDSU Memorial Union.

The ND LGBTQ+ Summit is run by dedicated volunteers across ND and is fiscally sponsored by North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. It operates as an autonomous organization under their fiscal umbrella, raising funds independent of NDHRC.

As the Summit prepares to gather in a new city, and at a new venue, and with new funding challenges, we are reaching out to new partners.

The planning team is currently finalizing programming for '25. Please visit the website and click archives to view information about the Summit's last 3 years.