Wellness Summit
Watch highlights from 2023
Brothers of the Desert holds an annual Wellness Summit on the second Saturday in November. The now signature event aims to provide connection, education, and opportunities to share stories and hear from thought leaders on how to support ourselves and our community. The summit’s aim is to be interactive, engaging, entertaining, and thought-provoking. An array of guest presenters and workshop leaders convene on various relevant topics that support the overall health and well-being of Black gay men.
Our first event was held in person at the Palm Springs LGBTQ Center with the theme “Living Your Best Black Gay Life” and was attended by over 100 people. It was a full-day event with workshops and large group discussions and included breakfast, lunch, and an after-summit get-together at Blackbook Bar and Restaurant. Topics included examining spirituality, relationships and intimacy, sexual pleasure, financial planning, and more.
Most recently, the 5th Annual Wellness Summit, entitled “Honoring Our Past, Envisioning Our Future,” was held in November 2023 with a record attendance of over 200 people and incredible enthusiasm. The Brothers of the Desert brought Black gay men and allies from all over the country to Palm Springs. They brought back some of the most well-regarded speakers from past summits and added new thought leaders, including amFAR Vice President and Director of Public Policy Greg Millett, MPH, and Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color to run for the United States Senate. With five successful and inspiring summits under our belt, the future of the annual Wellness Summit promises to be a bright light in the BOD calendar for years to come.
2023 Impact and Outcomes
2023 Summit Keynote Presentations
Past Summit Photos
