October 8–11, 2026

QUEER + Called Retreat 2026

The National Center for Civil + Human Rights, Atlanta, GA

✈️ Fly into ATL – Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Theme: TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

A Sacred Gathering for Those Who Are Queer + Called

In October 2026, AllianceQ will gather in Atlanta for a sacred time of rest, reconnection, and renewal for leaders who are Queer + Called.

This year’s gathering takes place in collaboration with several partner organizations who share our commitment to resourcing LGBTQIA+ leadership and strengthening justice-centered communities.

Together we will gather at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a place that reflects the moral and historical commitments that shape our work.

At the center of the AllianceQ experience is Queer + Called — a dedicated space created especially for leaders connected to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and those who are discerning, living into, or sustaining their call.

For four days, we will create space for grounding, relationship, imagination, and renewal.

This gathering is intentionally slower and more spacious than a traditional conference.

It is designed to be a place to rest, reconnect, and refill our cups together.

What It Means to be “Queer + Called”

At this gathering, the phrase Queer + Called holds an intentionally expansive meaning.

“Queer” in this context includes LGBTQIA+ identities as well as all people whose lives and leadership exist outside the normativity of white, cisgender, heterosexual male dominance. We use the word queer as a justice-rooted and intersectional framework that honors those whose identities, bodies, and experiences challenge systems of exclusion across race, gender identity, sexuality, ability, and socioeconomic realities.

“Called” speaks to the many ways people experience vocation. It includes clergy and seminarians, but it also includes lay leaders, organizers, advocates, scholars, artists, counselors, and community builders. Calling is not limited to ordained ministry. It is the work of those who feel compelled toward justice, care, imagination, and transformation in their communities.

Because of this expansive understanding, not every participant will identify as LGBTQIA+. However, all participants must understand themselves as part of this broader queer framework—people whose identities, leadership, or commitments exist outside normative constraints and who are committed to building communities rooted in justice, dignity, and liberation.

Queer + Called is about gathering people whose lives and leadership challenge harmful norms, reflect the courage to live beyond imposed limits, and who are seeking community, rest, and renewal as they continue their work in the world.

Why This Gathering Matters

Many leaders whose lives fall outside dominant cultural norms carry the weight of ministry, advocacy, organizing, and community care.

Too often, they do this work without spaces where their full identities are honored and sustained.

Queer + Called exists to create something different.

A space where our leadership is recognized.

A space where our call is honored.

A space where our identities are not obstacles to ministry but sources of wisdom and strength.

For four days in Atlanta, we will gather to remember that we are not alone in this work.

What to Expect

Participants in the AllianceQ Queer + Called track will experience:

• Sacred relational space centered on LGBTQIA+ and other Quuer leaders and those connected to AllianceQ’s work

• Time for reflection, prayer, conversation, and community-building

• Facilitated dialogue around call, leadership, and sustaining ministry

• Opportunities to connect with leaders across generations and movements

• Shared meals and informal gathering time

• Museum access at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Participation in Atlanta Pride Weekend activities in Piedmont Park

Rather than a packed conference schedule, this gathering prioritizes rest, reconnection, and meaningful conversation.

Collaborative Gathering

The 2026 AllianceQ gathering is part of a broader collaborative event designed to bring together organizations whose work overlaps in supporting LGBTQ+ leadership.

Core collaborators include:

• The Rustin Institute for Leadership Development

• The National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• The Alain Locke Initiative

• The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries

• The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

This collaborative model allows us to share resources, deepen relationships, and strengthen the networks that support LGBTQ+ leaders across communities and generations.

Registration

Registration for the retreat is $200 per participant.

Our fundraising efforts are focused on helping offset these costs so participation remains accessible for as many leaders as possible.

Registration includes:

• Access to the AllianceQ Queer + Called retreat space

• Gathering space at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Three shared meals during the retreat

• Museum access and an individual museum pass

• Participation in collaborative gathering programming

👉🏿 REGISTER NOW 👈🏿

Lodging

Participants are responsible for booking their own hotel accommodations.

Hotel rooms are approximately:

$200 per night

Most participants will stay for three nights during the gathering.

A hotel booking link will be provided on this page soon.

Join Us

Spots for the AllianceQ Queer + Called track are limited to 50 participants.

We encourage early registration.

We hope you will join us in Atlanta for this sacred time of rest, connection, and renewal.

😷Flunorococo Safety

Flunorococo describes the simultaneous high-circulation of four major illnesses—Flu (influenza), Norovirus, Covid-19, and the Common Cold

Masks are optional + we trust each individual to make choices that align with their health needs + comfort. Some of our siblings in Christ may be cautious due to disability, chronic illness, immunocompromisation, or neurodivergence. We honor that. Let’s support one another with care + compassion—for our health, our community + our collective well-being.

For questions, contact us at alliance@disciplesallianceq.org