What is Creating Change
The Creating Change Conference, organized by the National LGBTQ Task Force, is the nation’s largest annual gathering of LGBTQ+ activists, organizers, leaders, and allies. Each year, thousands of participants come together for skills-building workshops, strategy sessions, networking, and movement-building. A cornerstone of the conference is its day-long institutes — immersive programs that provide space for community-specific learning, healing, and organizing. https://www.thetaskforce.org/creating-change/
Bashar Makhay, founder of Tarab NYC, was invited to host and facilitate the day-long SWANA Institute at Creating Change 2026, taking place January 21–25 in Washington, DC. A queer SWANA organizer and public health communications and technology expert, Bashar works at the intersections of community building, equity, and resilience.
Call for SWANA Participation and Planning
Tarab NYC is sponsoring the institute and is calling on queer and trans SWANA people and organizations from across the United States to be part of this historic first SWANA Institute at Creating Change 2026. Our power lies in gathering together, across regions and identities, to share stories, build solidarity, and strengthen our movement. To make participation possible, we are actively working to reduce financial barriers. This includes fundraising and collaborating with the Task Force to secure stipends or scholarships to cover most, if not all, of the conference registration fees. Our goal is to ensure that cost does not prevent anyone from joining us.
In addition to attending, we are also looking for queer and trans SWANA community members to help shape the Institute itself. Planning support may include curating sessions, suggesting speakers, developing cultural or artistic offerings, and helping design the overall flow of the day. By joining the planning process, participants will help ensure the Institute reflects the full diversity of our communities and builds a foundation for stronger SWANA movement work nationwide.
Interested in co-organizing or attending the institute? Join us on WhatsApp or if thats not an option, you can email Bashar Makhay with your phone number and why you are interested in joining and we will follow up.
SWANA Institute at Creating Change (Concept)
The SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) Institute is a day-long convening centering queer and trans SWANA people and our communities. This institute is designed to strengthen our networks, share strategies, and celebrate the richness and resilience of our cultures within the broader LGBTQ+ movement.
Morning (Public Session)
The first half of the institute is open to all Creating Change attendees. This session will introduce participants to the lived realities, challenges, and organizing strategies of queer and trans SWANA communities. Drawing on past Creating Change sessions, we will explore how Orientalism, pinkwashing, and homonationalism shape public narratives about SWANA people, as well as their role in obscuring occupation and reinforcing racism. We will also examine health disparities and systemic barriers faced by SWANA LGBTQ+ individuals, along with strategies for advocacy and solidarity. Through panels, interactive presentations, and cultural sharing, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of queer and trans SWANA experiences and the ways these struggles connect to global movements for justice. Allies are strongly encouraged to attend to learn, listen, and build meaningful solidarity.
Afternoon (Private Session)
The second half of the institute will be a closed space exclusively for queer and trans SWANA participants. This time will center both healing and forward-looking strategy. Together, we will share stories, strengthen connections, and address the unique challenges we face — from invisibility in mainstream LGBTQ+ spaces to displacement and systemic oppression. Building on these conversations, we will focus on movement building: strategizing how to amplify queer and trans SWANA voices, deepen collaboration across cities and regions, and sustain a strong national network. This Zionism-free space will ground participants in collective care, solidarity, and the shared vision of liberation.
By the end of the day, participants will leave with deeper connections, practical tools, and a shared commitment to advancing queer and trans SWANA power, visibility, and movement-building across the country and beyond.