CBRC Summit 2026: Canada’s largest 2S/LGBTQIA+ health conference comes to Toronto October 29–November 1, 2026
Theme “Building Our Futures” explores ways to build healthier, more equitable futures for queer, trans, and Two-Spirit people
TORONTO, ON — Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) will host its 22nd annual Summit, Canada’s largest 2S/LGBTQIA+ health conference, in Toronto, Ontario, October 29–November 1. The event brings together hundreds of researchers, advocates, and healthcare providers to address and advance the health and wellbeing of queer, trans, and Two-Spirit communities nationwide.
“2S/LGBTQIA+ communities have a long history of building solutions, solidarity, and systems of care in response to threats to health, rights, and wellbeing,” says Michael Kwag, Executive Director of CBRC. “As our communities continue to face renewed challenges, Summit 2026 will unite experts across various disciplines — including researchers, Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, community activists, healthcare providers, and policymakers — to share the latest research, projects, and insights that help strengthen and advance community-led work.”
After two decades in Vancouver, and following last year’s event in Montreal, this marks the Summit’s first time in Toronto and its first four-day in-person format. Hosted at Westin Harbour Castle, the expanded program will feature panels, roundtables, networking events, and keynotes, along with sponsor and community exhibits.
Under the theme “Building Our Futures,” Summit 2026 will explore key issues in queer and trans health, including HIV/AIDS, long-acting PrEP, queer harm reduction, Indigenous Two-Spirit advocacy, building cancer equity for 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities, laying pathways for queer and trans im/migrant and newcomer health, and more. Among this year’s featured keynote speakers are Black queer femme scholar Dr. OmiSoore H. Dryden, former Quebec National Assembly Member Manon Massé, and CBRC Research Director Jad Sinno.
Summit 2026 details:
- Summit: October 29–November 1
- Location: Westin Harbour Castle
- More information and full program guide: cbrc.net/summit_2026
Summit 2026 is made possible through the generous support of our Presenting Partner, ViiV Healthcare, and our Premier Sponsors, Canadian Blood Services and Gilead Sciences Canada. The event is also supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Gender and Health. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
ABOUT CBRC
Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) promotes the health of people of diverse sexualities and genders through research and intervention development. CBRC’s core pillars of community-led research, knowledge exchange, network building, and leadership development position the organization as a thought leader, transforming ideas into actions that make a difference in our communities. CBRC was incorporated in 1999 and is a non-profit charitable organization. Our main office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, with staff working remotely across Canada.
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