The NAESM National Leadership Conference on Health Disparities and Social Justice is the nation’s largest annual convening dedicated to exploring prevention, care, treatment, policy, and research advances related to the health and wellness of Black gay, bisexual, and same-gender-loving men (and other MSM—men who have sex with men). The conference provides an opportunity for Black MSM-serving organizations and individuals to share best practices and methodologies. It serves as a think tank and clearinghouse for Black MSM-related research. It provides opportunities for showcasing effective grass roots initiatives and interventions. Initially birthed as an HIV-focused event, the conference contextualizes the Black MSM HIV epidemic within a broader health disparities, social justice, and human rights framework—a recognition that getting ahead of this disease requires addressing the social determinants and social context of health. The NAESM conference attracts a wide audience of gay/bi/SGL/MSM black men in healthcare and health organizations, LGBTQ advocacy, and national community‐based organizations, as well as professionals who seek to serve this demographic. The annual conference is central to NAESM’s organizational mission of providing national and local leadership to address, through advocacy, services, and education, the myriad health and wellness issues confronted by Black gay and bisexual men.

NAESM affirms the close historical connection between the Black gay/bi/SGL community and the Black Transgender community, and this year as in some previous years, we will prioritize abstracts that address advocacy and programming for the Trans community.

CONFERENCE HOTEL:
Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel
9801 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63134
(P) (314) 429-1100