CONVENINGS
NQAPIA (the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance) is a national federation of LGBTQ+ Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander organizations. Through our Regional Convenings—multi-day conferences and gatherings—we bring together queer and trans AANHPI leaders, organizers, and allies to build skills, share resources, and strengthen grassroots movements.
These convenings feature workshops, strategy sessions, and networking opportunities designed to support community organizing. They also coincide with our mini-grant program, which provides small grants to grassroots groups hosting events and projects in their communities.
Whether you are a new organizer, an established community leader, or someone looking to connect with the LGBTQ+ AANHPI movement, our convenings offer a chance to learn, collaborate, and build solidarity.
West Coast Regional Convening
Oakland, CA
April 22 - 23, 2026
Our West Coast Regional Convening will take place in Oakland, CA and will consist of two full days of community-led movement building workshops, collective strategy, and relationship building. The convening will take place on Wednesday, April 22nd and Thursday, April 23rd from 9am - 4pm PST.
NQAPIA will also be hosting a community reception on Friday, April 24th in San Francisco.
The convening is an opportunity for community members, people interested in community organizing, leaders of grassroots groups, and non-profit professionals.
The community reception is not just for convening attendees, we invite community members and supporters of this work to come together to unwind, connect, and share food.
Workshop Proposals
Our communities hold deep wisdom, and this convening is a space to share it.
We invite community members across the Western or Pacific regions to submit workshops that build skills, spark connection, and strengthen our collective work. Sessions are 60 minutes and may include up to two facilitators.
If you have knowledge to share, skills to build, or a conversation our communities need to have we encourage you to submit a workshop proposal. Whether you’re an organizer, creative, advocate, storyteller, or community member, your voice belongs here.
Priority deadline is March 1, with rolling submissions through March.
Travel Scholarship
We are offering travel support for community members based in the Western or Pacific regions to reduce travel costs to the Bay Area. Recipients can be reimbursed for up to $300* to cover the cost of flights, gas mileage, trains, and buses to/from the Bay Area.
Scholarship applications will remain open until Sunday, March 15th, 2026. We will provide an update on your application via email by Friday, March 20th.
*Travel reimbursement payments will be made after the convening and recipients will be required to submit payment documentation.
Northeast Regional Convening
Location TBD
Coming September 2026 - Stay tuned!
Past Regional Convenings
Midwest Regional Convening Chicago, IL
In September 2025, NQAPIA hosted the Midwest Regional Convening, bringing together more than 80 LGBTQ+ AANHPI leaders, artists, and organizers in Chicago, illinois. This two-day conference celebrated and uplifted the wisdom, work, and vision of queer and trans AANHPI communities living and organizing across the American Midwest—one of the fastest-growing regions for AANHPI populations.
Southern Regional Convening Dallas, TX
In March 2025, NQAPIA hosted our first-ever Southern Regional Convening, bringing together more than 70 LGBTQ+ AANHPI leaders, artists, and organizers in Dallas, Texas. This three-day conference celebrated and uplifted the wisdom, work, and vision of queer and trans AANHPI communities living and organizing in the U.S. South—one of the fastest-growing regions for AANHPI populations.
Funding Support
We are deeply grateful to the funders who made this convening — and the Southern Mini-Grant Program — possible:
Borealis Philanthropy, ELLC Fund
Emergent Fund
Their investment ensured this gathering was accessible, resourced, and rooted in care.
Support Our Convenings
NQAPIA Regional Convenings are powered by sponsors, partners, and community supporters who believe in strengthening LGBTQ+ AANHPI leadership and connection. We invite you to support this work through financial sponsorship, in-kind contributions, or strategic connections.
Sponsor or Give
Your support helps fund venue space, accessibility, travel scholarships, meals, and program costs — ensuring our convenings remain accessible and impactful.
In-Kind Support
We welcome partnerships that provide space, food, printing, accessibility services, lodging, or other resources that support the participant experience.