REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
WHY IT MATTERS
This may be THE most important LGBTQ+ Housing Policy Symposium the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance has ever hosted. Led by the current administration, attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have moved from statehouses around the nation to the federal government. The repercussions are wide-ranging and create additional barriers the LGBTQ+ community will face on our path to the financial stability homeownership provides.
The LGBTQ+ Housing Policy Symposium brings together leaders from the LGBTQ+ community, corporate leaders, Alliance members and policy experts from the national, state and local levels. Join us for a conversation about what positive actions can be taken to preserve fair and equal housing for all.
OUR VISIT TO CAPITOL HILL
The LGBTQ+ Housing Policy Symposium provides us all with the opportunity to lobby on behalf of the Alliance and the LGBTQ+ community. It’s our opportunity to walk the halls of Congress to show the attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have a far reaching negative impact on millions of voting Americans
Attendees will visit Capitol Hill on June 5 to speak with their elected representatives in the House and Senate. Along with sharing the importance of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and protecting us from discrimination, attendees will have powerful supporting information.
This effort will show that along with the number of adults who self-identify with the LGBTQ+ community, there are millions of supportive parents, family members, friends and colleagues who are impacted by discrimination.
CELEBRATE WORLDPRIDE
Washington, DC is the host city for WorldPride 2025! Links are provided below should you wish to extend your stay in DC to attend the events.
WorldPride Street Festival and Concert
International March on Washington and Rally
VOLUNTEER @ WORLDPRIDE
Heading to D.C. for the Policy Symposium? Stick around for World Pride and volunteer at the Alliance booth! We’re looking for Alliance members to take on 2-hour shifts during the World Pride Festival on June 7–8, helping us connect with attendees, share what the Alliance is all about, and grow our vibrant community. The booth will be outdoors but covered, with misting fans, water, and light snacks to keep you comfortable.
June 7th Volunteer Shifts:
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM (Full)
1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (Full)
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Full)
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Full)
(All times are EST, Washington D.C. local time)
Stay With Us!
Hotel rooms at the Courtyard Marriott are still available at a courtesy rate. However, the link that was previously provided has expired and cannot be extended. Please call the hotel directly to book your room and request the courtesy rate for the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. Call the phone number below to book your room!
202-968-7300
Courtyard Marriott is located at 1733 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Agenda
Thursday, June 5
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception: NAR Headquarters
500 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Special Guest: To be announced
Friday, June 6
10:00 a.m.
Welcome & Introductions: The City Club of Washington
555 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Alliance Interim CEO Mary Mancera
Alliance National President Justin Ziegler
 Mary Mancera |
10:20 a.m.
Defending LGBTQ+ Rights in a Time of Backlash
LGBTQ rights are under attack, from loss of protections on housing, education and healthcare to rollbacks on workplace protections and public accommodations. All of it is making the community feel unwelcome and driving some to relocate. In this session, these LGBTQ leaders will share how they are fighting back the current trends of discrimination.
Panel: Moderator Justin Ziegler; David Stacey, Government Affairs, Human Rights Campaign; Rodrigo Heng- Lehtinen, Executive Director, Advocates for Trans Equality; Josh Dubensky, Housing Policy Advocate, SAGE
 David Stacey |  Josh Dubensky |
11:00 a.m.
Viewpoint: State Of Housing
The housing market is evolving rapidly, influenced by economic shifts, supply and demand imbalances, rising interest rates and changing consumer demographics. What’s next? Sherry Chris, an Ally to the LGBTQ community and recognized industry leader, shares her perspective.
Sherry Chris, Consultant
 Sherry Chris, Marquee Speaker |
11:20 a.m.
The Clear Cooperation Policy: Examining Its Impact on Real Estate Listings for LGBTQ Homebuyers & Sellers
The Clear Cooperation Policy was designed to promote transparency in the housing market by requiring listings to be publicly marketed shortly after being shared privately. But how does this policy affect access and fairness for marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ homebuyers and sellers? This panel will explore the policy, including potential risks of discrimination, reduced access to off-market (“pocket”) listings, and the broader implications for housing equity. Experts will discuss whether the policy helps or hinders LGBTQ individuals in securing safe and affirming housing, as well as potential reforms to ensure a more inclusive real estate market.
Panel: Moderator Tommie Wherle, 2026 National President; Dave Gervase, Past National President (22); Laurie Benner, Associate Vice President, National Fair Housing Alliance
 Tommie Wehrle |  Dave Gervase |  Laurie Benner |
12:15 p.m.
Keynote Speaker
Congressman Scott Peters
Luncheon
Back to the Future: How We can Modernize our Housing Regulatory Regime by Repealing 50 years of Laws and Customs — and Why We Must
We, as a society, have pulled the ladder up behind us and made is so hard for those who did not become homeowners decades ago to join the homeownership class today. The answer to what ails us is, in large part, to rewind the clock, and remove many of the regulations that prohibit construction of the type that allowed the vast American middle class to purchase homes in mass after the war.
Keynote Speaker: Ryan Gorman
 Ryan Gorman, Marquee Speaker |
1:30 p.m.
Unlocking Business Growth: How Inclusive Real Estate Strategies Drive Profit & Performance
In today’s competitive landscape, businesses and brokerages are discovering that inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a powerful driver of profit, performance and long-term success.
Panel: Moderator: Teresa Palacios Smith, Chief Diversity Officer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices: Brittanie Chin-Merkerson, VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Rocket Mortgage; Cody Gilkeson, Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, eXp Realty, ; Roderick Logan, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Anywhere Real Estate
 Teresa Palacios Smith |  Brittanie Chin Merkerson |  Cody Gilkeson |  Roderick Logan |
2:15 p.m.
Financial Literacy & Homebuyer Education for the Next Generation
As Millennials and Gen Z become the dominant force in the housing market, financial literacy and homebuyer education are more critical than ever. Many young buyers face challenges such as student debt, rising home prices, and limited savings, making it essential for lenders to provide the right tools, resources, and guidance to empower them on their path to homeownership.
Panel: Moderator TBD; Kay Marshall, VP, Truist; Paul Keifer, VP, Bank of America; Nikki Wright, U.S. Bank
 Kay Marshall |
3:00 p.m.
The 2025 LGBTQ+ Real Estate Report
Panel: Moderator David Siroty, VP of Communications Strategy; Richard Woods and Kristine Milkovich
 David Siroty, Moderator |  Richard Woods, Panelist |  Kristine Milkovich, Panelist |
3:45 p.m.
Unpacking Grassroots Advocacy
Change doesn’t always start at the top. It begins with communities organizing from the ground up. In this intimate chat with an LGBTQ local leader, we will explore the strategies and lessons learned in mobilizing grassroots efforts to push for housing protections for LGBTQ people in areas where there are none.
Tommie Wehrle, 2026 National President & Melissa Young, Alliance Pittsburgh Chapter President
Tommie Wehrle |  Melissa Young |
4:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Justin Ziegler, 2025 National President
Thursday, June 5
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception: NAR Headquarters
500 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Special Guest: To be announced
Friday, June 6
10:00 a.m.
Welcome & Introductions: The City Club of Washington
555 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Alliance Interim CEO Mary Mancera
Alliance National President Justin Ziegler
Mary Mancera |
10:20 a.m.
Defending LGBTQ+ Rights in a Time of Backlash
LGBTQ rights are under attack, from loss of protections on housing, education and healthcare to rollbacks on workplace protections and public accommodations. All of it is making the community feel unwelcome and driving some to relocate. In this session, these LGBTQ leaders will share how they are fighting back the current trends of discrimination.
Panel: Moderator Justin Ziegler; David Stacey, Government Affairs, Human Rights Campaign; Rodrigo Heng- Lehtinen, Executive Director, Advocates for Trans Equality; Josh Dubensky, Housing Policy Advocate, SAGE
David Stacey | Josh Dubensky |
11:00 a.m.
Viewpoint: State Of Housing
The housing market is evolving rapidly, influenced by economic shifts, supply and demand imbalances, rising interest rates and changing consumer demographics. What’s next? Sherry Chris, an Ally to the LGBTQ community and recognized industry leader, shares her perspective.
Sherry Chris, Consultant
Sherry Chris, Marquee Speaker |
11:20 a.m.
The Clear Cooperation Policy: Examining Its Impact on Real Estate Listings for LGBTQ Homebuyers & Sellers
The Clear Cooperation Policy was designed to promote transparency in the housing market by requiring listings to be publicly marketed shortly after being shared privately. But how does this policy affect access and fairness for marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ homebuyers and sellers? This panel will explore the policy, including potential risks of discrimination, reduced access to off-market (“pocket”) listings, and the broader implications for housing equity. Experts will discuss whether the policy helps or hinders LGBTQ individuals in securing safe and affirming housing, as well as potential reforms to ensure a more inclusive real estate market.
Panel: Moderator Tommie Wherle, 2026 National President; Dave Gervase, Past National President (22); Laurie Benner, Associate Vice President, National Fair Housing Alliance
Tommie Wehrle, Moderator | Dave Gervase | Laurie Benner |
12:15 p.m.
Keynote Speaker
Congressman Scott Peters
Luncheon
Back to the Future: How We can Modernize our Housing Regulatory Regime by Repealing 50 years of Laws and Customs — and Why We Must
We, as a society, have pulled the ladder up behind us and made is so hard for those who did not become homeowners decades ago to join the homeownership class today. The answer to what ails us is, in large part, to rewind the clock, and remove many of the regulations that prohibit construction of the type that allowed the vast American middle class to purchase homes in mass after the war.
Keynote Speaker: Ryan Gorman
Ryan Gorman, Marquee Speaker |
1:30 p.m.
Unlocking Business Growth: How Inclusive Real Estate Strategies Drive Profit & Performance
In today’s competitive landscape, businesses and brokerages are discovering that inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a powerful driver of profit, performance and long-term success.
Panel: Moderator: Teresa Palacios Smith, Chief Diversity Officer, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Brittanie Chin-Merkerson, VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Rocket Mortgage; Cody Gilkeson, Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, eXp Realty; Roderick Logan, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Anywhere Real Estate
Teresa Palacios Smith | Brittanie Chin-Merkerson | Cody Gilkeson | Roderick Logan |
2:15 p.m.
Financial Literacy & Homebuyer Education for the Next Generation
As Millennials and Gen Z become the dominant force in the housing market, financial literacy and homebuyer education are more critical than ever. Many young buyers face challenges such as student debt, rising home prices, and limited savings, making it essential for lenders to provide the right tools, resources, and guidance to empower them on their path to homeownership.
Panel: Moderator TBD; Kay Marshall, VP, Truist; Paul Keifer, VP, Bank of America; Nikki Wright, U.S. Bank
Kay Marshall |
3:00 p.m.
The 2025 LGBTQ+ Real Estate Report
Panel: Moderator David Siroty, VP of Communications Strategy; Richard Woods and Kristine Milkovich
| David Siroty, Moderator | Richard Woods, Panelist | Kristine Milkovich, Panelist |
3:45 p.m.
Unpacking Grassroots Advocacy
Change doesn’t always start at the top. It begins with communities organizing from the ground up. In this intimate chat with an LGBTQ local leader, we will explore the strategies and lessons learned in mobilizing grassroots efforts to push for housing protections for LGBTQ people in areas where there are none.
Tommie Wehrle, 2026 National President & Melissa Young, Alliance Pittsburgh Chapter President
Tommie Wehrle | Melissa Young |
4:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Justin Ziegler, 2025 National President,
