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2026 SPEAKERS & SEMINARS
Dr. Michelle Dietert
Professor of Sociology, Texas A&M University
Dr. Michelle Dietert is a Professor of Sociology and LGBTQ+ scholar in the Department of Social Sciences at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, who specializes in qualitative research methods, sociological theory, sexuality, and gender. Dr. Dietert’s research focuses on the many experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals, including the institutional discrimination that they face on a daily basis.
“Fighting for Their Right to Serve: Transgender Service Member’s Experiences Under the Trump Military Ban.”
This seminar will include discussion on transgender service member’s experiences under the Trump administration’s transgender ban. The policy timeline and inadequate justifications of the DoD policies for the inequitable firing of service members will be considered, as well as the impact on their careers, healthcare, families, futures, and much more. This discussion will further highlight their bravery, dedication and the emotional toll of fighting for their right to serve.
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Rev. Jemm Eubanks Merritt
Rev. Jemm Eubanks Merritt (they/them) is a public health practitioner, peer support specialist, and community organizer based in the Carolinas. They are the founder and executive director of One Day @ a Time, NC, a nonprofit focused on harm reduction, LGBTQIA+ wellness, and peer-led care in rural and underserved communities. Jemm brings lived experience in recovery alongside professional training in public health, allied health, and community-based research. Their work centers dignity, autonomy, and culturally responsive care, with a deep commitment to supporting trans and nonbinary people navigating healthcare, recovery, and systems that were not built with them in mind.
"Who Holds the Helper? Comfort, Limits, and Care Without Collapse"
Community care work often blurs the line between compassion and self-sacrifice. This session examines how comfort is frequently misinterpreted as compliance, availability, or emotional overextension, especially for queer, trans, and marginalized caregivers. Drawing from lived experience, community leadership, and reflective practice, this seminar invites participants to rethink comfort as something that must be mutual, intentional, and sustainable.
Savannah Hauk
As dual gender individual, I’ve experienced a lot in my life in terms of shame, hiding my identity, the pursuit of self-actualization in the face of ignorant indoctrination against the LGBTQ community, and fighting for normalcy for myself and within my personal relationships. In an effort to bring the concept of crossdressing as a way to express our gender diversity into the normal social fabric, I have created a social media presence, led two TEDx Talks on demystifying feminine crossdressing and gender diversity, started and co-host a podcast, and written two award-winning books on the topic.
"Living with Crossdressing: Defining a New Normal"
Somewhere amid the misconceptions, stereotypes, and ignorance is the truth about non-transitioning crossdressing men. But more than that is the strength and care of the women who continue to love and support them. How can they work through the initial shock, fear and stress of knowing this new side of him? What does he need to understand about and assist In the discovery process so that his crossdressing can become a positive part of their ongoing relationship? Join us as we tackle what happens after a crossdressing man reveals himself to or is discovered by his significant other and learn about the changed dynamic between a woman and her crossdressing man.
Marg Produe
Marg Produe lives with intersex traits. Marg’s a 1970 Army volunteer, retired Scientist, Inventor and Video Producer working and teaching extensively. Marg holds degrees in General Science, Biology, IT and Technical Prosthetics. Marg’s been married for 44 years and works summers as a lumberjack at the family farm and winters as a woman’s costumer. Marg is a member of interACT, InterConnect, Egale, Madison Area Transgender Association, Lake Country PFLAG, River City Gems, Transgender Heaven and Crossdresser Heaven. Marg also volunteers for Pride and PrideFest and has attended and participated in Be-All, Wildside, Atlanta Comfort Conference, Diva Las Vegas and Keystone,
"Real Intersex People And Their Life Before Exe. Order 14187"
Intersex people have historically been represented as the "I" in LGBTIQ+ nomenclature. About 2% of the world population is intersex, yet many intersex individuals go through life never knowing that they carry intersex characteristics. The presenter at this workshop is a person living full time with intersex traits who will discuss aspects of thriving and working in the world community. You'll get real life personal stories and histories of key issues, learn important ways you can show up for intersex community members, and hear a personal narrative of intersex experiences.
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Renelyn Thomas
Renelyn Thomas is an award winning makeup artist and educator with over 19 years of experience. She empowers individuals to embrace their beauty through expert makeup application and personalized beauty strategies. Renelyn's seminars focus on enhancing features, creating confidence, and fostering self-expression. Passionate about inclusivity in beauty, she is dedicated to helping attendees discover their unique style and celebrate their femininity. As a sought-after speaker at conferences, Renelyn inspires others to harness the transformative power of makeup while cultivating a supportive community.
Feminization Makeup Techniques
Join Renelyn Thomas for her second year at the Atlanta Comfort Conference for an empowering seminar on feminization makeup techniques! With over 19 years of experience in the beauty industry, Renelyn specializes in helping individuals enhance their features and embrace their femininity through makeup. In this seminar, she will share essential skills and expert tips, including proper skincare application, complexion enhancement, highlight, contour and eye makeup techniques designed to create a radiant, feminine look. You'll be able to watch a live makeup demo and ask questions and dialogue about your makeup experiences. Renelyn believes in the transformative power of makeup as a form of self-expression and empowerment. Whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned artist, this seminar is perfect for anyone looking to refine their skills and discover new techniques. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leading expert and gain the confidence to shine in your authenticity!