Pink Therapy Conference 2026: Intersections of Hope (6 hours CPD)
For the first time, Pink Therapy’s annual conference takes place outside London, hosted this year at the University of Lancashire, Preston.
At a moment when public discourse around gender, sexuality and belonging feels increasingly polarised, and when practitioners are working within social climates marked by legislative pressure, cultural backlash and profound uncertainty, the need for thoughtful, rigorous spaces has never been greater.
As legal scholar Dr Kimberlé Crenshaw reminds us, “Intersectionality is a lens through which you can see where power comes and collides, where it interlocks and intersects.” In turbulent times, that lens allows us to understand not only where harm accumulates, but where solidarity, creativity and resistance can take root.
This year’s conference theme Intersections of Hope builds on that premise. Bringing together current research and clinical practice, each keynote, workshop and spotlight session asks the question: how does this work sustain hope – intellectually, politically and therapeutically?
Keynote speakers engaging this theme include Shon Faye, author of The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice; activist Ali Bromley; Dr Raawiyah Rifath, whose research addresses LGBTQIA+ asylum in the UK; Dr Dwight Turner whose scholarship shapes contemporary thinking in the field; and Dr Jay Stewart, Chief Executive of charity Gendered Intelligence.
This conference is for psychotherapists and mental health practitioners seeking to deepen their work with gender, sexuality and relationship diverse clients – and for LGBTQ+ practitioners seeking rigorous dialogue within a community that understands the stakes and offers professional belonging. We also welcome activists, researchers, journalists, students and early-career scholars who want to interrogate, challenge and extend the field.
Conference Format
The day begins with a morning of keynote lectures in the main lecture theatre, and after lunch, unfolds across four parallel workshop streams. To round off the day, delegates all return to the main lecture theatre for a final session. This structure allows for both collective gathering and smaller, practice-focused sessions, from in-depth clinical CPD to research presentations and activist interventions. Delegates can shape their own pathway through the day, as much as room capacity across the four spaces allows.
Online Participation
For those joining remotely, the conference will also be accessible via our online platform. The main keynote programme will be streamed live, with an improved and streamlined joining process. Online participants will be able to submit questions in real time and connect with colleagues through moderated chat and networking spaces.
Accessibility
The Darwin Building at the University of Lancashire provides accessible facilities, and a designated quiet space will be available throughout the day for decompression and reflection. Full venue accessibility details can be found here.
(How To) Get Involved
Pink Therapy’s 2026 conference is a collaborative endeavour, and we are currently inviting contributions from across our communities. You can submit a proposal to deliver a full workshop or presentation, apply to take part in our Spotlight Sessions which highlight emerging, practice innovations, activism, policy developments, or submit a research or practice poster.
If you would like to support the event behind the scenes, applications are also open for conference helpers. Our valued helpers make the day possible and receive a complimentary attendance ticket, while still being able to attend the majority of the programme.
If you are a qualified practitioner or a counselling/therapy student–on-placement from a marginalised background and are facing barriers to attendance, you can contact us here. We can then get in touch regarding scholarships and bursaries to attend, as they become available. If there are other access needs or circumstances that may affect your ability to attend, we also welcome you to email us at conference@pinktherapy.com to discuss how we might support your participation.
Join us in Preston this August as we think carefully, practise boldly and sustain hope together.