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Exploration of Self Conference

The Exploration of Self Conference is a FREE conference hosted by Garden of Peace Project, which will consist of events, programs, workshops, and presentations to empower individuals to explore who they are.

The Exploration of Self Conference will work with the spiritual community (meditation, yoga, story tellers, etc.) to explore the ways to engage the Self and reach self-actualization. Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus will be the Keynote Speaker and will share his personal history and self-exploration with attendees. Attendees will leave with a greater sense of Self.

Throughout life, each person goes through transformations and transitions. Transformations and transitions occur on a yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, and sometimes hourly basis. As one does an overview of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersex, invisible minority, asexual, and ally (LGBTQIA) and HIV+ movement, we see a lack of safe spaces for these marginalized communities to gain a true understanding of who they are and use their self-actualization to achieve their goals.

Garden of Peace Project has a foundation of providing the spaces for all individuals, regardless of who they are and what comprises them, to explore their Selves. In essence, spirituality is the continuous exploration of the Self. Some find their exploration of Self in a particular faith-based practice, while others find it outside of the walls of an organization or faith-based center.

The Exploration of Self Conference has three goals:

1. To restore the relationship between spiritual community and LGBTQIA and HIV+ community
2. To explore one's personal found sanctuary, where they find calming peace and feel at home
3. To help individuals recognize and act upon their power and privilege in order to attain and maintain true social justice, self-efficacy, and quality of life.

Objective: To inform the community leaders, professionals, service providers, students, and those seeking knowledge with ways to engage the Self, in their own capacity, and to use the Self to empower and enrich their own life experiences. Additionally, the Exploration of Self Conference will explore the ways in which the Greater Pittsburgh area is building tolerance and acceptance through the areas of health, legal, education, employment, entertainment, youth, aging, and faith systems. The Exploration of Self Conference seeks to provide greater understanding of the LGBTQIA and HIV+ communities, and the ways in which race and faith intersect. This will be accomplished through events, programs, workshops, and presentations of community members and leaders.