Washington's LGBTQIA+-focused Say It Out Loud (SIOL) annual conference, held by the Health Care Authority (HCA) since 2001, has been postponed this year but will return in 2026 with essential updates and new voices.

"I want to assure you that the decision to postpone wasn't influenced by any government developments. The pause is all about taking time to reimagine and enhance the conference experience," Katie Pope, deputy chief communications officer of the HCA, told the SGN.

The SIOL conferences provide attendees with an opportunity to share information and network to decrease disparities LGBTQIA+ people face. The conferences cover a diverse range of topics, like understanding how sexuality and gender identity impact a person's overall behavioral and psychological health, self-determination, and well-being. Past event attendees have included behavioral healthcare professionals and those from nonprofits, child welfare, education, and justice agencies.

"After the 2024 SIOL conference, the HCA and the SIOL planning committee decided to take a break in 2025 to create an even more supportive and educational event for our attendees, speakers, and the broader LGBTQIA2S+ community," Pope added.

While the date and location for the 2026 SOIL conference have yet to be announced, Pope encourages those interested to join the advisory committee.