For over 35 years, Tamisha Iman has been an integral part of the Pageantry System within the LGBTQIA+ community, a space celebrated for its vibrant artistic expression. Having experienced both the highs and lows of pageantry, she understands firsthand the toll it can take on mental and physical health.

This weekend’s schedule of events is designed to educate and empower the community with practical tools to manage and overcome overwhelming stress. Stress, when left unchecked, can deeply impact mental capacity and physical well-being. To address this, we’ve partnered with a team of mental health counselors who will share valuable strategies for coping alongside resources to support mental health needs.

Recognizing the challenges faced by pageant communities worldwide, we’ve also invited members from other Pageant Systems to participate in this weekend retreat. Our goal is to help them take the insights and ideas gained here back to their own communities. The weekend will be packed with meaningful events spread across three days, designed to inspire growth and connection.

In 2019, Tamisha was diagnosed with an aggressive Stage 3 colon cancer, a life-altering event that might have been preventable with greater awareness of the symptoms. Colon cancer is the second deadliest disease in the U.S. and globally, disproportionately affecting African American men and women. To combat this, our retreat will include an informative workshop dedicated to raising awareness about colon cancer—its signs, prevention methods, and available resources. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with service providers dedicated to colon cancer education and care.

Throughout the weekend, we will highlight our sponsors and their contributions, shining a light on the incredible organizations supporting this initiative. This weekend marks the beginning of a nationwide tour, during which our team, along with mental health counselors, will visit cities across the country. Together, we’ll provide educational workshops for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, focusing on mental and physical health, as well as colon cancer awareness and prevention.