Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Childhood and Adolescence: A Global Forum on Development, Health, and Rights

The organizers invite researchers, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers to submit proposals for the 2026 Global Forum, to be held in the Netherlands. This in-person event will bring together international, interdisciplinary voices to advance developmental science that addresses the lives of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents. Submissions may focus on identity development, health and wellbeing, education, families, policy, civic participation, and more—with an emphasis on intersectionality, innovation, and actionable science. Formats include symposia, posters, papers, policy/practice sessions, and roundtables.

The Global Forum will take place August 17 to 19, 2026, at the University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands

The Global Forum is co-organised by the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD), the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), and Utrecht University.

Follow this link to review the call for submissions and submission guidelines. 

Submission deadline: Thursday, December 11, 2025, 11:59 PM ET.