The Queer Decarbonization Summit is a small, curated, invitation-only retreat designed for LGBTQ+ professionals working across climate, clean energy, and sustainability. A small number of allies who are closely connected to the community also participate by referral.

Attendance is capped at approximately 100 and curated to ensure the right mix of seniority, sector, and perspective.

Everyone participates. No PowerPoints, no passive audience. The core of QDS is curated sector breakouts featuring short lightning talks from participants themselves. At a conference, a handful of people speak and hundreds listen. Here, the line between speaker and audience barely exists.

It's in nature, and it's tech-free. A retreat, not a convention center. Sessions happen outdoors and unplugged — no laptops, no phones, no fluorescent ballrooms. You came to connect with people, not to check email in a different place.

It's small, and it's ours. Invitation-only, capped at 100 people, almost all queer folks. You'll leave knowing everyone in the room.

We drafted a justification letter for you!

Both Summits bring together ~100 LGBTQ+ climate leaders across climate investment, corporate sustainability, renewable energy, building decarbonization, and carbon removal. The core experience is the same.

The main differences:

• Location & timing: West Coast (July in CA) | East Coast (October in NY)

• Costs: 1440 Multiversity is a premium retreat center, whereas Garrison Institute is a converted monastery with simpler accommodations at lower costs.

Most people choose based on schedule or geography. Pick the one that works for you. Or come to both!

Each summit has up to 100 participants—a curated mix of LGBTQ+ leaders working in climate finance, policy, technology, carbon removal, buildings, clean energy, and beyond.

You’ll connect with fellow LGBTQ+ leaders in decarbonization, and build relationships that will last your whole career. Deals, funding, and partnerships forged here will yield value that far exceeds the investment. Don’t miss out on the connections and outcomes that could define the next stage of your career and organization!

When you request an invite, here’s what happens:

• I review your background and look for a fit across the program themes: climate investment, clean energy, corporate sustainability, carbon removal, and decarbonization in buildings, transport, and industry.

• Participants are typically experienced and in commercial or externally-facing roles.

• Law firms and other service providers participate through sponsorship, rather than individual ticketing.

If it’s a fit, I’ll send you a registration link within a few days, often sooner.

Yes. We offer a 20% discount for:

• Nonprofits

• Early-stage startups (under $20M raised and under 5 years old)

We also offer a 20% group discount for organizations purchasing 3 or more tickets.

Employees of established, well-capitalized firms are expected to attend with employer support. We don’t offer self-pay or scholarship tickets in those cases.

There are a limited number of reduced-rate passes available for public sector professionals whose work aligns closely with the programming. These are offered on a curated basis.

To request a discount code, email team@queerdecarbsummit.com from your work email account (.edu, .gov, .org) with brief proof of eligibility.

Glad you asked. We love working with sponsors who want to do more than put a logo on a banner. You can fund scholarships, co-host a dinner, or co-create something meaningful. Reach out to adrian@queerdecarbsummit.com.

We prioritize plant-forward meals, local vendors, and minimal waste. To go further, we contribute to durable carbon removal through Terraset—a nonprofit funding the most promising solutions—aligning with the event’s estimated footprint.

The term "queer" has been reclaimed by our community as an inclusive umbrella term encompassing the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. While we recognize that each person's relationship with this term is personal and unique, we use it here as a welcoming and affirming word to unite our diverse community. We acknowledge its complex history while embracing its modern evolution as a source of pride and connection.

The Queer Decarbonization Summit was created by Adrian Silver after a decade in climate tech and too many hours under overhead lighting in soulless convention centers.

This emerged from a frustration with the limitations of traditional convenings. Designed to center belonging, trust, and connection, QDS invites LGBTQ+ climate leaders into intimate, curated settings where collaboration flows more freely.

Unfortunately, no.

Registrations are refundable up to 60 days before the Summit, minus the payment processing fee of 3%. Thereafter, tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your existing registration to a qualified colleague.