The Advocate to Interview Carmen Carrera, Brian Sims at Unleashed LGBTQ

The Advocate has partnered with Unleashed LGBTQ+ in moderating conversations with out luminaries.

Daniel Reynolds, a senior editor with the magazine, will host a Q&A with Carmen Carrera and Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims at the inaugural event, which will be a virtual networking forum for LGBTQ+ professionals.

The panel with Sims will take place on Friday at 6 p.m. Eastern. It will focus on the gay politician's run for lieutenant governor, tactics for reaching across the aisle, and his passion for RuPaul's Drag Race and The Little Mermaid.

The conversation with Carrera -- a Drag Race alumnus herself -- will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. Eastern. It will outline how the VH1 reality show has progressed in transgender representation since the model and activist's appearance on season 3, as well as present-day fearmongering of the trans community among conservatives. Also, there will be talk of their mutual New Jersey Pride.

Additionally, Get Out Magazine's Eileen Shapiro will moderate a session with athlete Michael Sam Friday at 5 p.m. Eastern. And Brandon Schultz, from Forbes.com, will talk to the Globetrotter Guys about gay travel that evening at 9 Eastern.

One of the goals of Unleashed LGBTQ+ is to bring together brands, entertainers. and professionals to engage in fun and thought-provoking conversations related to queer issues, said Wesley Smoot, the creator of Unleashed LGBTQ+.

"We know how important it is to build great relationships with both brands and media from the start," Smoot said. "We want to ensure this event will be memorable for all who participate, join, and watch."

The event runs Thursday to Sunday. In addition to the centerpiece conversations, Unleashed LGBTQ+ will provide a forum for participants to network and learn more about opportunities, products, and campaigns in various fields, like media, tech, travel, fashion, and entertainment. On the schedule are happy hours, fashion shows, tutorials, music performances, and more.

Learn more and join in the conversation at UnleashedLGBTQ.com.