Queer and trans people deserve more than surviving — we deserve to feel strong, supported, and celebrated.

In Humboldt County, LGBTQ2S+ community often revolves around nightlife and bar culture, while mainstream gyms are steeped in diet culture, racism, ableism, femme competition and toxic masculinity that makes us feel unsafe and unwelcome. That leaves too many of us without spaces that nurture both health and belonging.

At Queer Community Gym (QCG), we’re building something radically different: a trauma-informed strength training space by and for LGBTQ2S+ people. Our mission is to create a safer, more supportive alternative to mainstream gym culture — one that centers bodily autonomy, community care, and somatic growth.

“In my garage, I watched people who had never once stepped into a gym light up after their first lift,” said co-founder Sylvia Chrisney. “They realized, ‘this space is for me.’ That experience showed me how desperately our community needs a place like this.” - Sylvia Chrisney

“As a fat trans person, I never felt at home in traditional gyms. But, at the Queer Community Gym, I finally felt comfortable in my body and safe in a gym space. Supporting people of all identities and all sizes accessing this opportunity is why this gym is so important for our community.” – Dylan McClure

QCG is a healing space where community and wellness thrive together. At QCG you can expect:

A Safe Space: Trauma-informed practices rooted in relationship-building, respect for autonomy, and recognition that everyone’s needs are different.
Structured Onboarding: Every member begins with supportive orientation so they feel prepared, supported, and confident in their training.
Sober Daytime Gathering Space: A queer hub for movement, community, and care outside of the pressure nightlife.

We believe body liberation and collective resilience can’t wait. By holding this space, we will strengthen the wellbeing of our LGBTQ2S+ community: increasing positive social connection, reducing reliance on bar culture, and building a foundation for body liberation one lift at a time.

With your support, we are raising $50,000 by December 31, 2025 to open the doors of QCG. These funds will:

Secure a gym space within walking distance of downtown Arcata
Build out and equip the space with safe, accessible lifting equipment
Cover operating costs for our first year while we grow our membership and programming

This first year is the launchpad for a self-sustaining, long-term community hub. A place that will transform how queer, trans and two spirit folks in Humboldt County experience strength, health, and belonging.

Donation Tiers & Benefits

By donating, you are part of creating radical, queer space in Humboldt County. We are offering the following benefits as a “Thank you!”

The Dorothy Dumbbell-- $14
Because there’s no place like homo. Click your heels, lift your weights. Your donation helps buy 1/4 of a dumbbell, and you will receive:

Name on our digital wall of gratitude
Project updates
Invite to an exclusive QCG sticker party!

The Folsom Alley Pump--$47
Because sometimes the heaviest thing you lift is a harness. Your donation helps buy a set of resistance bands, and you will receive:

Everything from the previous tiers
Limited edition art print celebrating queer strength.

The Sylvia Rivera Squat-- $97
Radical resistance, radical resilience — squatting low so we can rise higher together. Your donation helps buy a yoga mat & starter weights, and you will receive:

Everything from the previous tiers
Limited edition Queer Community Gym t-shirt.

The Tom of Finland Bench-- $497
Thick lines, thicker thighs. Leather daddy energy, but make it community care. Your donation helps us buy a weight bench, and you will receive:

Everything from the previous tiers
Your name (or anonymous dedication) etched forever on our Founders’ Wall inside the gym
An invite for two to our founders’ celebration event.

The Dykes on Bikes Deadlift--$1247
Rumble, roar, and rack the bar. Horsepower meets queer power. Your donation helps us buy a full barbell set, and you will receive:

Everything from the previous tiers
1-year gym membership (for you or gifted to someone in need).

The Stonewall Legacy Lift - $7,777
The legacy tier. This tier sponsors one squat rack and all needed accessories. Your donation helps us buy a full squat rack station, and you will receive:

Everything from the previous tiers
Your name (or chosen dedication) permanently honored in our main training space: “This rack was made possible by….”

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND SEE YOU IN THE GYM!

Queer Community Gym

A trauma-informed strength training space by and for LGBTQ2S+ people.