When a seed is planted, growth doesn't happen overnight. It takes care. It takes community. It takes people who believe in what is possible before they can see it fully bloom.

At Bellingham Queer Collective, we are planting and nurturing something powerful: a future where LGBTQIA+ people across all backgrounds experience true belonging, equitable access, and the support they need to thrive. Today, we invite you to help us continue Growing Together.

Bellingham Queer Collective was created to address a simple but profound need: everyone deserves a place where they feel seen, valued, and connected. Through inclusive programs, affirming spaces, and collective care, we are building a stronger, more resilient LGBTQIA+ community throughout Whatcom County and beyond.

A significant part of that vision became reality in June 2024 when we opened the BQC Community Center in downtown Bellingham. The Center serves as a critical third space—a place outside of home and work where people can gather, connect, learn, heal, and build community. For many LGBTQIA+ adults, especially those who may feel isolated, marginalized, or disconnected, finding affirming spaces can be difficult. The BQC Community Center offers something invaluable: a place where people can simply be themselves.

As the first and only nonprofit LGBTQIA+ community center between Seattle and Canada, the BQC Center fills a vital gap in our region. It provides a welcoming, inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ adults ages 18 and older to gather, access resources, participate in community-building activities, and develop meaningful connections. Every event, support group, workshop, social gathering, and wellness activity offered at the Center is free to participants. We believe that financial barriers should never prevent someone from finding community, support, or belonging.

Because of supporters like you, our doors remain open.

As our community grows, so does the need for accessible, affirming spaces and programs. We remain committed to ensuring that those most impacted by systemic inequities have access to the support, connection, and opportunities they deserve. We believe that equity is not something we talk about—it is something we practice through intentional action, shared leadership, and community-centered care.

"BQC is a lifeline for many queer folks. It's a safe space to just be yourself, without judgement."

- A recent guest at the BQC Center

Your gift today can help us:

Keep the BQC Community Center open as a safe, welcoming, and affirming gathering space
Provide free events, programs, and activities for LGBTQIA+ adults throughout the year
Expand access for individuals who face barriers to participation
Develop sustainable systems and infrastructure that strengthen our long-term impact
Support holistic wellness initiatives that honor the full humanity of LGBTQIA+ individuals
Build leadership opportunities that empower community members to shape the future
Ensure our spaces remain welcoming, affirming, and accessible for all

At BQC, we know that meaningful growth happens collectively. Just as roots intertwine beneath the surface to support a thriving ecosystem, our community becomes stronger when we invest in one another. This year's theme, Growing Together, reflects our belief that none of us flourish alone. Every connection formed at the Community Center, every barrier removed, every program offered, and every life touched is made possible through the generosity of people who believe in a more equitable and connected future.

Will you make a gift today to help us continue growing?

Whether your contribution is $25, $100, $500, or any amount that is meaningful to you, your support directly strengthens the foundation of community care, belonging, and opportunity that BQC provides. Together, we are cultivating a future where LGBTQIA+ individuals are not simply surviving, but thriving. A future where every person can experience the power of community, the dignity of belonging, and the freedom to be fully themselves.

Thank you for believing in this vision and for helping us grow a stronger, more inclusive community for all. In the words of one of our members, "Thank you for your help. You make this community a home."

Growing Together 2026 Giving Campaign

Together, we can build a future where LGBTQIA+ individuals across all backgrounds experience true belonging, equitable access, and the power of community to feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.