Bellingham Queer Collective
Celebrate Pride Season by Helping us Grow!
Together, we can build a future where LGBTQIA+ people across all backgrounds experience true belonging, equitable access, and the support they need to thrive.
Bellingham Queer Collective builds community and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals through inclusive programs, affirming spaces, and collective care while intentionally working to expand access and equity across diverse and marginalized communities.
We dream of 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.
BQC strives to improve the social health and wellness of the intergenerational (18+), queer community in the greater Whatcom County area by providing opportunities to gather around the arts, nature, movement, belonging, and service. We are working to reduce social isolation, connect folks with friends and resources, and improve quality of life in the queer community.
The BQC Center
Our BQC Center provides a critical safe and inclusive third space - a community space outside of home and work - for our LGBTQ+ community members (ages 18+) to gather in downtown Bellingham. Events and activities are free at the Center, which opened in June 2024. We are the first and only nonprofit LGBTQ+ community center space between Seattle and Canada.
Affinity Groups
Affinity Groups are a wonderful way to connect with other members of the LGBTQ+ community based on common interests or shared identities. These groups are facilitated by a team of volunteer leaders, are free, and meet monthly or more often. Some groups meet in the BQC Center and some in other spaces around town.
Upcoming Events
The BQC Center is reserved on weekday mornings for quiet time for those who would like to work, read, or study in a quiet and safe space with the community.
We invite you to take advantage of our free Wi-fi, snacks, drinks, book lending library and office supplies while you are working.
Drop in to the BQC Center to visit with friends, make a new friend, hang out on your own, check out a book (soon), play a game, read, listen to music, help yourself to a hot or cold beverage and snack, and more!
This group is designed for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals and allies who are curious about or committed to enhancing their well-being through mind-body practices. Whether you're new to the wellness space, just learning to meditate, or you're an experienced energy worker or yoga enthusiast, this space is for you.
The BQC Center is reserved on weekday mornings for quiet time for those who would like to work, read, or study in a quiet and safe space with the community.
We invite you to take advantage of our free Wi-fi, snacks, drinks, book lending library and office supplies while you are working.
Join us on the bay every week for a casual paddle along the Bellingham waterfront with your 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We provide experienced staff that will lead the paddling adventures and provide all paddle and safety equipment. What type of paddling you ask? Take your pick!
Each month, we showcase the work of a local queer artist by hosting a reception during the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s First Friday Art Walk, and then displaying their work on the walls of the BQC Center in a month-long exhibition.
Cultivating Inner Strength: A 2-day Silent Meditation Retreat is an exploration of the inherent strength in our minds, bodies, and communities which we will access through a variety of silent still and moving meditation practices. It will be facilitated by Jill Stansbury of Mindful Social and Emotional Learning Solutions.
COMMUNITY EVENT: Celebrate community with animals! Bring your own picnic and come for animal snuggles. All ages are welcome at this free event.
This is a private residence, and an inclusive and safe space. All attendees must RSVP and check in upon arrival at the driveway.
Join us for another Queer as Folk Watch Party at the BQC Center! This week we’ll be watching the Season 1 Finale (E22-24) will have tasty treats to enjoy!
This is a group for people with chronic pain and chronic illness to seek and find support and connect with other people experiencing similar symptoms and diagnoses. This includes but is CERTAINLY not limited to: fibromyalgia, POTS, EDS and other connective tissue diseases, ME/CFS, chronic back pain, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Crohn's, IBS, and many more.
The BQC Center is reserved on weekday mornings for quiet time for those who would like to work, read, or study in a quiet and safe space with the community.
We invite you to take advantage of our free Wi-fi, snacks, drinks, book lending library and office supplies while you are working.
The BQC Center is reserved on weekday mornings for quiet time for those who would like to work, read, or study in a quiet and safe space with the community.
We invite you to take advantage of our free Wi-fi, snacks, drinks, book lending library and office supplies while you are working.
Do you identify as coming out late in life? Coming out recently? Please join us for friendship and support.
The BQC Center is reserved on weekday mornings for quiet time for those who would like to work, read, or study in a quiet and safe space with the community.
We invite you to take advantage of our free Wi-fi, snacks, drinks, book lending library and office supplies while you are working.
Drop in to the BQC Center to visit with friends, make a new friend, hang out on your own, check out a book (soon), play a game, read, listen to music, help yourself to a hot or cold beverage and snack, and more!
We seek to build queer community together through collaborative storytelling. We meet once a month to play tabletop roleplaying games. All skill levels welcome!
The BQC Center is reserved on weekday mornings for quiet time for those who would like to work, read, or study in a quiet and safe space with the community.
We invite you to take advantage of our free Wi-fi, snacks, drinks, book lending library and office supplies while you are working.
Drop in to the BQC Center to visit with friends, make a new friend, hang out on your own, check out a book (soon), play a game, read, listen to music, help yourself to a hot or cold beverage and snack, and more!
We are a group of queer people who like to share our crafts; knitting, crocheting, drawing, coloring, pixel art, or whatever you want to bring along. We're here to share stories and experiences, ask questions or just hang out.
The BQC Center is reserved on weekday mornings for quiet time for those who would like to work, read, or study in a quiet and safe space with the community.
We invite you to take advantage of our free Wi-fi, snacks, drinks, book lending library and office supplies while you are working.
Out and About is a monthly nature program for queer adults (18+). Join us for Community Boating Center Pride Paddle | Friday, August 14, 2026 | 5:30-7:30PM
Let’s meet up at the Community Boating Center (CBC) for Pride Paddle! This is a casual paddle along the Bellingham waterfront with CBC staff as guides. You must register in advance, as equipment is first come, first serve. More details, including how to register, coming soon!
Join us for a different activity every Friday night at the BQC Center! Just drop in and join the fun.
Everyone who practices with the felt sense of queerness is welcome to attend this monthly community gathering. No prior experience is necessary; come as you are.
Bay St. Outdoor Cinema (formerly Rooftop Cinema) is Pickford Film Center’s summer outdoor movie series happening on Bay Street directly outside of our flagship cinema. This year, take a trip with Keanu for Speed and The Matrix followed by Sunset Flicks: silent movies shorts with live music performed by members of the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra!
Join us for a casual and inclusive Queer Women's Social Hour at the BQC Center. We will meet, introduce ourselves, and talk about a variety of topics of interest, including our needs, vision and expectations for future meetings of this group. This event is for those who feel more comfortable gathering in a more female-centered environment rather than a group of mostly cis-males. If this applies to you, then please join us to make new friends, share experiences, and build a supportive community together.
Join us for Advocacy Hour as we come together to discuss and amplify critical issues affecting our community.
BQC Sacred Misfits: Spirituality on the Margins is a peer-led group for anyone interested in exploring spiritual practices outside of dominant religious frameworks. We center queer, trans, and other marginalized voices while creating space for self-inquiry, sacred play, and community connection. We gather to study divination, explore our weird spiritual selves, encourage stepping outside the mainstream, and find community beyond the binary, the dogma, and the gatekeeping. All genders, paths, and vibes welcome. No specific beliefs or experience required—just openness and respect.
The Mindfulness Meditation Group welcomes both inexperienced and experienced meditators to a weekly offering that will be hybrid-- both online and in person. It is facilitated by Jill Stansbury, the BQC Wellness Coordinator, who is a trained Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction facilitator through Brown University. This group meets weekly.
We regularly host events at the BQC Center and other locations throughout Bellingham and the greater Whatcom County area. They include social gatherings, classes, outdoor recreation, performances, and more!
News and updates
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.
BQC invites you to a special screening of TWO EYES!
We will be hosting two exclusive in-person screenings of this amazing film — followed by a virtual streaming window for those who can’t make it in person. Tickets are $15.00 and BQC will receive 50% of sales for both the in-person and virtual screenings!
We’re grateful to see safer, more supportive resources expanding in our city. The City of Bellingham recently launched an important new initiative to protect community members who experience bias, harassment, or violence: the Safe Place™ Program. We’re thrilled to share that The BQC Center is an approved Safe Place.
Support our work
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.