Affinity Groups
Affinity Groups are a wonderful way to connect with the community based on common interests or shared identities. They 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. Whether you’re looking for creative community, social opportunities, or shared identity, there’s something for you.
Unless otherwise noted below, registration is not required to attend affinity group meetings; just show up! If you have questions and would like to learn more, please email us at: info@bellinghamqueercollective.org.
Upcoming Affinity Group Meetings
Get to know our Affinity Groups
Advocacy Hour
Schedule:
1st and 3rd Saturdays | 6:30 - 8:00PM
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
Join us for Advocacy Hour as we come together to discuss and amplify critical issues affecting our community.
Bellingham Queer Gamers
Schedule:
1st Wednesdays | 6:00 - 8:00pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
Bellingham Queer Gamers is a group that fosters an inclusive and friendly atmosphere where members of the local queer community and our friends gather to explore the ever-expanding universe of hobby board and card games. We have a library of games on hand and members who love to teach, learn and play games spanning a variety of genres including quick and social party games, trick-taking card games, strategy and deduction, fully cooperative games and more!
Whether you’re completely new to the modern tabletop gaming world and want to check it out, or you’ve got a game or two that’s been sitting on your shelf waiting for the right group to try it out, or you’re just interested in meeting other queer people and sharing some screen-free fun and conversation, this is the place for you!
Chronic and Iconic
Schedule:
2nd Sundays | 9:30 - 11:30AM
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
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.
This group is a safe space to talk about ALL the things we deal with and are concerned about... not just the things that are suitable for "polite conversation."
Crafty Queer Friends
Schedule:
2nd Thursdays | 6:00 - 8:00pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
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.
Flinta Night
Schedule:
3rd Tuesdays | 5:00 - 8:00pm
LOCATION:
L&L Libations
1107 N State St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
This affinity space centers women, lesbians, intersex, nonbinary, trans, and agender people; those often pushed to the margins in patriarchal spaces. Rooted in the FLINTA* framework from German queer culture, this gathering creates room for deep connection, healing, and joy without the presence of cis men. Come be in community with others who share your experiences and values.
Late Bloomers
Schedule:
2nd Tuesdays | 6:00 - 8:00pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St,
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
This social group is for LGBTQ+ adults who are coming out or exploring new identities later in life. We talk about the joys and challenges of embracing our authentic selves and connect with others navigating similar paths. This is a volunteer-led space for making friends and learning about local queer resources- not a clinical support group. All identities welcome.
Mind-Body Wellness Circle
Schedule:
1st Thursdays | 6:00 - 8:00pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St,
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
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. Together, we'll explore tools for nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, movement and strength training, energy work, and intuitive development. Each session is grounded in science, community, and lived experience. Each session will vary in theme and approach, ranging from group discussions and guided practices (like meditation, wellness techniques, or mindful movement) to educational talks on the nervous system and stress management, all within a supportive and trauma-informed container.
Mindfulness Meditation Group
Schedule:
Sundays | 6:00 - 8:00pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
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. Each session will open with a group grounding practice, followed by a check-in on weekly practice, and group selection of a mindfulness practice that is appropriate for the needs of those in attendance, such as loving-kindness meditation, open-awareness meditation, body-scanning, walking meditation, or mindful yoga. After a thirty minute meditation practice, there will be a shared reading and discussion from a book related to meditation in a queer context. Sessions will close with a love, light, and healing practice, followed by tea time.
Questions?
Please email Jill Stansbury at jill@bellinghamqueercollective.org.
Virtual Option:
Please register in advance for the virtual meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For those participating via Zoom, please sign in 10 minutes in advance to work out all technical challenges. Electronic entrance to the meeting closes at 7:25 pm.
Queer Latine Society
Schedule:
4th Saturdays | 12:00 - 2:00pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St,
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
A bilingual (English/Español) space for Latine LGBTQ+ folks to connect, celebrate cultura, and support one another. We gather around the shared experiences of queerness and Latinidad, embracing joy, community, and mutual care.
Queer Women’s Group
Schedule:
3rd Saturdays | 12:00 - 2:00pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
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. People who attend our events may represent a diverse background of gender identities, and may include (but are not limited to) females/women, lesbians, intersex, nonbinary, trans, and agender, as well as others who are don't fit into any specific category. Our group is to be a safe space, no matter your orientation, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, or language. We all will grow, and at the same time, we all must abide by the zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior, whether intentional or not. Please, be kind, be open, and be prepared to meet and enjoy the company of the amazing people in our queer community. Let's come together to celebrate diversity, embrace individuality, and enjoy a fun and inclusive socializing experience.
Queer Writes!
Schedule:
1st Sundays | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
3rd Wednesdays | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
BQC Queer Writes meets for a quiet, focused writing space using something similar to the Shut Up & Write! model. Bring any writing project you’re working on- whether it’s journaling, poetry, fiction, or beyond. We start with a short discussion, write quietly for 90 minutes, and wrap up with an optional debrief. Share your work if you like, or just enjoy writing in community. This group meets two times a month.
Rainbow Elders
Schedule:
Visibility Lunch
First Wednesdays | 11:30am-1:00pm
Discussion Group
Last Wednesdays | 3:00-4:30pm
Location:
Bellingham Senior Activity Center
315 Halleck Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
A gathering space for LGBTQ+ people ages 50 and up to build friendships, share stories, and celebrate our experiences. Come connect with others who’ve lived through generations of queer history and continue to thrive in community.
Come as a guest for the first three visits, and then membership to the BSAC is needed (scholarships available). Daily hot lunch program free to 65+!
Rainbow Elders Book Discussion Group
Schedule:
Thursdays | 1:00-3:00pm
May 14, 2026: Read the introduction and chapter 1
May 21, 2026: Read chapters 2 & 3
May 28, 2026: Read chapters 4 & 5
June 4, 2026: Read chapter 6
June 11, 2026: Read chapter 7 & conclusion
The group will select the next book and schedule on the last meeting.
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
Living Well, Aging Proudly, Ending with Dignity
This book discussion group is a welcoming and uplifting space for queer elders to explore vibrant aging, meaningful connection, and thoughtful end-of-life planning in community. Together, we’ll read and reflect on books that spark rich conversations about living fully, embracing each stage of life, and supporting one another with care, dignity, and compassion.
We center the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ elders—honoring the resilience, chosen families, histories, and challenges that shape our lives. From navigating healthcare and legacy planning to building networks of support that reflect who we truly are, this space invites honest, affirming dialogue about what it means to age in ways that feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
While we’ll engage openly with life’s final chapter, we do so with a spirit of curiosity, lightness, and even joy and snacks, celebrating the beauty, wisdom, and connection that deepen over time. Through shared stories, laughter, and open-hearted conversation, we’ll build a circle of support where no one has to walk this path alone.
This is a space to grow, reflect, and connect—discovering how we can live well, care for one another, and move through every chapter of life with authenticity, pride, and community. The group is open to anyone over 18 but intended for elders and those who support them.
Current Book:
You are invited to join us in a “kitchen table” discussion about our first book;
The Art of Dying Well by Katy Butler
Please read the assigned chapters below before the meetings. You are encouraged to note key phrases or concepts to discuss with the group. We will also talk about the “Ways to Prepare” section at the end of each chapter. The intention of reading this guide to living and dying well together is to help each other make and communicate plans about how we want to “perform” in our “third act” of life!
You are invited to bring snacks and beverages to share with the group!
Street Parking and Parking Lots are metered. Commercial Street parking garage is nearby.
For questions and more information, please email us at info@bellinghamqueercollective.org.
Rainbow Refugees
Schedule:
3rd Thursdays | 6:00 - 8:00pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
This is a group for Rainbow Refugees, 2SLGBTQIA+ people who have moved here from red areas. We will discuss things like being new to Bellingham, dealing with moving/starting over, survivor’s guilt, and getting used to being in a safer area.
Sacred Misfits
Schedule:
3rd Sundays | 12:00 - 2:00pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
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.
Tabletop RPG Group
Schedule:
2nd Wednesdays | 5:30 - 8:30pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
We seek to build queer community together through collaborative storytelling. We meet once a month to play tabletop roleplaying games. All skill levels welcome! Most meetings, we play Dungeons & Dragons (2025 edition). When there’s high turnout and someone willing to run a second game, we split into groups.
To learn more, please visit the Tabletop RPG Affinity Group’s Google document.
Transfemme discussion
Schedule:
4th Tuesdays | 7:00 - 8:30pm
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
This group is a welcoming and affirming social group created specifically for transfeminine people to connect, share experiences, and build community in a supportive environment. Open to anyone who identifies with transfeminine experiences—including trans women, transfeminine nonbinary people, and those exploring gender—this group offers a space for casual conversation, mutual support, creative expression, and friendship. Whether you're looking to meet others with similar identities, talk about gender journeys, or just hang out in a space where you feel seen and celebrated, BQC Transfemme group is here for you.
Trans men / Trans Masc Meetup
Schedule:
4th Thursdays | 6:00 - 8:00pm
PLEASE NOTE: This group is taking a break from meeting for the summer.
Location:
BQC Center
310 W Champion St
Bellingham, WA 98225
About this group:
This group is for trans men (or trans masc folks) seeking connection, conversation, and camaraderie. We gather in a relaxed, identity-affirming space to share experiences and build community. Whether you're new to this journey or well along your path, you are welcome here.
Affinity Groups are a wonderful way to connect with the community based on common interests or shared identities. They are facilitated by a team of volunteer leaders, are free, and meet monthly. Some groups meet in the BQC Center and some in other spaces around town.