Board President/Executive Director

All Pronouns

Michelle retired in 2021 following a distinguished career in public education administration in California. After relocating to Bellingham during the post-COVID era, Michelle experienced firsthand the challenges of building community as a newcomer. Motivated by a desire to foster connection, they began organizing gatherings for LGBTQ+ individuals in the arts district—curating events such as film screenings at the Pickford Film Center and performances at the Mount Baker Theatre.

Through this grassroots engagement, Michelle identified a widespread need for inclusive, intergenerational queer spaces and support resources. In response, they played a central role in founding the Bellingham Queer Collective (BQC) in 2023. As a nonprofit organization, BQC is dedicated to enhancing the social health of the queer community through arts, movement, and nature-based initiatives.

Recognizing the importance of a safe, private, and accessible physical space for affinity groups and community programming, Michelle led efforts to establish the BQC Center—the first LGBTQ+ community resource center serving the region between Seattle and the Canadian border.

Michelle currently serves as the full-time volunteer Executive Director of BQC, where they continue to lead the organization’s strategic development , programming, development, and community outreach

Vice President / Events Coordinator

he/him

Paris has been a mental health support in the Bellingham community for the past 3 years. He has helped others navigate mental health crises, conflict mediation, and improve their self-confidence, self-advocacy, and wellness. One form of wellness that Paris encourages is movement and a great gathering of friends. He has led the annual coordination efforts for the Bellingham Erotic Ball, a friend-raising dance event hosted by the BQC, since its inception. He attributes his favorite planning experiences to being a RA and Graduate Hall Director for his alma maters, Jacksonville State University and Wake Forest University.

Treasurer/Accounting

She/Her

Constance spent her working career in the building trades. She became an apprentice plumber at 14 and a Journeyman plumber by age 18. She worked as a plumber with enough time in the trade to qualify as a Master Plumber. She owned and operated design/build firms in Washing, Arizona and California. As a sole proprietor she designed and built residential and light commercial projects. Her artistic talent revealed itself in the design work and her construction skills include every aspect of the blue collar trades.

She operated excavation equipment, led framing teams, installed plumbing and electrical, roofing/siding and interior finish work including drywall, texture, painting, cabinet making and installation, tile work and wood flooring.

Constance has been supporting the LGBTQIA+ community from the time she arrived in Bellingham in 2017 to this day. She and her husband are out and proud T4T and serve the queer community in many ways.

Director/Student Liason

She/It

Katrina is a current student at WWU, having received her bachelors degree in Theatre with a concentration in Education and two minors in Education Social Justice and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and she is currently in her Masters in teaching program. She has been on the board of BQC since November of 2023, when another board member saw her potential and she was able to get involved! She has always strived to help the community around her flourish and grow and this is one of the ways she can be hands on in the work.

Director/Marketing

They/Them

Shawna is a seasoned healthcare leader with over 25 years of nursing experience across clinical and administrative roles, including hospice care, public health, and quality improvement. With a Master’s in Nursing Administration and a strong track record of community outreach and health equity advocacy, Shawna brings deep insight into inclusive and compassionate care. Their service in the U.S. Army and leadership in both governmental and non-profit sectors reflect a lifelong commitment to service and systemic impact. As a queer healthcare professional, Shawna is passionate about advancing affirming, community-centered health initiatives.

Director/Events

He/Him

Ken is a chef currently running a restaurant just south of Bellingham, bringing a lifetime of culinary experience and leadership to BQC. Outside of work, he enjoys a life of adventure with his partner of nearly five years. They love traveling, especially to locations from their favorite films and Banff, Alberta holds a special place in their hearts. He’s excited to contribute creativity, enthusiasm, and a collaborative spirit to the BQC Board.

Secretary/Board Governance

He/They

Axel has been involved in LGBTQIA+ activism and community organizing, particularly in intersex, trans, non-binary, and bi+ communities, for nearly 15 years. He has been involved with interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, one of the world’s only organizations dedicated to raising intersex visibility, empowering young intersex advocates, and promoting laws and policies that protect intersex youth, for the past 10 years including serving as a board member for the past 8 years. He has developed and facilitated trainings and workshops on sex characteristics, gender, sexuality, and disability at conferences and academic institutions for over a decade as well as has provided consultations on education policy, national and international reports, research studies, curriculum development, youth program strategies, comprehensive sexual health education programs, and sensitivity readings for individuals, schools, colleges and universities, non-profits, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, and more. Axel works in higher education disability student services and supervises a disability cultural center.