BQC Center
Our BQC Center provides a critical, inclusive third space that is, a community space outside of home and work, for our 18+ inter-generational LGBTQ+ community members to gather downtown. Events and activities are free at the Center.
Our Center hosts:
Affinity group meetups; common interests or identities
Workshops, classes, game and movie nights
A lending library and a quiet reading/work space
Co-working space and socializing space
Meeting space for other queer organizations
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We are located in the vibrant Downtown Arts District of Bellingham, across the street from the Pickford Film Center!
We are located in the historic 100 Prospect Building, next door to Voxel Gallery:
Summer Schedule Begins at BQC Center
We are launching our new summer schedule Monday, June 2 at the BQC Center. Volunteer Greeters are scheduled to support the programming and events at the Center throughout the week. Our goal is to utilize our space for a variety of needs and wants that have been suggested by our community. Below is a short description of each program on the schedule.
Co-Working Cafe: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. We are reserving this time for quiet time for those who would like to work/read/study in a quiet space with the community. Space is limited so first come first served to start out. If needed, we can create a sign up system in the future.
Social Hours: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Drop in to visit with friends, make a new friend, hang out on your own, play a game, read, help yourself to a hot or cold beverage and snack.
Affinity Groups: Evenings and Weekends. Volunteers pair up to start social groups that share a common interest or identity and meet once/month for a couple of hours. Most groups meet in the Center, while some meet out in town. We have a monthly book group open to new people every meeting, writing group, fiber arts groups, a Latine group, trans masc/non-binary group, queer women’s group, Advocacy Hour, Rainbow Elders, FLINTA, Bloomhaven BottleShop (NA). We will add about ten more groups starting in September. Our July newsletter will have an interest form if you would like to start a group.
(We will host Game/Craft/Social Drop In Time during some of the open evening and weekend time slots until the new affinity groups get started in the fall.)
Fun Fridays: Each Friday night from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM we will host a community drop in night to play games, watch a movie, maybe read some poetry or sing karaoke. First Fridays will be reserved for artist events where we will host a local artist, exhibit their work, and be part of the Downtown Bellingham First Friday Art Walk.
Wellness/Recovery: Friday afternoons and the weekend mornings are reserved for wellness and recovery activities. We are still developing these programs and hope to start them soon. We are recruiting volunteers to lead and host these meetings and activities. Ideas include guided meditation, gratitude circles, and mindful walking/stretching, urban walks, AA, Dharma Recovery, stress management, sound baths,
