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The Bellingham Queer Collective connects, celebrates, unites, and advocates for the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. |
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| | November 2025 BQC Newsletter |
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Dear Friends,
As November arrives and the seasons shift, we begin to embrace the coziness and reflection that come with winter’s approach. This is a time to pause, take a breath, and express gratitude — for what we have, what we’ve shared, and what we continue to build together.
While the broader social and political climate continues to challenge our community and weigh heavily on many of us, I want to take a moment to celebrate what is thriving: our people. I am deeply grateful for our 100+ active volunteers who bring the BQC’s mission to life every day. Through their energy and creativity, they have hosted vibrant events like the Erotic Ball, launched new Affinity Groups, and created joyful spaces with clothing exchanges, movie nights, and more.
Together, they remind us that community is not just something we talk about — it’s something we create. As we move into the colder months, let’s continue to lift each other up, find connection in shared experiences, and hold space for joy, resilience, and hope.
Important Dates This Month: November 2: Transgender Parent Day November 13–19: Transgender Awareness Week November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
With gratitude and solidarity,
Michelle Harmeier
On behalf of the BQC Board of Directors
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| | In this issue: 2025 Bellingham Erotic Ball: Heroes vs. Villains Downtown Trick or Treat Transgender History; Notable Ancestors Lecture Series Nov. 1 First Friday Art Exhibit at BQC Center Nov. 7 Gender Justice League; Advocacy Soiree Nov. 8 Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil and Events WWU Nov. 20 Queersgiving Day Nov. 27 @ BQC Center World AIDS Day Dec. 1 (and 5 @ BQC Center) Last 2025 Generations of Pride December 3, 5:00 PM Events Calendar
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| 3rd Annual Bellingham Erotic Ball Weekend Recap |
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A huge THANK YOU to over 250 guests who attended one or more of our Erotic Ball weekend events this year at the Hotel Leo! Our 3rd annual Friend-raising event. Though we had a smaller crowd than the past two years, and did not meet our fundraising goal this year, the Ball was still a huge success because our community turned out to celebrate! We are thrilled that our superheroes and villains had a great time dancing to DJ Westwood, shopping at our many creative vendor booths, exploring the kink demo room activities, enjoying tasty bites from the Hotel Leo kitchen, and most importantly, we continued to build up our queer community!
We kicked off the weekend with a Friday social mixer in the Amendment 21 Lounge, and wrapped it up on Sunday, with our 2nd annual Drag Variety Show hosted by Gina Touche. We showcased a number of local performers and enjoyed brunch offerings from the Hotel Leo kitchen.
Thank you for being part of our BQC community and supporting these community building events! |
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| | | | Downtown Trick or Treat at BQC Center |
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| We had fun decorating the Center for a dark and stormy Halloween. Not as many trick or treators as last year likely due to the windy, rainy night! We will leave our decorations up for a bit and enjoy the lights during the dark season. |
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| Transgender History; Notable Ancestors Lecture Series |
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| Saturday, Nov. 1, 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Transgender History: Notable Ancestors, is a lecture series hosted by the BQC at the Center that highlights trans people from throughout history. For this event, we will have four trans community researchers each present a 30 minute overview of a Trans Ancestor that they deem notable to our history. This event seeks to highlight ancestors that may not be as commonly known to the broader queer community, and endeavors to educate the community on our rich history. We have always been here, but they don’t want us to remember that. Come learn and remember with us, to honor our existence today! Register to attend here: https://forms.gle/UggL6HZjRgtqRYG5A |
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| First Friday Art Walk Exhibition at BQC |
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Nov 7, 2025 6:00 - 8:30 PM Mathew Crane; Featured Artist
We’re celebrating the work of local artist Matthew Crane at the BQC Center! Join us for a reception during the First Friday Art Walk on November 7, 6-8:30 PM. Matthew will be at the event to chat with guests and his work will be displayed at the Center through the end of November.
Matthew Crane is an LGBTQ+ artist located in Bellingham, WA. He creates vibrant, emotionally layered works that channel and explore healing, energetic movement, and transformation. His process bridges the visual and the visceral, inviting viewers into moments of reflection, empowerment, and hope. |
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| Advocacy Soiree; Gender Justice League |
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Saturday, November 8, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, BQC Center
TwoSpirit, Trans, & Gender Diverse people have always and will always exist. We belong, and we deserve to thrive. We must unite and fight for our rights, our safety and our communities. The advocacy soiree will gather TwoSpirit, Trans, & Gender Diverse (2STGD) people in the greater Bellingham area to assess current threats to our communities, and discuss how to keep each other safe while advocating for our rights. Arrive early; seating is limited. This event is hosted by Gender Justice League.
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| | Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil |
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| Thursday, November 20, 2025 5:00 - 7:00 PM WWU Viking Union MPR Events All Week November 17-21
BQC is partnering with LGBTQ+ Western, PFLAG Whatcom/Bellingham and other local organizations to build awareness and advocacy in our greater community about the importance of Transgender Day of Remembrance. We will honor the lives of trans and gender expansive people who have died from violence in the past year. Will include a reading of names, speakers, a continuation of the art project, and more.
During the week of November 17-21 several trans awareness events will take place on the campus of WWU. All are welcome to attend from the greater community; including allies. Here is a draft of the events. Check out the LGBTQ+ Western event calendar for more information. https://lgbtq.wwu.edu/ Monday November 17th: Tuesday November 18th: Trans Legal Clinic & Resource Fair 12-4pm Viking Union 464, 462A, 462B, and 460: Attorneys from Northwest Justice Project will support students seeking advice on legal name changes or other services. For Us, By Us: Trans Tea Community Gathering 4-5:30pm Viking Union 720
Wednesday November 19th Transactions: Trans and Gender Expansive Financial Literacy Workshop 4-5:30pm Viking Union 735: Students from the Merriman Financial Literacy Program and LGBTQ+ Western will teach attendees about common costs for transitioning such as surgery, hormone replacement therapy, and legal name changes and work together to create a plan.
Thursday, November 20th Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil. 5-7pm Viking Union MPR: Join local LGBTQ+ organizations as we honor the lives of trans and gender expansive people who have died from violence in the past year. Will include a reading of names, speakers, a continuation of the art project, and more.
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| BQC Queersgiving DayThursday, November 27, 2025 at The BQC Center |
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We are hosting several social activities during Thanksgiving Day for those who would like to connect with queer community and/or do not celebrate this holiday in a traditional way. Drop in anytime! All activities are free.
This event is for anyone in our BQC community 18+. We are not celebrating Thanksgiving or hosting a dinner. This is a day where the Center will be open for a variety of social events with snacks and dessert for those of us who want a way to connect with others when the rest of downtown is closed for the holiday.
10:30 AM Sound Bath Mediation (must register here on the Mystic Heart webpage since space is limited). We have yoga mats, cushions and blankets now, and you can bring your own items to make yourself comfy.
11:30 AM Tea Time Social; enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and conversation
1:00 PM Waterfront Walking Tour; 1.5+ mile stroll from the Center all around the waterfront to discover new places and views.
3:00 PM Game Time; bring a game to play or join in with one of the games in the Center.
5:00 PM Movie Time; the group will select a film to watch together; popcorn, dessert, and snacks included. |
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| | World AIDS Day, Monday Dec. 1 (& 5) |
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| BQC Center Call For Art and Memorabilia
World AIDS Day is Monday, Dec. 1 annually. This year on Friday, December 5 the BQC is hosting a World AIDS Day awareness event at our BQC Center. Do you have art, memorabilia, books, posters or other items you would like to share during this evening event? We will be on the Downtown Bellingham Partnership First Friday Art Walk Tour from 6:00 - 8:30 PM. This will also be a time to gather to discuss, remember,learn and build awareness around AIDS.
Please email us at info@bellinghamqueercollective.org if you would like to participate in this event in any way; through volunteering or sharing art or memorabilia.
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| | | Generations of Pride Wed.Dec. 3 5:00 PMLast Dinner of 2025 |
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We just enjoyed our October Halloween event on October 29, costume contest included! Congratulations Robert for your winning Bulletin Board costume!
Due to the November and December holidays we will combine our monthly November and December dinners on one date; Wednesday Dec 3, 2025 at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center 5:00 PM. Come enjoy our winter market in December!
Generations of Pride is a coalition of BQC, PFLAG Whatcom/Bellingham, and LGBTQ+ Western. This is an intergenerational program that helps us socialize and build community for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are 18+. Dinners are FREE and catered, thanks to a generous grant from WWU. You are welcome to bring a dessert or side dish if you like. Each dinner has a theme and fun activities to help us learn about and get to know each other. We meet up from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center on the last Wednesday of the month. |
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| | 2025-2026 Sponsors/Partners |
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| | | | Thank you for being part of our BQC community and receiving our monthly email! Even though we have over 2,000 members in our private FB group and post events and reminders there, we know many of our members are not FB users. We do not want to solely rely on FB moving forward just in case, so we are adding all of our BQC hosted and supported events to our website under the Upcoming Events Calendar.
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