Table of Contents
The LGBTQ community has always functioned largely as a volunteer-based, wildly creative, and often politically active minority. The organizations that have grown up within us are an even smaller minority within this population that sometimes are not as inclusive or fully engaging the entire diaspora. Representation and active participation continue to be an issue, partly due to so many wondering where they belong and how best they can be active.
Trying a new engagement model is always hard, however. Queer Community Network had previously hosted the Vancouver Pride Block Party, but has chosen to move their focus elsewhere. While incredibly proud of the effect the event had on the area as a whole, and how well it has been received over the years, the board decided to shift focus elsewhere. They are keeping their main efforts set largely on a “consent-based, sociocracy-inspired governance model” approach centered on connection, advocacy and information access that involves everyone at all levels of engagement. As stated on their website, “continuing our involvement would require compromises that do not align with QCN’s values or our responsibility to those we serve.” The five person board is set up to effectively manage day-to-day operations, but insists on a style that is not a “top-down” model, and while they are a functional 5013c non-profit and divide responsibilities, they are able to ensure their goals are based on local needs and engagement.
Made with Pride Series
One of the specific groups within their greater representation are the artists and creatives. Where do we exhibit our work, market to each other, or find spaces to share and display? In general there are few spaces outside of the annual Pride festivals locally that might allow most to sell or even display pieces. And what do we do for the other eleven months? Local art markets often regard anything “political” as banned items, or will even ban a creator of any medium that might show queer pride or familiarity. Where do I even begin with displaying my items, and what materials are needed? QCN is working not only to address and facilitate a space to explore these questions, but bringing mentorship and safe spaces throughout the year to help bring the community together while sharing what others create and wish to share.
Queer Community Network in Vancouver, WA has made a concerted effort to create a “Made with Pride” series of open market days throughout the calendar year at Fourth Plain Commons a regular occurrence for Queer and LGBTQ+ friendly creative makers to share their work and connect with the greater community at large. The series is a wonderful example of how the egalitarian model of engagement and advocacy is working in practice. Torrey Hair of Torrey’s Trinket Trove connected with Terah Ebie (President/Founder QCN) regarding how little exposure and access local queer artists had in our local areas. Torrey is a disabled queer artist that was looking for ways to show their wares and finding few locally, so they proposed a queer market. From that the Made with Pride market series started to take shape. During my time speaking with them both, one item was repeated by Ebie with great focus: “HOW we work and collaborate is important.”
The space itself is an open area with meeting spaces and low-income housing integrated. The first market, titled: “Spring Fling”, was a great success, with an estimated 400 attendees and 25 vendors. The local neighbors and vendors were overwhelmingly happy with the initial launch, and the next market is scheduled for August 8th, and will be from 4:00pm-8:00pm to beat the heat at the same location. As they plan the next event, they are looking for more volunteers, more vendors, and more attendees.
Julia Cameron (author of The Artist’s Way) wrote; “Art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and attics. It brings healing.” QCN appears to be doing this through opening greater avenues to artists, makers, and all of us who look to find ways to better reach each other every day.
Political Engagement
In addition to social events and the arts, they are actively helping with educational projects related to “No Hate in Washington State” and fighting initiatives such as IL26-638 that would require youth athletes to submit to invasive physical examinations to participate in sports, and IL26-001 that would functionally out youth to their families (regardless of safety of the child) which greatly affects queer youth in Washington state. Leadership sessions teaching current and future politically active Washingtonians are being held regularly to help facilitate better discussion on the main points of the current issues affecting us all, as well as providing tools to help us all be more engaged and identify ways to communicate to others how initiatives and laws impact our region.
Community Engagement/Support
Currently QCN is operating with over 95% of funds going directly to programming. They have sponsored 10 scholarships for youth to attend Camp Wild Heart, as well as supporting Camas Pride and Battle Ground Pride. Living Legacy Circle is a monthly meetup for trans people of experience to share, connect and support one another. Wild Heart Book Club (through Wild Heart Society) has four sessions throughout the year for queer, trans and ally affirming literature discussion, and QCN is partnering to assist when the purchase of a book is difficult for any who need - to ensure all are welcome and financial need is not a barrier. All of this also involves partnerships with Gender Justice League, Evoke Cascadia, and grants for the markets from City of Vancouver and WellPoint to open up learning and feedback events to sponsor other forms of engagement and activism. Future projects and experiences are encouraged, as any in the area are welcome to connect, participate and suggest projects that fulfill possibilities not yet thought of.
To volunteer, support or inquire about future events you can see their information and calendar at queerpnw.org, or email them directly at hello@queerpnw.org. Hope to see you all at the next market!
