August 2025 Newsletter
Lower Columbia Q Center Monthly Newsletter: August
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn!
The summer months are slowly coming to an end, but we sure had fun! This August, in addition to our regular programming, we hosted a Family Storytime at the Park; A Queer Lil’ Hike; held an Open House to meet the Board; and hosted a Volunteer Training Day. We also made some changes to our website and schedule, providing more queer affirming resources and support for the community.
We are honored to continue serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, upholding our mission of being a safe and affirming nonprofit resource center that provides outreach, education, gender affirming care, and financial support to the queer community and allies of the Lower Columbia region. Thank you to all of our generous donors, sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and friends for supporting the Lower Columbia Q Center.
As we prepare for the end of summer and beginning of fall, we can expect some scheduling changes to best serve our community. Continuing in September, our drop-in office hours will be available Monday - Thursday by appointment only. Please reach out to us to schedule a time to connect. Whether you’re looking for gently used clothing, personal hygiene products, new supplies, or someone affirming to talk to - we got you covered.
Support Groups & Workshops:
Queer Youth: Starting in September, we are excited to offer an After School Club for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth and Allies (13-17), Monday - Thursday from 3p - 5:30p, in addition to our weekly youth group time. This is an opportunity for youth to have a safe space to connect with peers, have snacks, create art, read, play games, start homework, receive life skills support from community partner organizations, and have access to queer affirming health and wellness services. Please reach out if you’d like to volunteer / support this program.
Keeping it Queer YA Group (18-29) meets every Monday at 5:30p for young queer adults interested in creating art, playing games, and building friendships. For more info on meetings, please reach out to Ben@lcqcpride.org
Gender Alliance Group: Gender Alliance Group with Tessa has shifted to meeting twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6p (September 9th and 23rd).
Trans 101 Workshop, a free workshop to the public, will take place on the 3rd Tuesday (September 16th) at 6p.
Queer Recovery Group with CBH will continue to meet every Wednesday, except September 3rd, at 6p at the Lower Columbia Q Center, and every Friday at 12p at the CBH Bond St location.
Queer Educators Affinity Group, sponsored by OEA Choice Trust + NWRESD REN, meets on the 3rd Friday, Sept 19th, at 6p at the LCQC.
Book Clubs:
Family Storytime in the Park: Join us on the third Sunday at 10a at the Children’s Park Playground for family friendly themed stories, singalongs, and play! Join us next time on September 21st. For inclement weather, we will be at the Lower Columbia Q Center.
Trans Philosophy Book Club: We are back from our break, and will return on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 5:30p (on Zoom), starting September 14th, with Gender Outlaw by Kate Bornstein. Contact ben@lcqcpride.org for more info, support in purchasing the book, Zoom link, and our group Discord Server.
Stay tuned for SPECTRUMS Book and Peer Support Group, centering the voices and experiences of Neurodiverse Trans People.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday September 13th, 11a: Memoir Writing Workshop with Zoë Bossiere, author of Cactus County. Held at the LCQC.
Sunday September 14th and 28th, 5:30p on Zoom: Trans Philosophy Book Club: Gender Outlaw by Kate Bornstein
Saturday September 27th, 10a (full): Maritime Mat Weaving with CRMM
Sunday September 21st, 10a: Family Story Time at the Park
Sunday September 28th, 3p: PORTLAND LESBIAN CHOIR Benefit Show at the Liberty. $15
If you want to get involved or learn more about the LCQC, please visit our website or reach out to info@lcqcpride.org.
Thank you for supporting the Lower Columbia Q Center, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
With gratitude,
-Benedetto DeFrancisco (they/he)
The Lower Columbia Q Center, Executive Director
ben@lcqcpride.org
