Affinity Centered Programs
Affinity Centered Programs
These spaces center certain populations. But like all Western Washington University and LGBTQ+ Western events, they are open for all. Anyone who does not identify with the affinity is asked to come open-minded and as an ally to support the people with the identity. If you are interested in starting another Affinity Centered Space, please email lgbtq@wwu.edu.
All of these spaces listed below are open to the community unless otherwise stated. We are committed to providing community spaces inclusive of community members, prospective students, alumni, faculty, and staff. We center the current students needs and cater the activities to that population, but all are welcome.
You are welcome to bring a friend, come and go as needed, whatever you wish!
New Affinity Programs
We are always exploring new affinity spaces for people within the LGBTQ+ community. Some ideas for affinity spaces may work better as an AS Club like the Lavender Menaces, T.A.G. Team, etc. We are always open for suggestions, email lgbtq@wwu.edu if you would like to see another affinity program.
Winter Dates
| Affinity Program | Meeting Frequency | Dates | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black LGBTQ+ Thriving Collective | Hiatus—Event Focused with BSC | |||
| Love Constellations | 1st and 3rd Thursdays | Jan 16th Feb 6th Feb 20th March 6th TBD | 3-4:30pm | Viking Union 740 |
Over the Rainbow In partnership with Older Students of Western Club | Once a Month
| Wed Jan 22nd Wed Feb 12th | 4-6pm | Miller Hall 139 |
| Rainbow Roots | Once a Month | Cancelled | XX | XX |
| Queer & Trans People of Color | Twice a Month 2nd & 4th Thursdays | Jan 9th Jan 23rd Feb 13th Feb 27th Mar 6th | 4-5pm | Viking Union 740 |
| Queer Men's Gatherings | Every Other Wednesday | Jan 15th Jan 29th Feb 12th Feb 16th | 3-4pm | Viking Union 740 |
| Trans Tea | Twice a Month 1st & 3rd Tuesdays | Jan 7th Jan 21st Feb 4th Feb 18th VU 462 Mar 4th | 4-5pm | VU 735 |
Black LGBTQ+ Thriving Collective
The Black LGBTQ+ Thriving Collective exists to advance the holistic wellness and academic success of Black LGBTQ+ Western students.
Winter quarter, we are taking a hiatus. However, the Queer and Trans People of Color Thriving Coordiantors, who run the collective, are working with the Black Student Coalition to ensure Black History Month programming includes supportive services for Black LGBTQ+ people.
Love Constellations
Love Constellations: Gathering for polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous students of all genders and sexualities. Connecting to provide mutual advice, make friends, and discuss concepts, challenges, and joys within the poly and ENM community.
First and Third Thursday of the month from 3-4:30pm in Viking Union 740.
Jan 16th
Feb 6th
Feb 20th
March 6th TBD
Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) Community Check Ins
In collaboration with the Counseling and Wellness Center, we will host this affinity centered space focuses on queer and trans people of color as we discuss resources, current events, pop culture, etc that center Queer and Trans People of Color.
Winter2024 Dates: Second and 4th Thursday of each month during regular session in Viking Union 740 from 4-5pm
- Thurs Jan 9th
- Thur Jan 23rd
- Thur Feb 13th
- Thur Feb 27th
- Thur Mar 6th
Trans Tea
Trans Tea is a space for trans-spectrum and non-binary students and allies to come together to discuss current events, learn about services and resources, and enjoy tea and snacks. Our longest running Affinity Based Program!
Winter 2024 Dates:
The first and third Tuesday of every month! NEW LOCATION Most Weeks
- Tues Jan 7th
- Tues Jan 21st
- Tues Feb 4th
- Tues Feb 18th
- Tues Mar 4th
Queer Men's Gatherings
These meetings are designed to support our Gay, Bi, Queer, and Trans Men on Campus. Empowering this community, establishing support systems, and networking is among many of the things we want to encourage! These spaces are inclusive for trans men and non-binary masculine people.
Every other Wednesday from 3-4pm Viking Union 740
Wed Jan 15th
Wed Jan 29th
Wed Feb 12th
Wed Feb 26th
No March Meetings
Over the Rainbow (NEW!)
Over the Rainbow: This is a space for students who fit any of the following: graduate or postbaccalaureate students, students who have come out later in life, students that are outside the traditional college age of 18-24, students returning to higher education after time away, or any other group of students who want to be in community.
Location: Kitto Graduate Student Hub, Haggard Hall 216.
Winter Dates TBA
Rainbow Roots (New!)
Rainbow Roots: This affinity space is for students with LGBTQ+ family members or navigating their families as LGBTQ+ people. Family comes in infinite ways, and we are providing this space to help students discuss where family and their LGBTQ+ identities intersect. This includes people looking for information on how to support their queer family members.
Location: Viking Union 7th floor Multicultural Center Kitchen
--We also suggest PFLAG Bellingham/Whatcom County for parents and families who want to support their queer family members.