Queer Life, aka Queer NW, was founded in 2019 with a vision to create an organization that brings together the community through events, networking, and creating a network of what is happening and where to get services. This vision is for everyone to have a seat at the table and help guide the growth so that no one’s voice is ever not heard. You will see this in our mission statement and how the board development and positions were created.

Queer NW is a 501(c)3 and is proud to be a Gold Transparency Awardee by Candid/Guide Star for trustworthiness in operations and financials.

Find out more about Queer Northwest at www.queernw.org!

MISSION & VISION STATEMENTS

Queer NW’s mission is to enhance the betterment of the LGBTQ+ community of the Pacific Northwest by showcasing the unique and talented individuals, groups, and organizations with an emphasis on art, culture, health, and rights that make this community’s diversity incredibly remarkable.
 
Its vision is to create a new purpose for the community, one that is not out of necessity but out of support and respect. Where equity and access are thought of first and programs are built from that perspective to be inclusive and make the intended impact for those that need it. Where every identity, background, and heritage are invited to help shape and form their future together.

Our instructors

Anthony Polimeni

Program Director

Anthony is the founder of Queer Northwest. His passion for helping share the voices of the LGBTQ+ community is the inspiration for this course.

With the current dynamics happening throughout the country, preserving and saving our history is important. We must help those that are willing to use their voices to share and support it in every way we can.

Anthony is the program directory for Queer Journalism.

Polly Straub-Cook

Journalism Instructor

Polly Straub-Cook holds a journalism degree from the University of Washington and has 10 years of experience running a community newspaper as a reporter and editor. She holds a master’s degree in communication and is completing a PhD at UW studying how people engage with mediated information when thinking and talking about politics. She teaches media writing, journalism, public interest communication, strategic communication, and media ethics at the University of Washington and at Seattle University. She also is a publicist in the blues music world. 

A SPecial thank you!

Because of funding from the Tacoma Creates grant and our special partners we are able to provide this program free of charge. Any money raised to support the program will be used to advance Queer Visibility and Voices into the future.

Tacoma Creates supports programming that is by and for culturally or ethnically specific communities, and other underrepresented groups.

ABOUT TACOMA CREATES

Tacoma Creates is a voter-approved initiative to increase access to arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences throughout Tacoma by reducing barriers to access and expanding offerings, particularly for underserved youth. Eligible non-profit arts, culture, heritage, and science organizations are able to apply for funding that helps them expand equitable access to public programs, increase opportunities in neighborhoods throughout Tacoma, expand educational options for youth, and build sustainability for ongoing cultural programs that provide value for people throughout the City of Tacoma.

Find out more about Tacoma Creates at www.tacomacreates.org!