Beyond the Rainbow
About
Beyond the Rainbow – Affinity & Heritage Month Programming
Beyond the Rainbow is a community-centered initiative that uplifts LGBTQIA2S+ communities most impacted by systemic inequities by funding and supporting programming led by queer people of color, transgender people, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented voices.
Through stipends, space access, and production support, community members are empowered to design and lead workshops, cultural events, gatherings, and educational opportunities that reflect their lived experiences, histories, and visions for the future.
While the program often supports events connected to heritage and affinity months, it is not limited by them. Beyond the Rainbow recognizes that culture, identity, and community exist year-round, and that people deserve opportunities to gather, celebrate, heal, and organize beyond designated months of recognition.
Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all programming, Beyond the Rainbow prioritizes community leadership, ensuring that those closest to the work have the resources and autonomy to shape it.
Key goals include:
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Increasing representation of queer and trans people from marginalized communities in leadership roles
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Removing financial and logistical barriers to hosting community-led events
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Supporting culturally specific programming throughout the year
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Expanding access to stipends, space, and production resources for grassroots organizers
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Building long-term partnerships with community leaders and cultural groups
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Creating sustained opportunities for education, celebration, healing, and connection beyond performative recognition
Have an idea for a workshop, gathering, cultural event, or community offering? We want to hear from you. If you'd like to design and lead your own Beyond the Rainbow program, please reach out to Programs Administrator Lucero@pdxqcenter.org.
Medicine Bags
with Rose Two-Feather
Join us for an afternoon of reflection, learning, and hands-on creation with Rose Two-Feather. Together, we'll explore teachings of the Medicine Wheel and its connections to balance, healing, and personal growth before creating our own medicine bags to carry intentions, prayers, and meaningful items.
Rose is an Indigenous artist, craftswoman, curandera, designer, and poet of Mescalero Apache (Aztec) and Mestiza lineage. An accomplished entrepreneur and artist since 1988, they have practiced the healing arts for more than 40 years and have walked the Two Spirit Red Road since 1987. Rose has been recognized as a Keeper of the Rock within their Mayan Clan and is passionate about sharing knowledge that supports empowerment, enrichment, and community healing.
This workshop welcomes participants of all backgrounds who are interested in Indigenous teachings, creativity, and personal reflection.
Date: August 8th
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Q Center
Cost: Free
Space is limited. Advance registration is encouraged.
Past Workshops
Drag Workshop Series
with Destiny Smokez
In April, Q Center hosted a four-week Drag Workshop Series led by Destiny Smokez (Umbruh / Deity Flora), an acclaimed performer, producer, and community leader whose work spans drag, burlesque, and Portland ballroom culture.
Designed for both aspiring and experienced performers, the series invited participants to explore the art of drag through persona development, stage presence, crowd engagement, improvisation, makeup, costuming, and performance skills. The workshop culminated in a community drag showcase where participants brought their creations to life on stage.
Drawing on years of experience producing Mélange, a celebrated BIPOC variety show, and participating in West Coast ballroom culture, Destiny guided attendees through a creative and affirming process of self-expression, confidence-building, and performance development.
This free workshop series reflected Q Center's commitment to providing accessible opportunities for queer and trans community members to explore creativity, cultivate new skills, and celebrate authentic self-expression.
