About BQAC

Ed Negron, Mikey Oboza along with other bisexual and queer individuals came together in October 2010 to found Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago.

Our Mission

It is BQAC's mission to educate, empower, and provide resources for bisexual and queer persons.

Teaching bisexual and queer communities and the broader public about bi+ experiences, identities, and the issues we face.

Building confidence and leadership so bisexual and queer people can speak up for themselves, for each other, and for our community.

Gathering and sharing the information, tools, and support networks our community needs to thrive.

Taking charitable action to directly support the bisexual and queer community through programs, events, and partnerships.

How we began and where we're headed

2010
The Beginning
Founded on October 16, 2010 by Ed Negron and Michael Oboza to serve Chicago's bisexual and queer community through education, empowerment, and resources. Early contributors who played important roles in supporting the organization’s mission include Adrienne McCue, Karen McReady, Kaitlin Drury, and Noel Spain.
2014
Nonprofit Status
Achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, formalizing our commitment to community and unlocking new opportunities to expand programs and partnerships.
2016
Research & Advocacy
Contributed to MAP's Invisible Majority Report on bisexual disparities, amplifying bisexual voices and advancing equity alongside regional organizations.
2019
Strategic Growth
The board conducted its first strategic retreat to sharpen community outreach and set the direction for BQAC's next decade of impact.
2020
A Decade of Impact
Member Auggie Rodriguez created a documentary marking our first ten years, celebrating the community we built and the road ahead.

We're stronger because of the community organizations, mental health advocates, and research groups standing alongside us.

Meet the volunteer leaders who steward our mission.

Augusto Rodriguez
President
Director of Operations and coordinator of the General Discussion Group and Men's Discussion Group. Videographer and founder of AR Films Chicago LLC, Auggie believes in bringing diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation within the Bi+ Community.
Hugo Escobar
Vice-President
Director of Partnerships and Outreach, and coordinator of Bi/Queer Movie Night and The Evening Brew. Originally from Guatemala with a degree in Global Education and Spanish Studies from Webster University, and a former Executive Committee member of the Anti-Defamation League.
Asheer Ashraf
Treasurer
Director of Treasury. Passionate about fitness, technology, real estate, and marketing. A sexual abuse and violence survivor dedicated to supporting others on their journey.
Gary Henderson
Secretary
Director of Data, Secretary, and Men's Discussion Group Coordinator. An actor and writer who enjoys languages, reading, film, and art.
Jill Dispenza
Director
Director of Governance. Director of Community Engagement at Northwestern University's Institute for Gender and Sexual Minority Health. Former HIV/STD Services Director at Center on Halsted and holds a Master's degree from Juilliard.

We've been building community for 16 years. Now we're creating an online home, and bi/queer members like you help shape it.

Free forever • No pressure • Your identity is never questioned here