About BQAC
Founded in 2010 by Ed Negron and Michael Oboza to serve Chicago's bisexual and queer community.
Our Mission
It is BQAC's mission to educate, empower, and provide resources for bisexual and queer persons.
Education
Teaching bisexual and queer communities and the broader public about bi+ experiences, identities, and the issues we face.
Awareness
Raising visibility of bisexual and queer issues to reduce stigma and build understanding across Chicago and beyond.
Resources
Gathering and sharing the information, tools, and support networks our community needs to thrive.
Community Care
Taking charitable action to directly support the bisexual and queer community through programs, events, and partnerships.
Our Impact
BQAC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Join the community that's been showing up for bi+ people since 2010.
Become a Founding Member — FreeOur Story
How we began and where we're headed
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.
Nonprofit Status
Achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, formalizing our commitment to community and unlocking new opportunities to expand programs and partnerships.
Research & Advocacy
Contributed to MAP's Invisible Majority Report on bisexual disparities, amplifying bisexual voices and advancing equity alongside regional organizations.
Strategic Growth
The board conducted its first strategic retreat to sharpen community outreach and set the direction for BQAC's next decade of impact.
A Decade of Impact
Member Auggie Rodriguez created a documentary marking our first ten years—celebrating the community we built and the road ahead.
Current Board
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.
Greg Newton
Director
Director of Clinical and Education and Veterans Discussion Group Coordinator. Joined the board in 2022 after getting involved with BQAC in September 2021. Partners with the Chicago Bridge Project to assist food and home insecure communities.
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.
Chaim Ezra Harrison
Director
Joined the board in August 2025. Writer and editor, and Managing Editor at 'just femme & dandy' zine. Board member of Hillel at Miami University.
This Story Is Still Being Written
We've been building community for 16 years. Now we're creating an online home — and the founding members will help shape it.
Free forever • No pressure • Your identity is never questioned here