FAQs
Are you accepting volunteers?
Yes! We are now accepting volunteers to fill the following specific roles…
Grant Research & Writing
Graphic Design
Housekeeping
Gardening & Yard Maintenance
Event Facilitation (Youth programming facilitators must be level 2 background checked)
Event Setup/Breakdown
Please reach out to queerexpressionstpete@gmail.com for the volunteer application.
Are you accepting physical donations for your community center?
We accept physical donations in the form of craft supplies, food or beverage, books, zines, artwork, instruments, and other creative materials. Please email queerexpressionstpete@gmail.com or reach out to Queer Expression St Pete via Instagram direct message to coordinate drop-off.
We currently are not accepting clothing donations.
Accessibility
The Nest is a one-story residential house with three, small wide steps leading up to the front entrance. A collapsible ramp will be available upon request. The garden/backyard is accessible through the side gate.
We recognize that immunocompromised community members are more likely to get very sick with SARS-CoV-2, the flu, or RSV.
We provide various types of high-quality masks and hand sanitizer at the door of The Nest. Masking is not guaranteed by everyone at each event. However, community members are encouraged to stay home when sick and get regularly tested so that everybody can safely participate. If you are in need of financial assistance in order to purchase a SARS-CoV-2 test, please email queerexpressionstpete@gmail.com or reach out to Queer Expression St Pete via Instagram direct message.
Please find the anonymous covid tracing form here. If you attended a QE event or visited The Nest and have since tested positive, please fill out the information below so we can inform others who attended to test and mask.
Ear plugs, stim toys, and a “calm-down space” are provided in case of overstimulation.
We refrain from using strobe lights or flash photography.
Transportation
St Pete has an average walk score of 43 with over 250,000 residents. A “good” walk score is typically over 70.
Because of this, Queer Expression St Pete is willing to sponsor low-income community members’ ubers, lyfts, gas, or public transportation fees.
If you are in need of transportation to The Nest, please email queerexpressionstpete@gmail.com or reach out to Queer Expression St Pete via Instagram direct message.
What are QE’s capacities?
QE organizers have extremely limited capacities. No one is paid for the work they provide and all funds raised go directly back into QE programming. We consist of ~20 people who coordinate QE on top of being students, working full-time/multiple jobs, etc. Many of us are also neurodivergent and/or disabled.
We do not offer crisis-level intervention (self-harm/suicidal ideation/attempts, overnight housing, etc.). We are not trained counselors. Please refer to this list of resources if you are in crisis.
We are not a childcare center. For children under 11 parents or guardians must remain present for the entire event. Please note that we do not assume responsibility for your small child's supervision or safety once they enter our premises.
Before youth 11 and older can participate in any activities or events, QE requires parental consent and registration. This process ensures that parents are aware of their child's participation and have provided necessary contact information and emergency contacts.
What are QE’s community expectations?
Unacceptable behavior from anyone at QE, including organizers, will not be tolerated. QE’s ultimate priority is marginalized people’s safety over privileged people’s comfort. Unacceptable behaviors are outlined in The Nest’s Code of Conduct.
If you would like to report an instance of violence, harassment, discrimination, and/or abuse, or feel you have been unfairly accused of violating this policy, please fill out our Incident Report Form.
Queer Expression St Pete is an Abolitionist organization that practices restorative justice. That being said, we have a zero tolerance policy for violence, harassment, discrimination, or abuse.
We do not have the ability to mediate interpersonal conflict, but can assist with mediating how the two people can enter the QE space (with a trained individual present). The individuals reviewing our incident report form are NOT trained in conflict mediation. Further mediation resources for the conflict itself can be shared if requested.
QE is committed to finding ways we can keep each other safe without involving the police. If someone engages in unacceptable behavior, anyone at QE should feel empowered to take action to address the situation (i.e., alerting a facilitator, talking to the person involved, filling out our Incident Report form etc.).
In cases where somebody is an immediate danger, a ban may be put in place until safety concerns are addressed.
We believe in restorative justice that centers survivors and commits to accountability, while also believing that no one is irredeemable.
Do you take feedback and suggestions?
Yes! We want to hear about your experience at QE so that we can better understand what is working and what needs to be improved! Please fill out this Feedback and Suggestions Form. We look forward to continuously growing, changing, and adapting according to community feedback.