I’m Travis Gorell. I started The Queer Collaborative in March 2026 because I was tired of seeing queer adults left out of the steady, thoughtful programming our community deserves. With a long history in event planning, I knew how to turn ideas into gatherings that feel intentional, safe, and worth coming back to. I wanted to build something that wasn’t just a one-night event but a dependable place where people could belong, learn, and lead.

Why I started this

There was a gap in our community: queer adults who wanted more than occasional nights out needed consistent opportunities to connect. I imagined regular programs that honored the full range of queer experience—social nights, skill-building workshops, volunteer projects, and civic opportunities—run with care and designed to last. My goal was simple: replace isolation with connection and create programming people could count on.

Who joined me

I didn’t do this alone. Adam Mullis and Kallie Friede joined me on this adventure. Together we founded The Queer Collaborative to turn a shared belief into a living organization. We built our work around three commitments: intentional programming, community leadership, and sustainable stewardship.

What we do now

We create recurring series, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and celebrations that center queer adults. Everything we do is shaped by community input, accessibility, and a commitment to safety. We design events so people can make friends, grow skills, and step into leadership—on their terms.

An invitation

This organization is my legacy to the people I love and the community I call home. If you want a place to belong, to help shape what queer adult life looks like here, or to simply show up and meet people, join us. Help us keep building something steady, welcoming, and lasting.