BBQueer, annually hosted by Eastern Michigan University’s Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Resource Center, welcomes students back to campus by creating community connections and celebrating LGBTQ+ joy.
This year's event will take place Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Student Center patio. Everyone is invited to BBQueer regardless of identity and sexuality, including community members that are not EMU students, says the LGBTRC.
“The biggest goal is to start off the year with a sense of community. I know I have always felt almost relieved to see so many queer people, but also such a queer friendly space," said Elliot Gray, a student intern for the LGBTRC.
There will be barbecue, including vegetarian options, music, drag performances and drag bingo. There is no specific schedule to the event, Gray said. People can grab a plate of food then enjoy socializing with others for the first section of the event. Once people are settled, drag bingo will begin. Drag performances will happen between bingo games, and prizes will be given out to those who win bingo. Drag bingo will be hosted by local performer Jadein Black.
Black wrote that drag bingo takes the traditional bingo game and transforms it into opportunity for interaction, entertainment and community building. The game has much more personality and gives everyone a fun game to participate in, she said.
"I think events like BBQueer are especially powerful because they bring people together in a way that feels joyful and accessible. We get to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities while also inviting allies and people who may not have much experience with the drag community to come, have fun, and learn," Black wrote. "I also think it’s important to recognize that LGBTQ+ students aren't all having the same college experience. Some students may arrive at EMU already confident and connected to the LGBTQ+ community, while others may be questioning, closeted, new to the area, or simply looking for people they can relate to. Events like BBQueer can provide that first point of connection."
Wendy Pulido Rodriguez, a senior majoring in Spanish and teaching English as a second language, has gone to BBQueer every year she has attended EMU.
"I come from an incredibly rural community where it is not common to celebrate diversity or anything that might make you different. When I first attended BBQueer and saw how many people were there from all different walks of life, and everyone was being celebrated and enjoying themselves, it made Eastern feel more like home and a place where people can find belonging. I recommend BBQueer to all of my friends and coworkers because I feel like this event is just full of joy and confidence," Pulido Rodriguez said.
BBQueer is a chance for students and community members to meet each other and build meaningful connections and friendships. Attendees can also learn about the resources the LGBTRC has to offer
The LGBTRC is a resource center on campus, located in room 354 of the Student Center. The LGBTRC provides a safe space for students. The center has games, puzzles, an LGBTQ+-centered library and free gender expressive clothing. It also offers free STI testing with Get Yourself Tested every week, as well as a free binder and bra exchange. It hosts clubs within the center that meet regularly to establish a greater sense of community.
Gray emphasized the importance of celebrating joy at BBQueer.
“The event is centered so deeply in queer joy,” Gray said. “Queerness often focuses on struggle, and what you don't have access to, and all of the forces (that) are working against you and trying to minimize your freedom of expression. So, to highlight queer joy and to highlight the resources that are available, and other queer people living their best lives is an important reminder that queerness shouldn't be and doesn't have to be centered on that struggle. It can be centered on our community, on love, on joy, and self expression and not being alone."
