By Kaylen Ross
The Nest, a community home in St. Petersburg, provides a welcoming space designed while keeping people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals in mind. Operated by Queer Expressions St. Pete, the space also embraces anyone looking to connect, create and heal through collective care.
With a focus on grassroots organizing, The Nest has become a vital resource for fostering self-expression in the many forms it takes.
The Nest opened its doors to the community in 2023, with a mission to build community-driven spaces outside of traditional institutional frameworks. The organization intentionally avoids corporate influence. Its volunteer team prioritizes mutual aid and reliance on the community, creating a model of care that challenges systems of oppression.
The home hosts an evolving schedule of events tailored to a range of ages and interests. Programs include DJ classes led by DJ Empower, a journaling workshop where participants create zines and collages, and Sip + Stitch which encourages communal bonding through crotchet. All events are completely free and open to everyone.
Lauren Harris, co-founder of QE and facilitator of the Sip + Stitch program, describes the importance of creating spaces that feel accessible and substance-free.
Participants of Sip + Stitch sew, crochet or work on other creative projects while enjoying mocktails in a relaxing atmosphere.
“Sip + Stitch is about crafting, sure, but through time spent together and conversations over shared interests, we’ve made genuine friendships,” Harris said. “Everyone still has their day jobs, but the short periods where I can come to The Nest and drop the corporate façade, be myself and chat with people like me is the most special thing.”
The Let Kids Be Kids initiative, which encourages children to engage with art in a playful environment, is one of the most appreciated programs for children questioning their sexuality from an early age.
The Nest’s mission is to empower the community, especially youth, to make decisions, develop initiatives and express themselves without constraints or expectations.
The Nest offers an array of thoughtfully designed resources to meet the needs of its target audience. It includes a fully stocked community kitchen, a library featuring banned books, a maker’s space with free art supplies, a sensory room for relaxation, a community garden and a pay-what-you-can washer and dryer. These features echo their promise to ensure access to tools for well-being and creativity, regardless of financial status.
Beyond its physical amenities, The Nest serves as a platform for finding their voice.
Dylan Dames, a musician and event facilitator, said performing at events hosted by QE has given him the confidence to explore his artistry as a person of color.
“This space encourages experimentation,” Dames said. “It’s a place where your voice is heard without feeling the pressure that you may get from other spaces.”
Attendee Yuki Shao echoes this sentiment, describing her experience participating in a lesbian arm-wrestling competition.
“I’m a very competitive person, and I wasn’t even scared of losing,” Shao said. “I think this fear is correlated to the idea of judgment which doesn’t exist here at The Nest.”
The philosophy behind QE’s efforts is rooted in mutual aid and the understanding that healing starts with addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. By prioritizing community-driven initiatives, The Nest fosters an environment where creativity and care are intertwined.
Its programs aim to subvert systems that often marginalize queer and trans bodies and minds, offering a model of radical healing that is both empowering and restorative, according to its attendees.
To protect vulnerable identities such as closeted LGBTQ+, The Nest requires members who want to join to RSVP before receiving the address.
As a grassroots organization, The Nest represents the power of collective action. Their commitment to joy, solidarity and inclusion ensures that the space continues to grow as a sanctuary for those seeking connection and purpose in their lives.