The BQMS grant is a recurring grant for trans, non binary, or two-spirit sewists and makers. It is open to ANY sewer or maker who self identifies as trans, non binary, or two-spirit.
Money is challenging, and trans* folx are more likely than others to have less access to resources, which is some hot garbage. I feel strongly that our community should work together to help alleviate inequality.
Apply!
I invite all trans, non binary, and/or two-spirit makers and sewists to apply to the grant fund! It runs on a recurring basis.
Current Information:
The application and grant cycle for February 2025 is CLOSED
Stay tuned for the next cycle.
Support the Grant Fund
Want to support the grant fund? The BQMS grant is funded in two ways:
- Via a % of income from Patreon
- Direct donations
You can help make sure the grant fund continues to help trans* sewists and makers by spreading the word! And if you have some extra money to spare, you can also help by signing up on Patreon or contacting me directly to fund the grant specifically. You can reach me on Instagram (@bequeermakestuff), Bluesky (@bequeermakestuff) or via email (embry.whitmore@gmail.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
I am queer but not trans. Can I apply?
No. Thanks for your interest, but this grant fund is only available to individual sewists and makers who self identify as trans, non binary, and/or two-spirit. Thanks so much for being interested! You can do your part by spreading the word and making sure the trans and/or non binary people in your life know they can apply.
I’m not out to everyone / my family doesn’t know I’m trans… can I still apply?
Heck yes. You don’t have to prove anything to me. I believe you. You can be out on your social media or not. I will tag you in stories on Instagram if you win a grant fund, so please let me know if you do Not want that, but I take you at your word when it comes to who you are. Full stop. I can work with you to make sure your safety needs are met.
Do I have to spend the money on fabric?
Nope! You can spend the grant money on whatever you need to or want to. This money is to make your life as a trans* sewist and maker easier, and to give you access to opportunities. You can spend the money on rent, dog food, fancy coffees, stickers, sewing supplies, that one silk you’ve been eyeing, or a new pair of shoes. There are no rules. This money has no strings attached.
That said, if you want to share some projects you work on with the money, I’d love to see them, though!
How are winners picked?
Winners are selected at random, and a winner cannot be a recipient of the BQMS grant fund twice in a row. AKA if you are a recipient in January 2022 and there is a second grant run in March 2022, you cannot win that, even if your name comes up. In that case, I would choose the next randomly selected person.
In the future there may be a project based or needs based element to this fund, but for right now there is not.
I don’t live in the USA/I don’t use USD. What about me?
You are still 100% welcome to apply for the grant! We can work to get you the $ in a way that is useful to you, the grant value will simply be USD translated to your currency.
How is the money distributed?
The grants go out either via a money app like PayPal or Venmo, or via a gift card sent in the physical mail. We can figure out what your needs are if you have a complicating situation.
I have a question that is not on this list!!
Fear not! Let’s get your questions and concerns answered. 🙂 You can reach out to me on Instagram (@bequeermakestuff), Bluesky (@bequeermakestuff) or via email (embry.whitmore@gmail.com)
bequeermakestuff.com 