We are an unincorporated non-profit society.

Currently pending official incorporation. We have a bank account and a registered name request as a society. We are waiting for official paperwork.

Queer Centre Society

Meet the Board

  • Jojo Oliver Jaeger

    (he/they) | President

    Jojo takes community very seriously. Though he is relatively new to the island, spending his prior 7 years abroad, he is committed to building a solid network here for himself and others.

    Jojo is the founder of Queer For Queer, Comox Valley’s Queer Artist Collective. His artwork explores Vancouver Island landscapes and abstract connections as a transmasculine individual.

    He does our outreach, thriving on community organizing and emails.

  • meika johnson

    (they/them) | Vice President

    An indigiqueer neurodivergent artist, educator, and community organizer; meika johnson is passionate about creating intentional spaces for people to practice leadership, vulnerability, and friendship. meika grew up along the salish sea and has lived on K’omoks Territory with their dog for 4 years.

    Founder of Camp Kin, a queer youth camp at Comox Lake in 2021 and TRANS NITE in 2024. They lead workshops on boundaries, self-love, and educate allies about SOGI. meika works hard to build intentional community that is resilient to fascism, homophobia, and cancel culture.

  • Bell Arden

    (they/them) | Treasurer

    Bell grew up in South Africa and has spent the past 2.5 years building a life in the Comox Valley. After five years cycling through the Global South, they bring a unique perspective shaped by their travels and a deep commitment to equity. Bell focuses on supporting those most marginalized as a way to create a fairer and more inclusive community for all.

    With a background in engineering and project management, Bell manages Queer Centre’s finances and systems, ensuring the organization operates smoothly. They are passionate about intersectional justice and are dedicated to supporting Queer Centre’s mission to unite and empower the local queer community.

  • Skyler McGavel

    (he/him) (they/them) | Member at Large
    Event Planning


    A proud third-generation Valley local and descendant of John and Lynn Marinus, Skyler channels their family’s leadership legacy to help the Comox Valley grow into an even more inclusive community. With over a decade of experience in social services, they are passionate about creating intentional queer spaces across the Valley.

    When not building community connections, Skyler can be found kayaking, frolicking in the forest, or being a devoted dog dad. Skyler is committed to bringing humor, heart, and a deep commitment to fostering safe, vibrant spaces for everyone in the Valley.

  • Griffin Halpin

    (he/they) | Member at Large
    Research

    Griffin is an interdisciplinary artist with experience in many different areas, and a former Youth Media Project participant through the Comox Valley Art Gallery. They have lived in Comox Valley for 8 years.

    Griffin is passionate about accessibility and equity, practicing attention to detail. He works behind the scenes helping us with our grant writing and is proud to represent our local youth.

  • Lil Briggs

    (she/they) | Member at Large
    Social Media

    Lil Briggs is a 22 year old autistic, queer artist, and business owner. They are passionate about helping neurodivergent and queer youth and strive to uplift their community.

    Lil has lived on Vancouver Island their entire life and in Courtenay for 11 years.

Mission

Our mission is to create an accessible, safe, and inclusive space where queer youth, adults, and allies can come together. We facilitate mutual aid, provide resources, and host educational opportunities and events that strengthen our community, uniting and empowering individuals across the Comox Valley and beyond. By offering a space for organizing, learning, and connection, we aim to foster a resilient, supportive queer network.

Vision

We envision a vibrant and unified queer community that transcends divisions, where everyone has access to the resources, support, and connections they need. Through a dedicated community hub, we will become the heart of queer life in the Comox Valley—where creativity, solidarity, and empowerment flourish. Our center will act as the cornerstone for a stronger, more connected future, bringing together small, segmented networks into a large, accessible, and cohesive whole.

Values

  • Accessibility: We are committed to making our space and resources available to everyone, removing barriers and creating a welcoming environment for all identities and abilities.

  • Mutual Aid: We believe in the power of mutual aid to uplift and support one another, sharing resources and knowledge for the collective good.

  • Inclusion: Our space is open to all queer identities and allies, where diversity is celebrated, and everyone belongs.

  • Equality: We strive for equity in everything we do, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate, thrive, and be heard.

  • Diversity: Celebrating the unique identities and experiences within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

  • Community Empowerment: We aim to unite the fragmented pieces of our community into a stronger, interconnected network that empowers individuals and fosters solidarity.