Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1520667
22 WAC Magazine | wac.net club life affinity group WAC Pride LGBTQ+ group brings together members for events and community By Maya Anderson For years, members of the Washington Athletic Club's LGBTQ+ community have been finding one another and connecting at the Club. But for members Franklin Diaz and Bradley Adams, as well as many others, something more was needed. "Like a lot of groups at the WAC, ours strives to help connect members and build a community," Franklin says. As one of the LGBTQ+ affinity group's founding members, Franklin has been at the forefront of strengthening the community at the WAC, planning events, and welcoming new members. "e group is a family within a family," says co-founder Bradley, who sits on the Program Board and serves as vice chair of the Engagement Committee. "We all love the WAC, and that just makes the bond stronger." e LGBTQ+ group launched in 2022. Its first event, a trip to see the holiday lights at Woodland Park Zoo, brought together close to a dozen WAC members. Earlier this year, the group hosted a "Barbie" watch party in the WAC Simulator, went wine tasting at SODO Urbanworks, and hosted one of their popular socials in Torchy's Bar. "e LGBTQ+ community at the WAC is thriving," Club Programs Director Mary Ellen Jilek says. "It's great to see how quickly this group has grown. eir events are always a hit, and members are using the WAC Chat to plan other get-togethers." Franklin joined the WAC in 2021 and soon aerward began volunteering on the In the Know Committee. He is currently vice chair of the 20s/30s Committee and sits on the Program Board as well as the Membership & Marketing Committee. "Being involved in WAC committees has been a fantastic experience in understanding the Club," he says. "is translated into ways to give the LGBTQ+ affinity group better visibility and tools to network and foster relationships." e LGBTQ+ group constantly welcomes new members and ideas about future events. is year for Pride Month, the group is planning to cheer on the Seattle Seawolves at Seawolves Pride Night on June 9. ey are also hosting a Pride Brunch on June 30 prior to the Seattle Pride Parade. Other ideas for upcoming events include traveling to a reciprocal club and taking the train to Vancouver. "We want to bring the communities of Seattle and the WAC together," Bradley says. LGBTQ+ Pride Night at the Seawolves; June 9 Pride Brunch; June 30 Tap Events on the app home screen to reserve. Volunteer with Club Programs Volunteering on a Club Programs event planning committee is one of the best ways to meet fellow members and get more involved with the WAC. For details on this year's sign-ups, which run July 1–31, see page 24. To learn more about the LGBTQ+ group, email Franklin Diaz at wac@frankaz.com.