About BLQ 901
We exist because Memphis lacks dedicated spaces for Black queer adults.
At BLQ 901, we believe that Belonging + Cultural Wellness + Representation = Retention. By creating intentional spaces for this community, we hope to retain Black queer individuals in Memphis and ensure they feel seen, valued, and safe to be their full, authentic selves.
We’re showing up in places that already welcome us and building something even bigger together. We imagine a Memphis where every person can show up exactly as they are,through joy, connection, and community.
Meet the Creators of BLQ 901
Mia Trapp (she/her)
Mia is a Mississippi native proudly repping Memphis. She earned her B.S. in Marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Capital Development. She works as a Business Development Associate at a Memphis-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing the socioeconomic mobility of young adults by connecting them to meaningful careers.
Passionate about personal growth, community building, and advocacy, Mia strives to create spaces where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just valued but practiced. She also has a strong interest in marketing and enjoys using creative storytelling to highlight voices and experiences that deserve to be seen.
Aspen Humes (she/her)
Aspen is currently repping Memphis by way of Atlanta. She earned her B.A. in Communication and Media Studies from Mississippi State University and her Master of Public Health from Georgia State University. She works with a national nonprofit health plan and integrated healthcare delivery system, supporting projects at the intersection of food, health, and equity.
Her work is deeply informed by her lived experience and a strong commitment to centering voices that are often overlooked. Outside of work, Aspen is a walking Pinterest board, vibe curator, and graphic design guru with a deep love for the arts, writing, and reading. She believes life is best lived with color, curiosity, and a good playlist.
Our First Event
Our first gathering took place at Butteriffic Bakery & Café (IG: butteriffic_bakery_cafe), founded by Tamika Heard, a Black queer woman and passionate baker with over two decades of experience. The event featured DJ Rosamii (IG: rosami.i), a New Jersey native based in Memphis, and Nadia (IG: BlackMajestea), “The Foraging Tea Artisan”, who is the owner and curator of Black MajesTEA, an organic, handcrafted tea company.
With their help, we curated a free mid-day event for Black queer adults in Memphis to gather, connect, play games, and build community. It was a beautiful afternoon of joy, conversation, and belonging, exactly what we hoped for as our first step in creating intentional space.
What’s Next?
Saturday, November 22nd
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Butterffic Bakery & Café
We’re back with our next event, the Book Swap Social! Expect local queer vendors, good vibes, and a welcoming space to connect over books and conversation. Bring a book to swap, stay for the energy, and leave with something new.
Want to Partner?
We’re always excited to connect with local queer artists, businesses, and creatives to bring new events to life.
If you’re a vendor or DJ, visit the link in our Instagram bio (BLQ.901) to fill out our partnership form. For collaborations, or general inquiries, email us at blq901@gmail.com.
Together, we can keep building spaces where our community feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
This blog was written by Mia Trapp
