Our story all began with an idea. We wanted to use art to build community, fundraising money for a local Queer/Trans organization.
Max approached Mo after wanting to revive an idea for a cowfolk themed calendar. The goal being to raise funds for a local group while also using a fun theme to reclaim the genre. Have you ever seen those sexy firemen calendars? Well, that was our goal, make it so each month is represented by one of our fellow community member owning the awesomeness that they are. Only a little bit of spicy energy, knowing each person is showing up in their true selves.
The planning started in November 2024, and Emerson joined in March 2025 to help with organizing. Once Spring started QCC saw Fruit Salad hosting a Howdy camping weekend and that’s when Sarah joined our co-collaborator crew. Sarah helped QCC to connect us with community members and spaces, styling and prop direction, and overall event planning.
Once QCC defined the themes and chose locations we really wanted to team up and collaborate with as many 2SLGBTQIA+ vendors, locations, rentals, etc as QCC possibly could to make sure it was a “for us, by us” project.
Queer Calendar Collective is forever grateful to all the models, vendors, and collaborators they’ve been able to work alongside.
Meet the team
(He/they)
Emerson identifies as a nerdy, neurodiverse, genderqueer, person of colour with a passion for DEI focused projects within both community and corporate environments. Emerson strives to advocate for initiatives like Queer Calendar Collective, that inspire change and is focused on embracing inclusivity and equity. Emerson brought their passion for team management, customer service, networking, and sales management to the QCC team.
Emerson Williams
(She/they)
Sarah B. is a Black biracial, queer, neurodiverse, disabled, independent parent and the primary dreamer behind Fruit Salad. Sarah also has a background in fashion and display styling, is a maker at My Dad and Me Everyday Ornaments, a mindful movement teacher and the founder of Mixed in Hamilton, a space for mixed race folks to share their unique stories. Sarah is committed to noticing who or what is missing when creating space and community and is passionate about using her intersecting identities to create a bridge of knowledge and understanding across all of their platforms.
Sarah B
(They/them)
Max was a homeschooled jungle freak who grew up in a small farming town. Now, they are a queer AF artist, musician, and single parent from Hamilton, Ontario. They have autism and ADHD and identify as disabled. That looks like doing their best to make it through life and bring more love and kindness to their corner of the world. Max is thrilled to be part of the QCC team - they are the lead on connecting with local trans and queer organizations, a community networker, and bringer of snacks.
Max Gallagher
(They/them/any)
Mo is a genderqueer neurodiverse media artist. Working across design, photography, workshop facilitation, and event planning, Mo brings this organic philosophy to collaborative projects like the Queer Calendar Collective, where they've led everything from creative workshops and artistic direction to photography, design, and strategic coordination. Through their media design biz and community projects, Mo approaches each endeavour as an opportunity to nurture creative ecosystems.