Charm & Strange is a Home Away From Home in Everett
March 2, 2026 - Everett, WA
Interior Photo of Charm & Strange
Tucked downstairs under The Bayside Cafe, Charm & Strange is a recreational clubhouse and creative community space. The clubhouse is the brainchild of Adair Gearhart (they/them) and the entirely queer-operated board of the 501(c)3 nonprofit. Adair launched the space in December with a clear intention: to offer Everett's queer community a genuinely safe and affirming environment where they can make and share art, learn new things, and find safety and joy in being themselves.
"We want the Everett queer community to be embraced by this city," Adair says, "not just tolerated."
That sentiment is woven into everything about the space. Charm & Strange is open daily from 11 am to 8 pm, and while it's geared toward serving Everett's queer community, everyone is welcome regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Interior Photo of Charm & Strange
A monthly individual membership at Charm & Strange is $25, and offers a safe and affirming environment, art consignment and showcase, art and crafting materials, musical instruments, a clothing exchange closet, hosted classes and activities, a lending library, tabletop games and puzzles, video game consoles, and office space with supplies and equipment. The space includes computers, printers, vinyl cutters, and a sewing machine.
For those who want to support the mission without joining, a $10 monthly donation goes directly into a fund which sponsors memberships for those who otherwise could not afford one. Volunteers are also welcomed with open arms, and those who contribute a minimum number of hours will have their membership compensated in return.
Adair has already witnessed a real positive impact for the community. People have come in, browsed the clothing exchange, tried on things they had never felt free to wear before, and left having taken a small but real step toward expressing who they are. For some, that means feeling comfortable enough to come out as trans or non-binary for the first time - not through any formal announcement, but simply by being in a room where it's safe to try.
Looking Ahead
Adair's goals for the coming year are focused and grounded. The priority is to polish and refine what Charm & Strange already offers, grow its resources, and deepen its engagement with the Everett community. The organization is also planning to participate in Everett Pride this year.
In the meantime, their most immediate need is for consumable office supplies: printer paper, ink and toner, and similar materials that get used up quickly. Donations are welcome.
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