Deaf Queer Men Only (DQMO) was established in 2008 at its inaugural event in San Francisco, California. Inspired by the Deaf Lesbian Festival, eight Deaf queer men–Dan Baer, Jim Brune, Daniel Girard, Todd Higgins, Brian Martinez, Ken Mikos, David Weiss, and Butch Zein—organized the first DQMO.

DQMO is a biannual event that has been held eight times across six cities and three countries so far. Now, it comes to the Twin Cities of Minnesota next year in 2026. It is a social gathering of Deaf Queer Men.

Meet the 2026 Team

Andrew Bjarnvold

White man with short dark hair, glasses, and beard, in striped shirt, smiling on sunny street with red-and-white flags.

Visual Description

White man with short dark hair, glasses, and beard, in striped shirt, smiling on sunny street with red-and-white flags.

He/Him | Program/Bid Coordinator

Andrew is Deaf and sighted. He grew up in St. Cloud and now lives in St. Paul. A self-described jack of all trades (except car maintenance), he enjoys staying active in the theatre community as both an actor and a director. In his free time, Andrew finds joy in creative projects, collaboration, and sharing stories on stage.

Heath Focken

White man with light brown hair and beard smiling outdoors with greenery and mountains in the background.

Visual Description

White man with light brown hair and beard smiling outdoors with greenery and mountains in the background.

He/They | Project Manager

Heath is Deaf and sighted. He is an animal lover who cares for a deaf dog, two cats, and a tank full of fish. Originally from Nebraska, he moved to Minnesota in 2022 and enjoys exploring nature and growing vegetables. Heath is also known for his amazing cooking skills, especially his homemade Runzas.

Jack Williams

White man in black cap and coral tank top smiling by rocky shoreline under a cloudy sky.

Visual Description

White man in black cap and coral tank top smiling by rocky shoreline under a cloudy sky.

He/Him | Hospitalty

Jack is Deaf and sighted. He is a proud uncle of 12, cat dad to two spoiled pets, and a lover of the outdoors. Born in Minnesota and educated in New York, he enjoys gardening, camping, and cooking. Jack is always up for adventure and can never say no to a crème-filled donut.

José Magallanes

Latino man with trimmed beard and mustache, beige cap with rooster patch, white mesh tank, silver chain, outdoors at night.

Visual Description

Latino man with trimmed beard and mustache, beige cap with rooster patch, white mesh tank, silver chain, outdoors at night.

He/Him | Entertainment

José is Deaf and sighted. Raised in Chicago, he moved to Minnesota in 2012. He has worked at Banana Republic for nearly 20 years and enjoys travel, dance, walking, baseball, and movies. José loves cooking Mexican food and is proud to share joy and energy within the Deaf community.

Patrick Vellia

White man in black chef’s uniform and hat, standing with arms crossed and smiling slightly.

Visual Description

White man in black chef’s uniform and hat, standing with arms crossed and smiling slightly.

He/Him | Website & A11y

Patrick is DeafBlind. He is a professional chef by day and a web developer by night. A former triathlete, he graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a degree in American Sign Language and a minor in Business Administration. Patrick brings creativity and dedication to everything he does.

Reed Kutney

Native American man with short dark hair, blue eyes, nose piercing, in black shirt, smiling before artwork with colorful hand signs.

Visual Description

Native American man with short dark hair, blue eyes, nose piercing, in black shirt, smiling before artwork with colorful hand signs.

He/Him | TBD

Reed is Deaf and sighted. He grew up in Minneapolis and enjoys the energy of city life. With Native American and white heritage, he values connection and culture. Reed has worked at Macy’s for 12 years and enjoys hiking, biking, and good conversations with friends.

Rocky Boyd

White man with full dark beard, cap, and white shirt with sunglasses clipped on, smiling outdoors in grassy landscape.

Visual Description

White man with full dark beard, cap, and white shirt with sunglasses clipped on, smiling outdoors in grassy landscape.

He/Him | Graphic Design

Rocky is Deaf and sighted. Born and raised in Iowa, he is the only Deaf person in his family and is proud to be openly gay. He enjoys outdoor activities year-round, games, anime, food, and movies. Since moving to the Twin Cities in 2022, he has met many amazing people and is excited for more adventures ahead.

Tim Riker

White man with short red hair and beard, smiling in a navy shirt outdoors near a tree and parked car.

Visual Description

White man with short red hair and beard, smiling in a navy shirt outdoors near a tree and parked car.

He/Him | Public Relations

Tim is Deaf and sighted. Born in Maryland near Washington, D.C., he now calls Minnesota home. He enjoys biking, exploring art and parks, and walking his dachshund dogs around the lakes. Tim has a passion for plant-based cooking, making great coffee, and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Everett Glenn

Bald man with glasses and neatly groomed facial hair, smiling in a black collared shirt in a cozy living room with a brick fireplace and patterned chair behind him.

Visual Description

Bald man with glasses and neatly groomed facial hair, smiling in a black collared shirt in a cozy living room with a brick fireplace and patterned chair behind him.

He/Him

Everett is Deaf and sighted. Originally from California, he relocated to Minnesota a few months ago. He works as a children’s therapist and enjoys paddling, walking his dog, and playing pickleball.

Troy Mezera

White man with gray mustache and goatee, glasses, dark cap, and light blue shirt sitting in stadium seats.

Visual Description

White man with gray mustache and goatee, glasses, dark cap, and light blue shirt sitting in stadium seats.

He/Him | A117/Fundraising/Budget

Troy is DeafBlind. He grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and now lives in Minneapolis. He is a proud Green Bay Packers shareholder and a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers. Troy loves traveling, watching sports, and giving back through volunteer committee work.

Read More on Wikipedia

There is a Wikipedia page that is maintained to chronicle the history of Deaf Queer Men Only.