ALK Consulting

ALK Consulting From learning to belonging. LGBTQIA+ inclusion workshops & strategic advising. Empowering queer creatives. Hello! I'm Ali.

I am a Queer nonprofit leader and lifelong learner working to assert the value of the unique role that cultural nonprofits play in the world of social justice. Through ALK Consulting, I further this work by offering LGBTQ+ inclusion workshops to cultural organizations and businesses to create more affirming spaces for staff, visitors, and the community at large.

While she avoided the public spotlight, Elizabeth Bishop’s lasting legacy places her among one of the “one of the most i...
09/21/2026

While she avoided the public spotlight, Elizabeth Bishop’s lasting legacy places her among one of the “one of the most important American poets” of the 20th century.

Across her body of work, she blends present observation with memories of the past with specificity. As a meticulous poet, she would continuously revise her work before allowing them to be published, ultimately only sharing around 100 poems during her lifetime.

Elizabeth Bishop grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts with her grandparents and spent her adulthood in Brazil, New York, and Seattle writing and teaching. She struggled with mental health challenges throughout her life, though her poetry often demonstrates hope and promise.

To learn more about Elizabeth and other q***r icons from Worcester, visit the Q***r & Curious blog: https://alkaneconsulting.com/elizabeth-bishop-q***r-worcester-icons-2026/

Artists John O'Reilly and James "Jim" Tellin built a life together in Worcester, Massachusetts at a time when few gay me...
09/16/2026

Artists John O'Reilly and James "Jim" Tellin built a life together in Worcester, Massachusetts at a time when few gay men could life openly in a committed relationship.

John and Jim shared the role of art therapist at Worcester State Hospital, the first role of its kind at the institution, supporting patients experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges. This arrangement allowed them steady income, while having time to dedicate to their art.

At the age of 65, his work caught national acclaim in 1995, when John's collages were included in the Whitney Biennial.

John and Jim’s Worcester homes were central to their art and community. heir home was filled with artwork, rare books, plants, and novelties to inspire them, as well as host other creatives. In fact, over the decades, several photographers have documented their home, studio, and art collection, capturing its significance as a center of artistic practice and q***r domesticity.

To learn more about John, Jim, and other q***r icons, check out the blog: https://alkaneconsulting.com/john-oreilly-james-tellin-q***r-worcester-icons-2026

From becoming one of the first transgender sanctuary cities in the country to holding the first national Women’s Convent...
09/13/2026

From becoming one of the first transgender sanctuary cities in the country to holding the first national Women’s Convention to, debatably, starting the American Revolution, Worcester, has played a role in nearly every major movement for progress in the U.S.

In recognition of Worcester’s Pride celebrations throughout September, I’m celebrating q***r icons who called Worcester home and meaningful moments for the LGBTQIA+ community that happened here, starting with transmasculine coach driver, "One-Eyed Charley."

Charley Parkhurst's driving skills were known nationally and mythologized when it was discovered after his death that he was assigned female at birth.

Charley's q***rness is often erased in the name of women's history, but nonetheless his story stands as a testament of 19th Century gender-bending.

Discover the full story on the blog: https://alkaneconsulting.com/one-eyed-charley-parkhurst/

As we enter September, my hometown of gets just a big more sparkly. Q***r inclusion is important all year round, which...
09/09/2026

As we enter September, my hometown of gets just a big more sparkly.

Q***r inclusion is important all year round, which is why Worcester (and many other cities!) amplify LGBTQIA+ pride outside of June.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing the four stories of q***r joy, resilience, and love spanning over 200 years in Worcester.

09/02/2026

Four years after hanging up my proverbial shingle, it’s time for a little refresh that truly represents the core of my work — me!

***rJoy

.Consulting moves organizations from inclusion as a statement to inclusion as a practice. That work starts with a good q...
09/02/2026

.Consulting moves organizations from inclusion as a statement to inclusion as a practice. That work starts with a good question — and the curiosity to keep asking.

This new visual identity, brought to life by , is grounded in warm colors and botanical elements that evoke feelings of authenticity, belonging, and comfort. Bold sparks of color and abstract designs inspire joy and curiosity.

Fonts are selected for their accessibility, namely Atkinson Hyperlegible designed by , carrying through our commitment to intersectional inclusion in every design.

It took a long time for me to break out of the mold of what an entrepreneur is supposed to be. While I brought my authen...
08/25/2026

It took a long time for me to break out of the mold of what an entrepreneur is supposed to be.

While I brought my authentic experience and vulnerability to every inclusion workshop, I wasn’t always comfortable sharing my full sparkle in my business.

As ALK Consulting has evolved, I’ve grown into my own identity as a genderq***r, neurodivergent advisor / drag king / accidental numbers nerd / aunt / partner.

It’s time for my branding to come out of the closet and into the sun to reflect every bold, bright facet of me and my work.

Thank you to for guiding me on this journey.

It took a long time for me to break out of the mold of what an entrepreneur “should” be. While I brought my authentic ex...
08/25/2026

It took a long time for me to break out of the mold of what an entrepreneur “should” be.

While I brought my authentic experience and vulnerability to every inclusion workshop, I wasn't always comfortable sharing my full sparkle in my business.

As ALK Consulting has evolved, I've grown into my own identity as a genderq***r, neurodivergent advisor / drag king / accidental numbers nerd / aunt / partner.

It's time for my branding to come out of the closet and into the sun to reflect every bold, bright facet of me and my work.

Thank you to Mickey Lee Creative for guiding me on this journey.

What’s your reason for following me?
08/03/2026

What’s your reason for following me?

Happy Pride Month from my Chief Workforce Officer who insists on the importance daily naps in the sun - especially when ...
06/04/2026

Happy Pride Month from my Chief Workforce Officer who insists on the importance daily naps in the sun - especially when there’s rainbow refracted light.

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