Frequently Asked Questions

PHX Beyond Binary is building Arizona's first trans-centered hackerspace in Phoenix, a community space where trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people can learn technical skills, work on projects, and simply exist without question. We combine the casual hangout vibe of a community living room with access to maker resources. We're planning equipment like 3D printers, electronics stations, and various tools, subject to funding and availability.

A hackerspace is a community-operated workspace where people come together to learn, create, and collaborate on projects. Think of it as a shared workshop with tools and equipment that would be too expensive or impractical to own individually. Hackerspaces typically focus on digital projects, electronics, and robotics, while makerspaces lean more toward physical fabrication and crafts, though there's a lot of overlap. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with computer hacking in the illegal sense. It's about creative problem-solving and making things.

We're targeting Q1-Q2 2026, contingent on funding and securing a location. We're currently in our founding member campaign to demonstrate community demand and raise initial funds.

Somewhere in Phoenix proper, likely Midtown or North Phoenix. We're focused on Phoenix because the city lacks trans-centered third spaces, unlike some surrounding areas. The specific location hasn't been secured yet, as lease negotiations require demonstrating financial backing first.

Quinn Penney is the sole founder. Quinn is a Senior Software Engineer with 9 years of experience and a transgender individual who began their transition at 27. The organization grew out of Quinn's desire to create the space they wished they had during their own journey: a place to exist, learn skills, and find community without question.

PHX Beyond Binary operates as an LLC for several practical reasons: • Political freedom: 501(c)(3) nonprofits are prohibited from endorsing political candidates and face restrictions on lobbying. As an LLC, we can freely advocate for trans rights and publicly support candidates who champion our community. • Speed to launch: Forming an LLC is faster and simpler than establishing a 501(c)(3), which can take 6-18 months and requires extensive paperwork. • Operational flexibility: LLCs have fewer restrictions on how they can operate, generate revenue, and make decisions. • Expert advice: Members of HeatSync Labs (Arizona's longest-running hackerspace) who advise us specifically recommended the LLC structure based on their experience. • Grant access through fiscal sponsorship: We're pursuing fiscal sponsorship through Social Good Fund, which allows us to accept tax-deductible donations and apply for grants while maintaining our LLC structure. The legal structure doesn't change our mission or values. We're community-focused regardless of what paperwork we filed.

Currently, the organization is self-funded by the founder. We're building toward a sustainable model that includes: • Membership dues: Tiered from $10-75/month, with higher tiers subsidizing community-rate memberships • Event contributions: Some workshops and events have suggested contributions or ticket prices depending on materials and instruction involved • Founding member campaign: One-time contributions to help us launch • Fiscal sponsorship: Enables tax-deductible donations and grant applications • Equipment sponsorships: Partnerships with manufacturers for tools and equipment We're specifically avoiding funding sources that would compromise our mission or come with strings attached.

Founding member contributions made directly to the LLC are not tax-deductible, but they directly support our launch.

Membership dues cover operating costs: rent, utilities, internet, insurance, equipment maintenance, and consumables (like 3D printer filament). Our goal is to reach enough members that dues alone cover monthly operations, making the space sustainable long-term.

There's a critical difference between "inclusive" and "centered." Most spaces that call themselves "inclusive" or "trans-friendly" treat trans people as an accommodation, welcome but not the baseline the space was designed around. Trans-centered means trans people ARE the baseline. Trans people set the standards for comfort and safety. When conflicts arise, trans needs are prioritized. The culture, norms, and expectations are shaped by trans experiences from the start. PHX Beyond Binary is trans-centered. This doesn't mean others are excluded; it means trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people are the foundation everything else is built on.

Yes. The space is open to the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum and genuine allies who support the mission and respect trans culture. The key word is "respect." If you're coming as an ally, we expect you to meaningfully support the space and understand that trans comfort and safety are the priority.

Anyone who shows up with bad-faith rhetoric, harassment, or behavior that makes trans members uncomfortable will be asked to leave. This is a private membership space, and we reserve the right to refuse or revoke membership. We take safety seriously.

Yes, the space is currently 18+ only. This simplifies legal requirements and helps us avoid becoming a political target. We're exploring partnership with one•n•ten (which serves LGBTQ youth ages 11-24) to potentially create programming pipelines in the future.

No. While trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people are our primary audience, we welcome anyone in the LGBTQ+ community and allies who genuinely support our mission. What matters is that you respect the trans-centered culture of the space.

You're welcome here. Many people are at different stages of understanding themselves, and this is a space to explore without pressure or judgment. You don't need to have everything figured out.

We're planning a space with room for: • Community area: Couches, casual seating, gathering space for events • Maker/tech area: Workbenches, equipment, and tools • Kitchen/social area: Coffee, snacks, casual gathering space • Gender-neutral restrooms: Non-negotiable requirement The vibe is more "community living room" than sterile coworking space. Think couches, movies playing, video games available, music in some areas. Final layout will depend on the location we secure and budget constraints.

We're exploring equipment such as: • 3D printers (FDM) • Electronics workstation (soldering, components, basic tools) • Computers/workstations with member profiles • Hand tools and maker supplies • Potentially: laser engraver, vinyl cutter, sewing machine (depending on funding) Equipment availability is subject to funding, safety certifications, and operational requirements. Specific items may change as we assess community needs and budget constraints.

Daytime (casual co-working): The space functions as a hangout environment. Come work on projects, play games, watch movies, or just exist around other people who get it. No structured programming, just community. Evenings (structured programming): Workshops, classes, and events. Examples might include: • Technical workshops (coding, 3D printing, electronics) • Career development sessions • Trans-specific programming (voice training, makeup tutorials, name/pronoun practice) • Social events and game nights

Absolutely not. "Hackerspace" is in our name, but you don't need to touch a single piece of equipment to belong. Someone who comes just to hang out, play games, and socialize is using the space exactly as intended. There's no pressure to be "productive" or "technical."

Based on community feedback, we're planning: • Voice training practice groups • Makeup tutorials and practice sessions • Fashion and presentation workshops • Name/pronoun practice spaces • Navigating gender expression at work • Healthcare navigation support These skills are as important as technical skills for many community members.

We're planning a tiered membership structure: • $10/month: Solidarity tier, community-subsidized, made possible by members at higher tiers • $25/month: Community tier, standard membership • $50/month: Supporter tier, includes additional benefits like a personal storage locker • $75/month: Sustainer tier, for those who want to give more to support the community • Commercial use: See "Can I use the space for commercial purposes?" Higher tiers help make the space accessible to everyone while unlocking additional benefits. The $10 tier exists because the community takes care of each other, but it only works if enough members choose higher tiers.

Founding members are people who contribute during our pre-launch campaign (now through early 2026). Founding member contributions are one-time payments ($10-$150+) that help us launch. Benefits include: • Permanent "Founding Member" role in Discord • Name on our founder wall • Early access to the space • Recognition as someone who helped make this real Regular members will join once the space opens with monthly membership dues.

Founding member contributions are non-refundable. All funds received go directly toward launch expenses: legal services, marketing, operational costs, and other business necessities. These aren't held in reserve; they're actively spent working toward opening. If despite our best efforts the space doesn't launch, we won't be able to offer refunds because those funds will have already been invested in the attempt. We're committed to transparency about how contributions are used and will do everything possible to make this space a reality.

Several ways, from easiest to most impactful: • Follow on Instagram - helps our reach • Join our Discord - connect with the community now • Take our survey - your input shapes what we build • Join the email list - stay updated on progress • Become a founding member - directly support our launch • Volunteer - help with documentation, outreach, events

Community members regularly help out with tasks like event setup and support, documentation and content creation, outreach and spreading the word, technical projects, and community moderation. If you want to help, join our Discord and let us know what skills you have.

That's why we have the $10 solidarity tier. It's subsidized by members at higher tiers, so you're not taking anything away by using it. If even that is a barrier, reach out to us directly. Our goal is community access, not gatekeeping. We'll figure something out.

Safety measures include: • Membership required: You can't just walk in off the street. Members are vetted. • Security cameras: At entry points and common areas for safety and accountability • Staffed hours only: During our initial phase, the space is only open when staff are present. As we grow and establish community standards, we may introduce badge access for trusted members. • Clear code of conduct: Expectations are explicit, and violations have consequences

Yes, security cameras are standard for any shared community space and help protect members and equipment. Cameras will cover common areas, entry points, and equipment zones. Private areas like restrooms will never have cameras, as required by law. The goal is member safety and accountability, not surveillance.

We take privacy seriously: • Minimal collection: We only collect what's necessary • Encryption: Sensitive data (gender identity, pronouns, preferred name) is encrypted • Separate payment processing: Stripe handles financial data. We don't store it. • No selling data: Your information is never sold or shared with third parties That said, this is a shared physical space with reasonable monitoring. Complete anonymity isn't possible if you're physically present with other people.

We understand. Many community members aren't fully out at work, with family, or in other contexts. The space is designed to be a place where you can be yourself without that extending to other parts of your life. We don't out people, and we respect that everyone's situation is different.

No. The space will have computers, workstations, and equipment available for member use. You can come in, sit down, and use our resources. If you want to bring your own laptop or tools, that's fine too.

We're still finalizing specifics, but may include: • Computers with standard development environments • Design software for 3D printing • Electronics design tools • Access to cloud resources and servers Member input will help shape what software and tools we prioritize. Final offerings will depend on licensing costs and community needs.

We're planning to have some member storage, though space will be limited. Details will depend on the final location and available square footage.

Yes, you can use the space for remote work, freelancing, or working on your own projects. That's part of what a co-working environment is for. However, the space itself isn't available for private commercial rental. It's a community resource, not an event venue for hire.

Yes! We welcome small businesses and makers who want to produce and sell their work. If you're using our equipment and resources to create products for sale, we have a commercial membership tier designed for that use case. The commercial tier is priced above the standard $75/month to account for the additional equipment usage that comes with production work. This helps us keep equipment well-maintained and available for everyone. If you're just doing remote work, freelancing, or working on personal projects, the standard membership tiers are perfect. The commercial tier is specifically for ongoing use of space equipment to produce products you're selling. Not sure which tier fits your situation? Reach out and we'll help you figure it out.

Fair concern. Many community projects fizzle out. Here's why this one is different: • Founder with resources: Quinn has 9 years of professional software engineering experience and the financial stability to personally invest in the launch • Proven demand: 800+ Instagram followers, 110+ Discord members, 130+ survey responses, all before a physical space exists • Clear business model: We've done the math on membership tiers, operating costs, and sustainability • Community support: Members of HeatSync Labs (Arizona's longest-running hackerspace) have provided mentorship and guidance, with one serving on our advisory board. We're in conversation with other Phoenix-area LGBTQ+ organizations about potential collaboration once we have a physical space • Transparent progress: We share our journey publicly, the wins and the challenges We can't guarantee success, but we're building this with eyes open and a realistic plan.

We're building toward sustainability specifically to avoid this. Our financial model targets a membership level that covers operating costs without relying on continuous fundraising. If circumstances change, we'd communicate openly with members about the situation and any path forward or wind-down process.

Phoenix is the 5th largest US city by population and lacks trans-centered community spaces despite having a significant LGBTQ+ population. Other cities may have more options; Phoenix has a gap we can fill. Also, this is where Quinn lives and has community connections. You build where you are.

Several things: • Neutral ground: It's not anyone's personal space with personal rules • Equipment access: Tools and resources most people can't afford individually • Consistent availability: Open hours you can count on, not dependent on one person's schedule • New connections: Meet people outside your existing friend group • Legitimacy: A real organization that can partner with others, apply for grants, and build institutional knowledge

We hear this a lot. Many LGBTQ+ spaces are LGB-focused with T as an afterthought, or are run by people who don't understand trans experiences. PHX Beyond Binary is different because: • Founded by a trans person: Quinn's lived experience shapes everything • Trans-centered from the start: Not retrofitting inclusivity onto an existing structure • Community-informed: Survey feedback directly shapes our priorities • Explicit values: Our code of conduct isn't vague. Expectations are clear We can't promise perfection, but we can promise that trans comfort and safety are genuinely the priority, not an afterthought.