AQC Mission Statement–To provide opportunities for queer people of Acadiana to show up for one another and promote the positive visibility of queer people throughout the community.
AQC Vision Statement–To Connect and support the Acadiana LGBTQ+ community so that all queer people feel included and valued.
Meet The Team
Kelly Noyes (she/her)
Kelly moved to Lafayette in 2020 after spending 12 years living in Pittsburgh, Pa. As an active member of the LGBTQ+ E/BRG at The Bank of New York Mellon, it was only natural to get involved in the Lafayette community. Kelly has spent the last two years getting acclimated to the heat, humidity, and mosquitos of South Louisiana. She spends her days working from home with her four-legged fur kids and can't wait to see what the future holds for the queer community in Lafayette.
Wendy Dorfman (she/her)
Wendy moved from Washington, DC in 2019. Knowing Lafayette wouldn't be as progressive, she anticipated getting involved with the community and creating change. In 2021, Wendy, along with the support of local businesses and volunteers, organized an inclusive Pride Festival, earning a "Wavemaker" award from The Current. She looks forward to working with Acadiana Queer Collective to connect the LGBTQ+ community with available resources and help make Lafayette a safe place for everybody.
Brandi Ortiz Comeaux (she/her)
Brandi, originally an H-Town native, moved to Lafayette in 2010 and has raised her 2 kiddos here since. She has taken active roles in her kids’ schools, local environmental non-profits No Waste Lafayette and Deuxième Vie Creative, and now Acadiana Queer Collective. Brandi is owner of Louisiana’s first zero waste store Sans Paquet & is hospital manager at Delhomme Animal Clinic. Recently described as a real life version of a DND party’s tank, she’s AQC’s bi-girl behind the social media keyboard and that big giant rainbow flag at Pride Acadiana fundraisers.
Peyton Rose Michelle (she/her)
Peyton is a 26-year-old trans woman based in Lafayette, Louisiana. She serves as the first Executive Director of Louisiana Trans Advocates and serves as Board Secretary. She leads LTA’s legislative initiatives and helps lead LocALL (Legislative Organizing Coalition for All LGBTQ+ Louisianans) which LTA co-founded. She also became the first openly transgender person to be elected in the state of Louisiana in July 2020. All-in-all, Peyton combines her talents in advocacy, marketing, and organization to enact change.
Jess Allain (she/her)
Jess is a mom of two, an attorney, a triathlete, a blogger, and a yoga teacher. She is a member of the Junior League of Lafayette, a board member of The Family Tree, and a member of Leadership Lafayette Class XXXV. A native of Lafayette, Jess is a firm believer that our community can only be its best when everyone has a seat at the table.