Local LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses
Amidst the currently shifting political landscape, with LGBTQ+ Pride Month approaching, many businesses are deciding if and how they will support Pride this June. President Trump has made ongoing efforts to dismantle "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" (DEI) initiatives through significant executive orders, according to the official White House site, placing immense political pressure on them to discontinue DEI programs. Today, multitudes of companies face the arduous task of navigating the current political minefield. An alarming number of larger corporations are abandoning the queer community out of fear of cuts to their funding. While appeasing Trump’s demands, by not clearly showing support for the LGBTQ+ community, they are alienating a group of their customers and workers and taking a step backward in the community’s fight for equality. So, what can you do to support and celebrate Pride this year? Here is a list of local Los Angeles businesses that are making active efforts to create a more inclusive and progressive future.
A part of the world's largest LGBTQ+ organization, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Liberation Coffee House is a vibrant, community-oriented business. The Coffee House serves a wide variety of pastries, handcrafted drinks and lunch-time meals, with 100% of the net profits going back to the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Every purchase becomes a meaningful donation to healthcare, advocacy, education and housing programs for the LGBTQ+ community.
SUAY Sew Shop is ardently committed to textile recycling, reuse and repair through their sustainable crafting practices and textile repurposing program: SUAY IT FORWARD. As an LGBTQ+ owned business, Suay sells a variety of unique apparel items and houseware, including their Pride Rainbow Linen Pillow, their best seller.
Book Soup is a proud supporting business of the LGBTQ+ community. Along with selling books, records and a unique set of gifts, they host numerous events for authors to share their works. This June, Book Soup will be celebrating Pride Month by inviting multiple authors who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community for book signings and discussions.
Centered around inclusivity and connection, The Ruby Fruit is a neighborhood bar and grill that is welcome to all, proudly queer and women owned and operated. The family-friendly restaurant offers an array of elevated bar-style classics and is openly decorated as an LGBTQ+ friendly space.