LGTBQ+ Owned Businesses in Chicago
Happy Pride Month B&B readers! Where my people at? Where my people at? The LGBTQ+ community is one that has always welcomed me with open arms, supported me in times of need, and enhanced my humor tenfold. During these times, it is especially important we support and celebrate this community in every way, including financially, so let’s talk about it! In this article, I’ll be sharing some of my most frequented LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Chicago in hopes that you’ll love them too.
Jennivees Bakery
This one is local to me and I absolutely love it. Their cupcakes are to die for, my personal favorite is the Tres Leches. Also, this month they’ve got a bunch of pride-inspired baked goods, including a rainbow layered cake and a rainbow Oreo cupcake, perfect for any pride celebration you‘ve got coming up!
Two Hearted Queen
This coffee shop has two locations, one in Boystown and one in Lakeview. I love this place because they have such fun lattes, a lot of them have a sprinkle of salt which is something I feel like I don’t see too often but is so delicious in a mocha. They also have a hibiscus lemonade which is going to get me every single time, especially on a hot June day.
Roscoe’s Tavern
You know her, you love her, Roscoe’s Tavern. Truly a classic on these lists. Whether you’re going for a fun night out and actually good music to dance to or for a Drag Race viewing party, Roscoe’s has got you covered. As a Drag Race super fan, how could I not love Roscoe’s when they’re consistently bringing my favorite queens to my city?
Brown Elephant Thrift Store
As a thrifty queen, I especially love shopping at Brown Elephant because 100% of their proceeds go to LGBTQ+ healthcare and fund care for the uninsured and under-insured at Howard Brown Health. On top of that, their Andersonville and Oak Park locations offer free HIV and STI screenings. I always find fantastic heels at their Belmont location and I love checking out the home decor and trinket section. They’ve got a great selection of dresses too. And for my brides out there, I am always finding gorgeous vintage white dresses and shoes that would be perfect for bridal looks.
Pride Arts Center
Though I have not actually been to the Pride Arts Center, I am highlighting this organization because it is so important, especially in today’s political climate. This arts center is home to queer film, theater, and all types of visual art. They just moved into a new home on Halsted and are currently facing a struggle with funding so if you are looking for somewhere to financially support, especially this month, here is the link to their donation site! With that, a lot of their revenue comes from ticket sales and they have quite a few shows coming up to celebrate pride this month, including a new works festival on June 20th titled “The Queery” which will showcase six scenes from their recent Playwrights Lab.
I hope you’ll check out some of my recs this month, please let me know in my Instagram DMs (@bits.and.beths) if you do! I would love to know your thoughts!
Write you soon!
Beth
