LGBTFriendly Businesses Near Me

The LGBTQ community has a rich history of supporting each other and the businesses that serve them. From a local coffee shop to an LGBTQ-owned ice creamery, there are LGBTfriendly places to visit all over the country.

These gay-friendly companies and brands are a great way to celebrate your love this Pride month and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a new swimsuit for your next vacation or are in the market for a stylish wardrobe update, these LGBTfriendly businesses will meet all of your needs.

When you’re ready to kick back at a flamboyant NYC Pride event, head over to the gay-friendly bar and club scene in Brooklyn. This borough is home to some of the best gay clubs, bars, restaurants and shops in New York City. From the infamously gay area of Hell’s Kitchen to the gay-friendly neighborhoods in Chelsea, Greenwich Village and Brooklyn, you can find queer bars and nightclubs in every part of the borough. During Pride, this area of Brooklyn is particularly vibrant. The 3 Dollar Bill, for example, is a large gay and lesbian club with a dance floor, outdoor seating area, an in-house DJ and more.

Another LGBTQ-friendly LGBTfriendly businesses near me business worth checking out is the worker-owned collective bookstore, Bluestockings. This independent store offers a wide selection of books, plus a “Free Store” section where you can get basic hygiene products and snacks for no cost. Additionally, the store hosts a variety of community-building events such as overdose prevention courses and mutual aid workshops.

If you’re looking for something to do outside of the city, head to Long Island’s NuBar, a queer-owned pub and dance club known for hosting drag shows, queer theater, bingo nights, and the annual Stonewall 50th Anniversary Party. This year, the Farmingdale bar will also be host to an after-party for this year’s Long Island Pride.

To support LGBTQ-friendly small businesses in other parts of the country, check out Everywhere Is Queer. This website houses a worldwide map that highlights LGBTQ-owned and -operated businesses, including those in the food, fashion, beauty, travel and hospitality industries. The site also features a list of top-rated CEI (Certified Equality Incentive) employers, which is a directory of companies that have taken steps to promote inclusivity for the LGBTQ community.

Despite DOMA’s recent demise, homophobia remains a prevalent issue in the United States. This doesn’t mean that you can’t continue to support LGBTfriendly businesses and companies. Just take care to read the fine print before making a purchase, as some companies may have a more blatantly discriminatory agenda. For a comprehensive list of LGBTQ-friendly companies, visit the Human Rights Campaign’s Buyers Guide. Then, you can make your purchasing decisions with confidence.