Celebrate Pride: Support Durham’s LGBTQ-Owned Businesses

June in Durham is a time when rainbow flags proudly wave in shop windows, and the city comes alive with celebrations of diversity, community, and love. As we observe Pride Month, one of the most meaningful ways to show support is by uplifting Durham’s vibrant network of LGBTQ-owned businesses. As a fellow LGBTQ-owned business, we encourage you to celebrate Pride and support Durham’s LGBTQ-owned businesses throughout the year!

Durham Celebrates Diversity

Durham has long been recognized as one of the most diverse and welcoming cities in North Carolina. It consistently ranks high in the Human Rights Campaign’s City Equality Index and is recognized as a safe and inviting place for LGBTQ families. From its activist roots to its current reputation as a progressive Southern hub, Durham is a place where everyone can feel at home.

Here, you’ll find queer-friendly spaces throughout the city, with many businesses displaying Pride flags and “rules of engagement” that encourage respect and inclusion for all patrons. A city with a rich LGBTQIA history, this blog post by Discover Durham dives into what makes Durham “out and wonderful all year long.”

Why We Support Durham’s LGBTQ-Owned Businesses

LGBTQ-owned businesses are more than just places to shop, eat, or relax; they are community pillars. These businesses foster safe spaces for self-expression, creativity, and connection. When you support them, you’re helping to ensure that Durham remains a place where the queer community can thrive and where everyone is welcomed.

Where to Show Your Support

Durham boasts an impressive array of LGBTQ-owned and operated businesses, each offering something unique to the community. Some of my favorites include:

Arcana

Recently added to The Lesbian Bar Project’s list, Arcana, located downtown, is a haven for cocktails, live music, and tarot readings, supporting local artists and musicians.

The Pinhook

Known for its inclusive atmosphere, The Pinhook hosts queer dance parties, drag shows, and live music, such as the show promoted to the right, making it a creative hub for marginalized communities whose voices they aim to amplify.

GRUB Durham

A former gas station turned eatery, GRUB Durham is known for its Southern-inspired menu and commitment to inclusivity, with Pride flags flying year-round.

NOSH Durham

Nosh Durham is owned by the same restaurateurs behind GRUB Durham. Nosh’s breakfast, sandwiches, and milkshakes are made with love and delivered with heart, bringing high-quality, affordable food to “the masses.”

Perfect Lovers

Equal parts coffee shop, gallery, and community event space, Perfect Lovers is perfect for a quick beverage or to catch an art show. They host community fundraisers, artist markets, and have big plans for the space’s future.

Queeny’s

Queeny’s combines delectable food, drinks, and conversation in a traditional bar and grill environment. With a book club, a free-to-use podcast studio, and a desire to bring together the talents and voices of the LGBTQ+ community, Queeny’s has something for everyone.

The Velvet Hippo

The Velvet Hippo refers to itself as “a neighborhood bar for everybody.” Their delicious cocktails, local beers, and small bites are served with a tropical vibe and rooftop views of downtown Durham.

The LGBTQ Center of Durham

The LGBTQ Center of Durham is not a restaurant or bar like the above-mentioned businesses. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to affirming, supporting, and celebrating the lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. They offer resources for youths and their families, anti-violence initiatives, a collection of materials that focus on queer and trans history, and more. They are also the force behind Pride: Durham, NC, which takes place in September.

Celebrate Pride: Support Durham’s LGBTQ-Owned Businesses

While June is a special time to celebrate, Durham’s commitment to the LGBTQ community extends far beyond Pride Month. Our city’s queer-owned businesses, organizations, and events are active year-round, ensuring that every visitor and resident can experience the magic of Durham’s inclusive spirit.

At Bull City Pet Care, we are proud to welcome clients, vendors, and employees regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, background, or beliefs. Diversity makes us stronger and more innovative, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Our hiring decisions, for example, are based solely on finding the right match for the job; skills, experience, and a passion for pets are what matter most to us.

The Best Care for Durham Pets

Join the Bull City Pet Care family by contacting us via email or phone. We offer midday dog walking, vacation pet sitting, and specialty services, including trail walks, crate escapes, late-night potty breaks, nail trims, medical assistance, and canine massage services.

We proudly serve the following areas of Durham: Downtown, Lakewood, Tuscaloosa, Old West Durham, Old North Durham, Northgate Park, Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, Duke Park, Erwin/LaSalle, North Durham, Southside, Croasdaile, Walltown, Braggtown, Historic East Durham, Hope Valley, and Forest Hills. If you are seeking pet care services outside of these areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or Pet Sitters Associates to find a professional pet sitter near you.

Happy Pride, Durham! 🏳️‍🌈