{"id":28620,"date":"2025-06-11T08:57:09","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T12:57:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/?p=28620"},"modified":"2025-06-11T08:57:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T12:57:10","slug":"6-lgbtq-owned-establishments-championing-inclusivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/2025\/06\/11\/6-lgbtq-owned-establishments-championing-inclusivity\/","title":{"rendered":"6 LGBTQ-Owned Establishments Championing Inclusivity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This Pride Month, we&#8217;re calling out six incredible LGBTQ-owned-and-operated establishments around the United States for locals and visitors to support all year long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bake Me Happy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Columbus, OH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bakemehappygf.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/OwnersofBakeMeHappyGlutenFree-1.jpg\" alt=\"Owner of Bake Me Happy, Wendy and Letha Pugh. \" class=\"wp-image-28659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/OwnersofBakeMeHappyGlutenFree-1.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/OwnersofBakeMeHappyGlutenFree-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Owners of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bakemehappygf.com\">Bake Me Happy<\/a>, Wendy Miller Pugh and Letha Pugh.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Established in 2014, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bakemehappygf.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bake Me Happy<\/a> is an LGBTQ+, women, and Black-owned bakery that serves the best in gluten-free desserts. The secret behind their mouth-watering flavors and textures: research and experimentation. The team creates unique, individualized flour blends for each item, then performs extensive taste testing to ensure their new recipe delivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bakemehappygf.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bake-me-happy.jpg\" alt=\"Gluten free chocolate snack cakes. I'm actually drooling.  \" class=\"wp-image-28660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bake-me-happy.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bake-me-happy-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hostess-inspired gluten-free snack cakes! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Owners <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lethapugh.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Letha Pugh<\/a> and Wendy Miller Pugh do not allow any gluten-containing ingredients in their kitchen, so people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance can enjoy their treats truly free from concerns about cross-contamination. Guests feel very welcomed and well taken care of at Bake Me Happy for a very simple reason: for Letha and Wendy, food is love. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">la Barbecue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Austin, TX<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"labarbecue.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b.jpg\" alt=\"Two burgers that look really good. \" class=\"wp-image-28663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yes, please! Tasty offerings at la Barbecue.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Austin&#8217;s celebrated pit stop is disrupting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/07\/03\/dining\/texas-bbq.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the male-dominated world of &#8216;cue<\/a>. Co-founded by the late LeAnn Mueller (from the legendary Mueller BBQ family) and her wife, Ali Clem, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.labarbecue.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">la Barbecue<\/a> proudly stands as a woman and LGBTQ+ owned institution, and most recently, a <a href=\"https:\/\/guide.michelin.com\/us\/en\/texas\/austin_2958315\/restaurant\/la-barbecue\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michelin Star awarded establishment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"labarbecue.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b-4.jpg\" alt=\"A man using bbq equipment. \" class=\"wp-image-28664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b-4.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b-4-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Real Texas barbeque at la Barbecue.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Under chef-owner Ali Clem&#8217;s continued leadership, this joint is serving brisket, ribs, and house-made sausage prepared in a custom pit built to capture the real savory, smoky flavors of true Texas barbecue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.labarbecue.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b-5.jpg\" alt=\"A bbq feast.\" class=\"wp-image-28665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b-5.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/la-b-5-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Time to break out the stretchy pants.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Laziz Kitchen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Salt Lake City, UT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"lazizkitchen.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/laziz2.jpg\" alt=\"People.\" class=\"wp-image-28667\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/laziz2.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/laziz2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/laziz2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/laziz2-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Derek Kitchen, Moudi Sbeity, and colleague. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lazizkitchen.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Laziz Kitchen<\/a> offers a taste of modern Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant, which translates from Lebanese to &#8220;tasty and lighthearted,&#8221; is known for its handmade hummus, falafel, and a variety of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thespruceeats.com\/what-is-mezze-5189112\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mezze<\/a>. Beyond the fresh flavors and savory spices, Laziz Kitchen holds a significant place in Utah&#8217;s LGBTQ+ history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"lazizkitchen.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/laziz.jpg\" alt=\"A lovely bowl of hummus. \" class=\"wp-image-28668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/laziz.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/laziz-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It all started with garbanzo beans, a vision and two partners in life and business.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Derek Kitchen and Moudi Sbeity were central to the landmark court case <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nclrights.org\/our-work\/cases\/kitchen-v-herbert\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kitchen v. Herbert<\/a><\/em> in 2013, which challenged Utah&#8217;s ban on same-sex marriage. Their legal battle played a direct role in delivering marriage equality to Utah and helped lay the groundwork for nationwide marriage rights. Laziz Kitchen, therefore, is a place for delicious food as well as a symbol of resilience and progress within the LGBTQ+ community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Virgil&#8217;s Gullah Kitchen and Bar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Atlanta, GA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"virgilsgullahkitchen.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/v-2.jpg\" alt=\"Bartender at Virgil's.\" class=\"wp-image-28670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/v-2.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/v-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/v-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/v-2-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Don&#8217;t miss out on the fun, now with <a href=\"https:\/\/virgilsgullahkitchen.com\/contact-us#footer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">locations<\/a> in Conyers, College Park, and West Midtown. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Co-owned by married couple Gee and Juan Smalls, <a href=\"https:\/\/virgilsgullahkitchen.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virgil\u2019s Gullah Kitchen and Bar<\/a> is a LGBTQ+, Black-owned establishment that brings the authentic flavors of <a href=\"https:\/\/gullahgeecheecorridor.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gullah Geechee<\/a> culture to the forefront. Diners can expect a soulful journey through dishes inspired by Gee&#8217;s family recipes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/v-1.jpg\" alt=\"Meals on Wheels advertisement. \" class=\"wp-image-28671\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/v-1.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/v-1-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The men behind the magic, Juan and Gee, recently lent their talents to TASTE 2025, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mowatl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meals on Wheels Atlanta<\/a> Fundraiser. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Virgil&#8217;s Gullah Kitchen and Bar also holds a special place in the LGBTQ+ community. The Smalls created the restaurant to be a safe and affirming space for Black queer individuals in the Atlanta area. Their story, intertwined with Gee&#8217;s personal memoir &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Black-Enough-Man-Embracing-Fluidity\/dp\/1733082808\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Black Enough Man Enough<\/a>,&#8221; reveals how a passion for food and culture can make a meaningful impact on local communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/virgilsgullahkitchen.com\/menu\/virgils-westside\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/okra-gumbo-v.jpg\" alt=\"Okra gumbo\" class=\"wp-image-28673\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/okra-gumbo-v.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/okra-gumbo-v-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/okra-gumbo-v-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/okra-gumbo-v-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Okra gumbo at Virgil&#8217;s. Savory. Comforting. Unapologetically Gullah.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Her Diner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Washington, DC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/herdiner.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/her-diner.jpg\" alt=\"Inside of Her Diner.\" class=\"wp-image-28676\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/her-diner.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/her-diner-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/her-diner-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/her-diner-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Owners Kelly and Kethida Laczko enjoy the colorful, welcoming space they&#8217;ve created. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/herdiner.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Her Diner<\/a> is an LGBTQ+ and women-owned restaurant that has quickly become a beloved neighborhood spot since opening approximately six months ago. Owners <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonian.com\/2024\/10\/10\/her-diner-will-carry-on-the-gay-cheers-spirit-of-duplex-diner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kelly and Kethida Laczko<\/a> have cultivated a welcoming, safe environment for all who walk through their doors, especially women, BIPOC, and queer individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/herdiner.com\/#menu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/her-d-3.jpg\" alt=\"Waffles and bacon. \" class=\"wp-image-28677\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/her-d-3.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/her-d-3-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Come for the classics! Stay for the <a href=\"https:\/\/herdiner.com\/#menu\">Squeezes<\/a>! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Her Diner offers casual American diner fare, featuring comforting classics with a modern twist. Complementing the food are inventive cocktails, all served in an atmosphere designed for good food, fun, and conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Water Bear Bar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Boise, Idaho<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.waterbearbar.com\/menu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cocktail-bar-boise-idaho_water-bear-bar.jpg\" alt=\"Water bear bar cocktail\" class=\"wp-image-28678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cocktail-bar-boise-idaho_water-bear-bar.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cocktail-bar-boise-idaho_water-bear-bar-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Expect attention to detail and thoughtfully prepared cocktails at Water Bear Bar! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.waterbearbar.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Water Bear Bar<\/a>, a cocktail and oyster lounge in Boise, Idaho, is a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in a state with a conservative political climate. Founded by partners Kylie North and Laura Keeler, the bar was designed to be a &#8220;radically accessible&#8221; and affirming space for marginalized groups. Thus, they built a bar that provides a consistently welcoming environment where individuals can gather, connect, and feel celebrated without harassment or judgement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.waterbearbar.com\/venue\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/water-bear.jpg\" alt=\"A customer playing music on Wednesdays. \" class=\"wp-image-28679\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/water-bear.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/water-bear-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bring your vinyls and DJ, every <a href=\"https:\/\/www.waterbearbar.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wednesday<\/a> night! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kylie and Laura also stand for quality food. Water Bear Bar\u2019s oysters are sourced from <a href=\"https:\/\/hamahamaoysters.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hama Hama Oysters, an ethical and sustainable oyster farm<\/a> in Lilliwaup, WA. The small plates and beverages are composed of fresh, beautiful ingredients, as the team prioritizes strong technique and engages in ongoing education. Others have noticed Water Bear\u2019s commitment to quality, attention to detail, and welcoming environment, as reflected in the many awards they\u2019ve won including a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrc.org\/press-releases\/human-rights-campaign-and-showtime-announce-the-2023-queer-to-staytm-small-business-funding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2023 Queer to Stay Award by the Human Rights Campaign and Showtime.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/explore\/locations\/301331967232769\/water-bear-bar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Event-Venue_Downtown-Boise_Water-Bear-Bar_4.jpg\" alt=\"Water Bear Bar interior.\" class=\"wp-image-28722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Event-Venue_Downtown-Boise_Water-Bear-Bar_4.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Event-Venue_Downtown-Boise_Water-Bear-Bar_4-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cozy-classy vibes at Water Bear.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In a state where being&nbsp;different&nbsp;can still be dangerous, Water Bear Bar stands proudly as a sanctuary for the marginalized. It\u2019s about protecting joy, identity, and community in a place that desperately needs it. But they need your help. To support their cause and save their bar, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.waterbearbar.com\/indiegogo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">donate here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pride Month Favorites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have a favorite LGBTQ+ establishment that deserves a big shout out or that you would like us to cover? Please share your favorites in the comment section!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/2022\/06\/21\/how-to-make-your-restaurant-an-inclusive-space-for-lgbtqia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Next Up: How to Make Your Restaurant an Inclusive Space<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This Pride Month, we&#8217;re calling out six incredible LGBTQ-owned-and-operated establishments around the United States for locals and visitors to support all year long. Bake Me Happy Columbus, OH Established in 2014, Bake Me Happy is an LGBTQ+, women, and Black-owned bakery that serves the best in gluten-free desserts. The secret behind their mouth-watering flavors and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":28750,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-you-should-know"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>6 LGBTQ-Owned Establishments Championing Inclusivity | The Official Wasserstrom Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wasserstrom.com\/blog\/2025\/06\/11\/6-lgbtq-owned-establishments-championing-inclusivity\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"6 LGBTQ-Owned Establishments Championing Inclusivity | The Official Wasserstrom Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This Pride Month, we&#8217;re calling out six incredible LGBTQ-owned-and-operated establishments around the United States for locals and visitors to support all year long. Bake Me Happy Columbus, OH Established in 2014, Bake Me Happy is an LGBTQ+, women, and Black-owned bakery that serves the best in gluten-free desserts. 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