Category: Queer Business

Mar 01
Private LGBTQ+ Salon Studio Opens in Service of Queer Community

The queer and trans community in Oakland is beyond blessed to have a number of queer-owned or queer-affirming salon and barbering options at our disposal. Establishments like United Grooming on Grand Avenue offer unique grooming experiences for customers of every background. Then there is Slick and Dapper, a trans-owned, inclusive barber shop. Yet despite our […]

Dec 30
Queer, Black Owned Plant Store Opens in Oakland

New queer, Black owned art garden, plant store and event space opens in Oakland on Broadway. Ramsess Art Garden, owned by Malik Ramsess, is now open just outside of downtown Oakland on Broadway. The plant store, which also doubles as an art garden and event space, is the perfect spot to pick up a new […]

Dec 16
Queer, Trans, BIPOC Owned Pizzeria is Now a Co-Op

As of earlier this fall, Nick’s Pizza & Bakery, located in North Oakland, has become a worker-owned Collective. Now be owned and operated by a cohort of our Nick’s’ most experienced workers, the transition to a collectively-owned and democratically-operated business will help pave the way to creating long term, sustainable jobs for restaurant employees and […]

Dec 11
QTBIPOC Owned Hot Sauce Brand Releases Two New Flavors

Heat lovers! QTBIPOC owned hot sauce brand, Chef Sarah Germany, has released two new flavors. Chef Sarah Germany, founded by Sarah Germany and Diana Hernandez, have added hot sauce flavors Shiso Hot and The Town Heat to their diverse line of Oakland-sourced, small-batch artisanal condiments and infused oils. Green in color and made from Shiso, […]

Dec 03
Mutual Aid Fund for Bay Area Drag Artists Launched

The BAD (Bay Area Drag) Fund, a mutual aid fund for drag artists in the Bay Area, has been launched. Did you recently turn down a gig in order to stand in solidarity with Palestine but were depending on that income? If so, the BAD Fund* is for you. A fiscally sponsored project of Oaklash, […]

Dec 02
Queer affirming dance academy, In Lakech, now enrolling beginner Bachata and Salsa classes

Bay Area-based In Lakech, the nations first LGBTQ-led and affirming dance academy, is opening enrollment for the next round of their beginner Bachata and Salsa classes that begin in January. In Lakech’s mission is to co-create a community of queer, trans and allied dancers to celebrate resilience and heal from oppression. Both classes are a […]

Dec 02
The Sanctuary: New Black, Queer Boutique Opens on Grand Ave

A new queer, Black owned boutique has opened in Oakland on Grand Avenue in Lakeshore.  Founded by partners Etecia and Stephanie, The Sanctuary is an eco friendly boutique that sells apothecary, apparel and home decor. They focus on sustainable, locally sourced, eco-friendly products, including teas, bath salts and more.  More than just a place to shop, […]

Nov 29
New Queer Owned, Sex Positive Bar: Feelmore Social

  Black, queer-owned Feelmore Social is all about the grown, sexy, sex-positive, inclusive to all vibes. In fact, Feelmore Social is the extension of Oakland and Berkeley favorite sex shop, Feelmore, and brands itself as a sex-positive social establishment for all to enjoy. Moody dark walls and sensual decor make sure all bar-goers feel a bit of […]

Nov 23
New queer, Black owned bar adds cafe hours

Nectar Social Club, a queer, Black owned bar and music venue, just opened up the Cafe component of their business.  Open all day and all night, Nectar Social Club offers now offers coffee and other delicious non alcoholic options during cafe hours. With indoor and outdoor space, it’s the perfect spot to pull up with […]

Nov 23
Queer Black Owned Optical Boutique Opens in Emeryville

Great news for folx who love eyewear (prescription or not!) Eyewear Love Affair, the Bay Area’s first queer, Black owned optical boutique, opened a new location in Emeryville. Founded by Autianna Wilson, licensed optician and advocate for independent eyewear, come to EyewEar Love Affair for expert guidance in selecting frames for folks of all gender […]