Supporting Queer Space

[Kimbo]

In Seattle we have Capital Hill, the mecca of the gay community, but it seems to slowly be dwindling. Many people have moved to the burbs and a few clubs have opened up to accommodate that. For the most part what I experience in my community of West Seattle is that we have clubs that are gay friendly, hire gay employees knowing that quite a few of their clientele is gay. Driving to town, hanging at a bar has lost the appeal for some when you can have that very same social interaction at a local club. I make a point of going in to our one and only lesbian bar, The Wild Rose, because I want them to continue to stay open but it is not often at all.

[IrishGrrl]

I've thought about this before. Doc and I rarely go to clubs..maybe twice a year..sometimes not at all. We are just arent clubbers anymore. In our youth we were at the club several days a week. I guess if there were more activities/themes that we were interested in, we might go more often. Perhaps an area where the music wasnt so loud, and tables/couches where you could actually talk and have a good time with your friends. Also an over 30 night could be fun, since it's really annoying watching the drunken antics of the 20 somethings.

[The_Lady_Snow]

It it is gay owned, damn straight I will be there....

[cara]

I haven't been to our local lesbian-owned bar, the Wild Rose, in quite some time. I'm usually busy and rarely go out these days. However, I do try to support Seattle's GLBTQ community and businesses as much as I can. My favorite hand-made soap store is gay owned. I sing in the Seattle Women's Chorus and purchase tickets to see our brothers, the Seattle Men's Chorus. I have gone to concerts by the Rainbow City Band, Diverse Harmonies, and many others. I get an updated GSBA phone book each year and look there first should I ever need a service listed in the book. There is probably more I can (and should) do.



cara

[SassyLeo]

In late 2008, the local volunteer-run and Feminist bookstore, In Other Words, was in danger of closing and there were lots of benefits and membership drives being held to help raise money.

The PDX community really rallied to keep it open. And it worked. However, with all the different websites where you can order new and used books much cheaper, coupled with the economy, they still struggle. They also sell Feminist artwork, local made art and crafts, etc. And they offer the space for other kinds of events, like readings and music and our local Dirty Queer event.

But not all of these businesses have that luxury.

Also, last year, the first Gay and Lesbian owned bookstore in the country, Oscar Wilde closed because of the same reasons.

Fortunately, I think Portland is really focused on Queer and small business owned entities...but unfortunately, not all cities are. I know that my friends and I specifically try to patronize Queer owned business here in Portland and when out of town.

I have the following I specifically know are Queer owned/run/employers of queers business/service providers that I utilize:

Real Estate Agent
Tattoo Artist
Cafe
Grocery Store
Chiropractor
Naturopath
Doctor
Tailor/Seamstress
Mechanic
Plumber
General Contractor
Bookstore

I'm sure there are more that I just cannot think of right now