LGBTQIA-Owned & Operated Businesses in Durham

Designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, the original Pride flag incorporated eight different colors to represent eight different aspects of the queer community. While the colors of the flag changed over time to incorporate more groups and to recognize the contributions of LGBTQIA people of color, the meaning of the rainbow flag is the same — it's a symbol of diversity, identity and support for the LGBTQIA community. In Durham, we proudly wave and display our rainbow flags, cherish our queer community and support our queer-owned businesses.

While you'll find safe, queer-friendly spaces across Durham – a city where you'll often find "rules of engagement" at bar entrances stating patrons are expected to respect and welcome one another – our LGBTQIA-owned and operated businesses contribute something magical to our city. We are excited to follow the magic and support them in real, tangible ways throughout the year. Durham's queer community offer creativity, openness and collaboration – whether through perfectly pulled espresso shots or spaces for artistic self expression. With input from our Instagram followers, here's a list of some favorite local LGBTQIA-owned businesses in Durham for you to visit.

If you know of an awesome LGBTQIA-owned business that should be included, please email us at blog@discoverdurham.com.

Arcana Bar & Lounge

As the most recent addition to The Lesbian Bar Project's list of 32 Lesbian bars in the US, this underground bar in downtown Durham supports local artists and musicians. Join them for cocktails, live performances and frequent tarot readings. Not only do they offer delicious wines, craft beers and modern cocktails, but they highlight the arcana (mysteries) of herbalism with a drink menu that uses herbs and an extensive collection of liqueurs.

Arrichion Hot Yoga & Circuit Training

Arrichion is more than an awesome spot for hot yoga and training, it's a community. Arrichion brings together yoga, strength training, recovery and community together into once place where people can pursue their fitness goals with likeminded individuals. Take part in a variety of classes from one of their many trained instructors, pop in for an individual class or go all-in with a membership.

Augmentality Labs

Sling some spells or race on the tracks in VR at Augmentality Labs. This VR-focused arcade rents out stations to individuals looking to take their gaming to the next level. Welcoming gamers and non-gamers alike, Augmentality Labs is a unique experience you won't want to miss. If you're looking for a deal, get a Weekday Play Pass on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to reserve 2 hours of play for $40/station.

Auroraflow

Auroraflow was founded by owners Castle Frame and Lauren McCullough to be an inclusive, safe space for the LGBTQIA and other marginalized communities to heal and relax. By making self-care and spa treatments like massage, facials, reiki and more approachable and accessible, the couple aims to help people in their communities live healthier, better lives.

Beer Tooth Taproom

Named after a song by Shelby Merchant, The Beer Tooth Taproom taproom in South Durham is on a mission to "convert everyday beer drinkers into well-informed enthusiastic beer consumers through education and sensory experiences." With 36 taps of rotating craft beverages, they have something to quench every adult's thirst.

Bull City Crossfit

Locally owned, Bull City Crossfit invites you to train, connect and get results. The team prides themselves on having classes available for beginners and Crossfit regulars alike. Beyond being a gym, Bull City Crossfit strives to be "a diverse and supportive community that shows up for each other inside and outside the gym."

Bulltánica, Home of the Massage by Moe

Bulltánica is committed to creating a community for well-being through dedication, expertise and passion. Here, you can book a massage or shop their robust selection of herbs. With a licensed massage therapist, an herbalist, and a doula and developmental specialist available, Bulltánica provides resources to the community to not just treat your problem areas, but to holistically nurture your body.

Club ERA

Approaching its one year anniversary, Club ERA has made good on its promise to be a safe space for members of the queer community to gather and have fun. Founded by Triangle Drag Queen Naomi Dix and housed in the basement of The Fruit, this club hosts local artists, DJs, drag queens and more.

Congress Social Bar

East Durham's neighborhood bar is "the continuation of a mission to create spaces that reflect the expansiveness of the Black imagination." Head here for beers, cocktails, wine and, most importantly, community. Congress extends an opportunity to all guests to define what a public space can be in an ever evolving place like Durham.

Design Bank

Craven Miller and John Hikes started Design Bank when they moved back to their home state after spending 20 years in California. The business formed out of the marriage of the couple's expertise in interior design and landscape architecture. Design Bank, housed in a restored 1920's bank in East Durham, also has a carefully curated collection of vintage and modern furniture available for purchase.

Eden Nail Bar

Next time you need you nails done, book an appointment at Eden Nail Bar. This nail salon believes "your nails tell a story about you," and they want to help you tell it. Eden Nail Bar's offers its services on an appointment only basis, so you won't have to worry about waiting to be seen.

Frisky Business Boutique

Frisky Business is an adult boutique that has provided "an inclusive, inviting, comfortable shopping experience for all our guests, regardless of gender, orientation, identity and proclivity" since 2004. As of 2022, the shop is now queer and woman owned. Shop here for toys and lingerie as well as products for gender expression. Beyond its retail selection, Frisky Business offers a range of classes and events.

Fusion Gallery

Fusion gallery is a space for art display and art classes of all kinds. Whether you're a complete beginner or a skilled artist, Fusion Gallery welcomes you. Owned by Roy Guerrette and Samm Quiser, this gallery hosts classes across multiple mediums including stained glass, textiles, drawing and more. You can also book space during their open studio hours if you have your own project you need space to work on.

GRUB Durham

Craving delicious, Southern-inspired food? Head to an old gas station turned hip Southern eatery on Chapel Hill St. for some grub. With plenty of outdoor seating and a menu full of delicious options, GRUB Durham aims to cultivate community through food. They also love parties — their space is the perfect place to host private events in Durham. GRUB's sister restaurants under the same ownership group include Pipers in the Park and Nosh.

Healing Arts Collaborative

Healing Arts Collaborative is a social justice-oriented therapy practice "committed to providing safe, affirming and culturally responsive healthcare for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community." Here, you can receive liberation-centered and trauma-informed care from practitioners using frameworks including Healing Justice, Health at Every Size, Social Justice Art Therapy and more.

Hex Neon

Women-owned and operated since 2020, Hex Neon creates custom, beautifully crafted neon signs for businesses and individuals all across the East Coast. With intentionality and respect for the craft, they "eat, sleep and breath REAL neon." Join co-owner and operator Danielle "DJ" James for Neon Date Night, a beginner class where you and your sweetie or best bud will create your own neon sign with DJ's help.

Lutra Bakery & Cafe

As chef Chris McLaurin prepares to open a brick-and-mortar café at ATC in late 2025, he's popping up twice a week with incredible sweet and savory buns, chocolate chip cookies and soft pretzels. Order ahead for pickup Fridays at Cocoa Cinnamon on Hillsborough Road. The same shop keeps the pastry cases stocked with baked goods from Lutra, so you're in luck if you missed the pre-order window this week. If you opt to roll the dice and stop by for an in-person order, arrive early as the pop-ups often sell out. Lutra also slings their delicious pastries at the North Durham Farmer's Market every 1st and 3rd Saturday and takes over the kitchen at Cheeni for Sunday brunch.

Magical Weddings by Carly

Carly Miller is a Durham-based wedding officiant offering their services to couples all across North Carolina. Carly uses their Masters degree from Duke Divinity School and years of experience as a wedding professional to craft amazing, unique ceremonies for each of their clients. "As a member of the LBGTQIA+ community, I have a particular passion for creating inclusive ceremonies that reflect the beautiful diversity of love."

Mesas Food Truck

Find Mesas Food Truck for exquisite Salvadorian dishes cooked with Southern ingredients. Order pupusas, yuca frita, tacos, plaintains and more. You won't want to miss Mesas pulled pork sandwich or the papas locas. Check their social media to find out where they are parked today.

Night School Bar

Founded on the belief that many people wish to study beyond traditional school years, Night School Bar offers college-level classes on a sliding scale taught by expert instructors. Sign up for classes across a range of subjects, or just stop by for a drink. Make sure you enter through the back if classes are in session.

Observable Universe

Observable Universe (OU) arrived quietly among a community of DIY art spaces just off North Roxboro in November 2021 when community organizer Heather Anne began cultivating a space for creatives and caregivers to explore the healing modalities of artistic practice in a safe, accessible environment. The storage-unit-turned-community-art-space hosts weekly Community Acupuncture Clinics, Queer Healing Circles, textile and printmaking workshops, monthly community collage nights and is available to rent for everything from rehearsals to rituals.

perfect lovers

Another relative newcomer to the growing DIY arts community along North Roxboro, perfect lovers is equal parts coffee shop, gallery and community event space. Check out the bright, intimate space for a quick beverage or follow the Instagram account to learn about upcoming events.

Radical Healing

In 2016, queer and trans healing practitioner David Young Oh founded Radical Healing. Since then, this practice has been an "intentional, radically inclusive, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC-centered campus for healing, wellness, and joy." Here, clients can pursue many different essential health care offerings like primary care, mental health therapy, physical therapy and psychiatric medication management.

Radical Movement

Whit and Camille founded Radical Movement to inspire strength and build community. Black, queer and woman owned, this business offers personal training and group classes in many different areas including mobility training, strength and conditioning, corrective exercise and more. With extensive experience, certifications and qualifications, Whit and and Camille will help you find a way to train that fits you just right.

Rumors

This buy-sell-trade store, managed by Ajani Chinfloo and co-owned by Casey Longyear, has been a Durham community staple for years. It's a perfect spot to find your next favorite jacket or make a few extra bucks off that unique t-shirt you haven't worn in a few years. Rumors is committed to their community by offering clothing and accessories that fit all of the unique people that comprise the community the store is a part of. If you see something at Rumors, you know it was worn locally before it made its way to the shop.

The Pickleback 2

For more than ten years, The Pickleback 2 has been the life of the party and a place to chill with friends, depending on your mood. Either way, Renee Batchelor ensures it's welcoming, inclusive and fun for all. Dance until the wee hours on the patio on DJ nights, enjoy bar snacks and cocktails on more low-key nights.

The Pinhook

The Pinhook is an LGBTQIA-friendly and queer-owned bar and venue for music and creative events located in the heart of downtown Durham. They are "a safer space for queer and otherwise marginalized folks to express themselves and feel comfortable doing so." The House of Coxx never disappoints with drag performances, among many other affirming events held within the space on Main Street.

Queeny's

When the pandemic and marital separation afforded her time for introspection, Michelle Vanderwalker, co-owner of Queeny's, began to acknowledge her bisexuality more directly, a shift that impacted the way she designed Queeny’s. Not only is the small bookshop in the back of the bar named “Rubyfruit” after the 1973 lesbian coming-of-age novel Rubyfruit Jungle and stocked the shelves with inclusive literature, but she also hosts semi-regular drag shows and other inclusive events.

Soul Sanctuary

Soul Sanctuary is an event space and intentional community offering accessible housing, food security and supportive spaces for LGBTQIA Elders. Located northeast of downtown near Braggtown, the land is home to two farms working as a collective, Elijah's Farm and Kindred Micro Farms. The space also hosts community events and volunteer days.

Sahaja S P A C E

Offering yoga, birth work and other Special Happenings, Sahaja S P A C E is a center for individuals to come together and focus on collective well-being and growth. Nurture your spirit here with Collective Care, movement and meditation.

Temple Studio

Worship your hair at Temple Studio, a collective studio that gives community members a safe and empowering space to "revel in the textures and colors of humanity’s hair." Book an appointment or just drop in to peruse their selection of small-batch, low-tox, eco-conscious hair and home products.

The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

This downtown rooftop bar has a fun collection of signature cocktails, mocktails and local brews that will delight all who enter their doors. As a neighborhood bar, the Velvet Hippo is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for all members of the community. Grab a table inside with some friends, or enjoy a birds-eye view of Durham from their outdoor patio.

As you can see, Durham is full of LGBTQIA-owned businesses. For more businesses, organizations and resources that center the LGBTQIA community, check out the LGBTQ Center of Durham.