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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.