Everywhere is Queer: The LGBTQ+ business directory we *need* right now.
Plus two of my favorite local and online queer small businesses you definitely should know about.
It’s ROUGH out there for the girls, the gays, and theys.
It’s no secret that the LGBTQ+ community is the center of attention in all the worst ways right now. Like all the time - from actual laws to dumb cooperate BS like Target pulling back their assortment of Pride merch and not displaying it in the front of the store.
Back in the summer of 2021, Charlie Sprinkman was driving home from a being a camp counselor for queer youth and found himself wanting to visit more queer spaces - but there was one problem. How do you find queer-owned businesses easily when you’re traveling? Especially when you don’t know the area - and that’s how the idea for Everywhere Is Queer began.
First with just 10 listings and a custom (personal) shared google map Charlie “launched” version one of Everywhere Is Queer in January 2022.
Back in February, a new app launched just for Queer Businesses: Everywhere Is Queer (EIQ).
In early 2022, Charlie, the creator of EIQ, launched a website that business owners could add their locations to and it quickly grew to over 100k monthly views. However, wanting to do more and be more accessible to everyone - both users navigating a city and to business owners, Charlie knew that an app was the next stage of EIQ. On February 20th, 2024 that app launched with about 9,500 listings.
Since its initial launch it’s grown to over 13,000 business listings and the app now has over 75,000 downloads - which is increasing currently at nearly 10% every month since launch.
WHAAAT! 13,000+ organizations now on our platform 🥳🌈🌎!!
PLEASE go support these incredible small queer-owned businesses this pride month and beyond!
Using social media posts, I was able to put together this data, and the growth is so freaking cool to see.
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That’s only $48 $29 for the whole year - forever, if you renew - and save 60% compared to the month to month plan.
Queer Sh*t E V E R Y W H E R E
Unlike places like Target, you can find my queer designs on TinyWerewolves.com YEAR ROUND. Which is probably why I never rush to put out a ‘pride’ collection. Like, this isn’t just one time of the year for me and my brand. I don’t get to *stop* being queer at the of June.
My favs should also be your favs:
Babe Gang Patches:
Meag at Babe Gang is like the patch version of Tiny Werewolves. We both have spooky shit, we both have queer shit, we make things based around current events like reproductive rights and social topics. I really hope we get to meet someday - EXCEPT she’s in New England, specifically in Western Mass, and sadly I’m not.
Yes, that’s a pink guillotine patch.
Paper & Pencil:
The only place you should be going to get stationery from in if you’re visiting Chicago. The two owners are an absolute delight and they also carry Tiny Werewolves products… I never said you can’t buy my love and affection ( jk 😆).
It’s the absolute cutest shop in the Andersonville neighborhood.