Pride Month Picks: LGBTQIA+ Owned NYC Businesses
NextJune is Pride Month, a time to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community by uplifting the queer-owned businesses that help make NYC so vibrant. From cafรฉs and barbershops to fine dining and wellness spaces, many of these spots are just steps from NYC Ferry landings, making it easy to explore and support all month longโand year round.
OutBox Gym
Route: East River
Landing: North Williamsburg, South Williamsburg
OutBox is New York City’s first transgender-owned boxing and fitness gym, founded by Max Adler. The gym offers an inclusive space with queer-led classes suitable for all levels, aiming to make working out fun and accessible for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Fonda
Route: St. George
Landing: Midtown West
Fonda is a Mexican restaurant owned by Chef Roberto Santibaรฑez, one of NYC’s notable LGBT chefs. With locations in Chelsea and Park Slope, Fonda offers elevated Mexican cuisine in a welcoming environment.
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Saltwater
Route: Soundview
Landing: Stuyvesant Cove
Saltwater is a queer-owned business offering a curated selection of goods that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Their offerings include apparel, accessories, and home goods that reflect queer culture and identity.
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Edy’s Grocer
Route: East River
Landing: Greenpoint
Founded by Edy Massih, a queer Middle Eastern entrepreneur, Edy’s Grocer is a Lebanese specialty store in Greenpoint. The grocer offers imported dry goods and homemade Lebanese dishes with a modern twist, aiming to represent and inspire the LGBTQ+ community.
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Fresco’s Grand Cantina
Route: Astoria
Landing: Astoria
Fresco’s Grand Cantina is a gay-owned and operated restaurant in Astoria, Queens. Established in 2022, it has become a staple within the LGBTQIA+ community, offering delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.
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Headchop
Route: East River
Landing: North Williamsburg, South Williamsburg
Headchop is Williamsburg’s premier non-traditional house of hair, offering a unique salon experience. The salon is known for its inclusive environment and creative styling, catering to a diverse clientele.
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Pierogi Boys
Route: South Brooklyn
Landing: Atlantic Avenue
Located in DeKalb Market Hall, Pierogi Boys is a certified LGBTQ Business Enterpriseยฎ. They serve traditional Polish pierogi with a modern twist, offering a variety of fillings and flavors.
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Tend Greenpoint
Route: East River
Landing: Greenpoint
Tend Greenpoint is an LGBTQIA+-owned urban garden shop that supplies homes and businesses with quality plants and gardening supplies. They also locally source various products from artists and creators.
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The Q’lective
Route: Soundview
Landing: Stuyvesant Cove
The Q’lective is a collective of queer, gender-expansive, and neurodivergent therapists based in New York City. They provide accessible mental health care for individuals from marginalized communities.
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Otis & Finn Barbershop
Route: Astoria / East River
Landing: Long Island City / Greenpoint & North Williamsburg
Otis & Finn is an LGBTQIA+-owned and operated barbershop with locations in Long Island City and Greenpoint. They strive to create a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community while providing top-notch grooming services.
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Kopitiam
Route: South Brooklyn
Landing: Corlears Hook
Kopitiam is a queer-owned Malaysian cafe and restaurant located at 151 E. Broadway in Manhattan’s Two Bridges neighborhood. They offer traditional Malaysian dishes in a casual setting.
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TRNK
Route: St. George
Landing: Battery Park City
TRNK is a minority and LGBTQ+-owned furniture and home decor company based in NYC. They celebrate evolving concepts of how and with whom we share space in contemporary society.
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HAGS
Route: Soundview
Landing: Stuyvesant Cove
HAGS is a queer-owned fine dining restaurant in the East Village, co-owned by chef Telly Justice and sommelier Camille Lindsley. They offer a tasting menu that emphasizes inclusivity and community.
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Lockwood Shop
Route: East River
Landing: North Williamsburg & Greenpoint
Founded by Mackenzi Farquer, Lockwood is an LGBTQ- and female-owned business that sells gifts, home decor, food items, clothing, beauty and wellness products, and kids’ gear. They promote local makers and up-and-coming brands in the NYC area.
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Superfine
Route: South Brooklyn / East River
Landing: DUMBO
Superfine is a queer-owned restaurant and live music venue located in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood under the Manhattan Bridge. Established in 1998, it blends art, food, and music in an exciting setting.
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Itaewon Pocha
Route: East River, Soundview, Astoria
Landing: East 34th Street
Itaewon Pocha is a Korean street food-inspired bar and restaurant that embraces the LGBTQIA+ community. They offer a lively atmosphere with a variety of Korean dishes and drinks.
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The Magical Matchmaker
Location: NYC-Based
The Magical Matchmaker is an LGBTQIA+-owned matchmaking service that specializes in connecting queer individuals seeking meaningful relationships. They offer personalized matchmaking and coaching services.
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Silver Fox Movers
Location: NYC-Based
Silver Fox Movers is an LGBTQIA+-owned moving company that provides reliable and friendly moving services throughout New York City. They are known for their professionalism and commitment to the community.
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Lion’s Tooth Project
Location: NYC-Based
The Lion’s Tooth Project is an LGBTQIA+-owned initiative focused on community building and empowerment through storytelling and creative expression. They offer workshops and events that foster connection and growth.