These LGBTQ+ Michiganders are creating community and investing in their neighborhoods—here’s how you can support them.
Supporting the LGBTQ+ community shouldn’t start and end with Pride Month.
In Michigan, there are plenty of LGBTQ+-owned businesses you can support all year round—that’s why we created this handy guide of some of our favorites.
Don’t see your favorite LGBTQ+-owned business on this list? Let us know by emailing [email protected].
WEST MICHIGAN
Woosah Outfitters738 Wealthy St. SE, Grand RapidsWebsite / Facebook and Instagram: @woosahoutfittersWoosah Outfitters is a naturally inspired art and apparel brand that features the artwork of founder and owner, Rae Lang. The designs and drive behind Woosah revolve largely around woodcuts, the outdoors, and finding peace.
Rebel1555 Wealthy St., SE, Grand RapidsWebsite / Facebook / Instagram From snarky notepads to trendy jewelry, baby onesies to wine glasses, and Michigan-made artwork to handmade paper cards, there’s no shortage of goodies at Rebel. The eclectic gift shop in Uptown Grand Rapids has everything you need to create the best gift ever, even for that hard-to-shop-for friend or family member. Black Cat Bodega2456 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand RapidsWebsite / Facebook / Instagram
Black Cat Bodega isn’t just a shop—it’s an experience. From well-curated gifts and vintage decor to metaphysical supplies, Black Cat Bodega offers a variety of products you won’t find anywhere else. The shop also hosts a variety of workshops for community members.
Sticky Fingers1503 Lake Dr. SE, Grand RapidsWebsite / Facebook / InstagramLocated only a few steps away from their sister store, Rebel, comes Sticky Fingers—a candy shop in Eastown that offers a variety of sticky-sweet goodies, including classics, new faves, and trendy treats. Happy Cat Café447 Division Ave. South, Grand RapidsWebsite / Facebook / InstagramWhen they’re not busy taking over TikTok, the adoptable cats at Happy Cat Café are helping their human coworkers sling handcrafted lattes, teas, and mocktails. Happy Cat Café works with Fig and Friends Pet Rescue to help find their four-legged baristas loving forever homes.
Transfigure Print Co.2221 Plainfield Ave. NE, Suite 107, Grand RapidsWebsite / Facebook / Instagram
Since Transfigure Print Co.’s humble beginnings in founder Bailey Sell’s college apartment in 2017, the company has grown into a five-person crew with two brick-and-mortar locations in Grand Rapids and a massive following on Instagram. They’ve also raised over $92,000 in support of the LGBTQ+ community through the Transfigure Trans Fund.
Fox Naturals Apothecary619 Wealthy St. SE, Grand RapidsWebsite / Facebook / Instagram
Since opening in 2018, Fox Naturals has strived to help customers ditch the synthetic ingredients and chemicals in big-box retail products for healthier, plant-based skincare. Their products are crafted with potent, natural ingredients that support all skin types.
Lotus Brew Coffee/Dry Bar211 Diamond Ave. SE, Grand RapidsWebsite / Facebook / InstagramA locally-owned LGBTQ+ library and café, Lotus Brew Coffee/Dry Bar offers a variety of local organic coffee, teas, and mocktails made with locally sourced ingredients. The café also hosts a library featuring a collection of LGBTQ+ books for customers to read for free.
Outside Coffee Co.450 Center St., DouglasWebsite / InstagramIn addition to serving coffee and handcrafted lattes in Douglas, Outside Coffee Co. donates a portion of proceeds to local community organizations. The outside coffee shop is the brainchild of local artist Rae Lang.
MID-MICHIGAN
The Butters Hygienics Co.YpsilantiWebsite / Facebook / Instagram The Butters has plenty of all-natural products to add to your skin/hair/whatever care. This black-owned business offers its wares online and in select stores across Michigan.
Tiny Bit of Wood507 E. Shiawassee St., LansingWebsite / Facebook / Instagram
This one-woman woodworking operation offers a variety of handcrafted wood furniture and art. Each month, Tiny Bit of Wood hosts woodworking classes and more for patrons of all ages.
Devil’s Day Tattoo329 S. Washington Sq., LansingFacebook / Instagram Devil’s Day Tattoo is an inclusive, welcoming tattoo studio in downtown Lansing owned and operated by various talented artists who identify as some shade of the LGBTQ+ community. Once a month, the shop offers themed flash days and donates a portion of proceeds to local community organizations.
Sparrow and Bloom505 E. Shiawassee St., LansingWebsite / Facebook / Instagram
Sparrow and Bloom is run by besties Becca and Kait in Lansing’s Stadium District. The duo prides itself on creating magic through gardening and floral design. They also partner with local flower growers to use as many locally-grown flowers as possible during the growing season.
Strange Matter Coffee CoMultiple locations in LansingWebsite / Facebook / InstagramStrange Matter Coffee Co. is the invention of Cara Nader, with the help of more people than can be listed. Cara has spent over a decade in the coffee industry as a manager, trainer, and regional barista competitor. Today, Strange Matter’s coffee (and doughnuts) have become a beloved staple throughout Lansing.
Constellation Cat Cafe3320 E. Lake Lansing Rd., East LansingWebsite / Facebook / Instagram A full-service coffee shop offering seasonal lattes, mocktails, “meowshakes”, and more, Constellation Cat Café is the purr-fect spot for cat lovers. Make sure to check out their cat room, which hosts nearly two dozen adoptable rescue cats.
A Novel Concept, Dear Ollie & Co.222 Washington Sq., LansingWebsite / Facebook / InstagramLocated inside A Novel Concept, a queer, feminist, indie bookstore in downtown Lansing, Dear Ollie & Co. offers stationary and gifts from 100+ makers and designers with a focus on women and queer creators. On the first Thursday of each month, the shop creates a space for locals to meet for community, journaling, and crafts.
Clean Refillery1136 ½ S. Washington Ave., LansingWebsite / Facebook / InstagramIn Lansing’s REO neighborhood, the owners of Clean Refillery want to be a springboard to help people swap out their bathroom and laundry products for more natural, eco-friendly options. Customers are encouraged to bring in an empty container and fill it as in one of the Refillery’s products—like laundry detergent, shampoo, shower gel, hand soap, and more.
Thrift Witch108 César E. Chávez Ave., LansingFacebook / InstagramDo you know of any stores in Michigan that sell wet specimens of baby pigs and vintage clothing in the same place? Now you do. Thrift Witch specializes in oddities, original dark art, pop-culture collectibles, creepy antiques, plus new and vintage clothing and accessories. It’s also home to The Dark Art Market, a small business incubator.
EASTERN MICHIGAN
Not Sorry Goods22963 Woodward Ave., FerndaleWebsite / Facebook / Instagram
By combining upcycled, pre-loved clothing with their bold, eco-friendly designs, Not Sorry Goods built a brand that doesn’t just look good—it’s also good for the environment. Co-founded by Detroit native Dy-Min Johnson, Not Sorry Goods’ Detroit Collection is a love letter to the city’s grit and culture.
Public Thrift10237 Joseph Campau Ave., HamtramckWebsite / Facebook
A worker-owned community thrift store, Public Thrift is a place to shop sustainably and affordably while supporting your local community. Public Thrift also partners with mutual aid groups and non-profits to donate excess items, according to their website.
Bobcat Bonnie’sLocations in Ferndale, Lansing, Corktown, Wyandotte, Grand Rapids, and KalamazooWebsite / Facebook / InstagramBobcat Bonnie’s feels like a home away from home for all who enter. Named after owner Matt Buskard’s grandmother who enjoyed working the fields of her farm with her Bobcat front loader, this restaurant serves up a menu loaded with tasty comfort foods—from stacked, specialty burgers to boozy brunch.
Eli Tea Bar108 S. Old Woodward Ave., BirminghamWebsite / Facebook / InstagramEli Tea Bar specializes in loose-leaf tea and offers customers samples from the shop’s collection of 50+ ethically sourced teas and herbal infusions. Looking to take your tea to-go? No problem—you can purchase bags of tea, plus apparel and other merchandise, online.
Browndog Creamery12930 Capital St., Oak ParkWebsite / Facebook / InstagramIn addition to concocting ice cream flavors inspired by beloved Michigan pop brand, Faygo, a portion of Browndog Creamery’s sales go back to supporting local animal rescues. Can’t make it to their flagship store in Southeast Michigan? No problem! Pints of Browndog Creamery’s artisanal ice cream can be found in select stores across Michigan, and can even be shipped nationwide.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
B’s Music Shop613 N. Mission St., Mt. PleasantWebsite / Facebook / InstagramSome places sell musical instruments and offer music lessons, and then there’s B’s Music Shop. Not only are they a space for the music-loving community, but they are also the creators of the Meowdulator—a guitar pedal that transforms every note you play into a symphony of “cat-astic” sounds.
Bodega517 North Third Street, MarquetteWebsite / Facebook / Instagram
Through sourcing from local farms, Michigan brewers, and purveyors from around the Upper Peninsula, Bodega offers a menu that’s fresh, healthy, and delicious.
baby bangs! salon3125 Wright St., MarquetteWebsite / InstagramWhether you’re looking for a trim or a complete style makeover, the folks at baby bangs! salon has you covered. These local stylists will have you feeling good from your head to your nails.
Dead River Coffee Roasters119 W. Baraga Ave., MarquetteWebsite / Facebook / InstagramAs the original coffee roaster in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Dead River Coffee in downtown Marquette is a caffeine addict’s dream. Their Bob’s Deer Camp Blend, a special blend created just in time for deer season, provides the perfect pick me up for ‘Ganders who need to get shit done.
SOUTHERN MICHIGAN
Dabney & Co. Cocktail Bar and Lounge344 N. Rose St., KalamazooWebsite / Facebook / InstagramDabney & Co. is paying homage to the unsung Black mixologists who’ve significantly impacted the cocktail industry. Through their handcrafted cocktails and fostering an inclusive atmosphere, the staff at Dabney & Co. aims to inspire and encourage future generations to uphold their legacy of innovation and excellence.
Heirloom Arts Tattoo1919 Stearns Ave., KalamazooWebsite / Facebook / Instagram
Heirloom Arts is stacked with a staff of professional, creative, LGBTQ+ artists who specialize in American Traditional, blackwork, floral, and fine-line tattoos.
Bea True Flower FarmMaybeeWebsite / FacebookBea True Flower Farm is a family-owned farm in southeast Michigan that specializes in growing over 400 varieties of dahlias. Every summer, the farm opens its bouquet community-supported agriculture program to members of Monroe and Washtenaw counties—which delivers bouquets to members from July through October.
