Queer-Owned Businesses in and around Denver
Denver's LGBTQ+ community is thriving, with queer-owned businesses adding vibrancy and inclusivity to the city's landscape. From coffee shops to fitness studios, these spots offer more than just services, they create welcoming spaces that celebrate diversity and foster community. As a company co-founded by a queer entrepreneur, Pao knows firsthand how meaningful it is to uplift queer voices and spaces. This guide is our way of celebrating the vibrant, diverse businesses that make Denver shine. We keep this list fresh and updated, so whether you're a longtime local or just visiting, there's always something new and fabulous to discover.
Custom jewelry shop in RiNo
Lux Forge is a queer- and trans-owned jewelry atelier founded by Jiovanni Mancarella, a Denver-born goldsmith dedicated to crafting stunning, genderless pieces. Nestled in the heart of the RiNo Art District, the studio offers a down-to-earth vibe and 100% sustainably made jewelry using recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones, along with custom designs and fine art collaborations. They also do repairs!
Bookstore and flower shop in Lincoln Park
Petals & Pages is a queer woman-owned bookstore and flower shop founded by poet and community organizer Dylah Ray. Located in Denver's Santa Fe Arts District, the shop offers a curated selection of books emphasizing queer, BIPOC, and nonbinary authors, alongside fresh floral arrangements. Beyond retail, it serves as a vibrant community hub, hosting events like open mic nights, themed book clubs, burlesque dance classes, and workshops, all aimed at fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse voices. The shop emotes joy + love.
Coffee shop in East Denver
This is a cozy, queer- and BIPOC-owned café nestled in East Denver, co-founded by Katharine Hiltbrand, John Hiltbrand, and Jenna Greenwood. Housed in a converted farmhouse, it offers a welcoming space adorned with local art, a backyard with chickens, and a menu featuring locally sourced pastries and house-roasted coffees. Quince serves as a community hub, hosting open mics, art shows, and providing a safe, affirming environment for all. The staff is so friendly!
Brewery in Englewood
Lady Justice Brewing is a queer- and Latina-owned brewery founded by Betsy Lay, Kate Power, and Jen Cuesta with a mission to craft beer that supports social justice. Operating as a philanthropic brewery, they donate all profits from their Community-Supported Beer memberships and specific tap sales to nonprofits empowering women, girls, and nonbinary individuals across Colorado. Now located in Englewood, their welcoming taproom offers a diverse range of beers and hosts community events, all within a space adorned with murals celebrating activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Dolores Huerta. Try the flights, you won’t be disappointed!
Sports Bar in Capital Hill
The 99ers Sports Bar is Denver’s first and only women’s sports bar, co-founded by queer athletes Annie Weaver and Miranda Spencer. Named after the iconic 1999 U.S. Women’s World Cup team, the bar is dedicated to broadcasting women’s sports exclusively! With a focus on community, the 99ers hosts events like trivia nights centered on female and LGBTQIA+ themes, and collaborates with local organizations to celebrate and uplift women in sports. Go watch a game, soak up the positive and welcoming energy, and meet great people!
Bar in Downtown
Hell or High Water Tiki is a queer-owned bar that blends tropical escapism with irreverent charm - think horror meets tiki! Co-founded by Lexi Healy and Veronica Ramos, this LGBTQ+ (haunted?) haven offers up-leveled, inventive cocktails with lots of phallic details and a wild environment; imagine a gay pirate ship marooned on a mystifying island amidst mind-blowing funky decor. Located above Honor Farm, it's a vibrant and fun space with a touch of kink.
Salon in South Broadway
Sinners Hair + Nails is a queer-, Latinx-, and women-owned salon co-founded by Dom Garcia and Anne Garcia. This unapologetically inclusive space offers a range of haircuts, color services, and nail art, all within a punk-rock atmosphere that champions anti-racist, anti-fascist, and gender-affirming values. Beyond beauty services, Sinners actively supports the community through mutual aid efforts and fundraisers for organizations like the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Customers LOVE both their nail and hair services.
Bar in Five Points
The Pearl is a queer- and trans-owned bar revitalizing the historic Mercury Café space into a vibrant, sapphic-centered community hub. Founded by Dom Garcia and Ashlee Cassity, with partners Jonathan Mora and Sheli Gilman, The Pearl offers inclusive events like poetry slams, swing dancing, and drag shows, alongside a vegan-friendly menu and coffee bar. They are starting to offer family and teen inclusive events too! Committed to preserving the venue's legacy while fostering a safe, affirming space, The Pearl stands as a beacon for Denver's LGBTQ+ community.
Brewery in Northwest Denver
Goldspot Brewing is a 100% queer- and woman-owned brewery helmed by Kelissa Hieber, who transformed it into a vibrant, inclusive community hub. Known for its rotating taps and donation-based beers—where $1 per pour supports local nonprofits—Goldspot hosts events like drag brunches, queer Dungeons & Dragons nights, and the quarterly "Homos and Homies" market, celebrating BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists and vendors. Try Taco Tuesdays for both veggie and meat options.
Metalworking studio in Santa Fe Arts District
Hardy & Fuller is a queer- and BIPOC-owned metalworking studio founded by Ashe Thorne (they/them), offering a welcoming environment for individuals of all backgrounds to explore blacksmithing, welding, and metal fabrication. With a focus on inclusivity, the studio provides classes tailored to women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and teens, fostering a community where creativity and empowerment thrive. Beyond instruction, Hardy & Fuller hosts open studio sessions and community events. It’s a cool place to learn welding, make jewelry (snake arm band, anyone?), and play with fire!
Auto repair shop in Sheridan
Good Judy Garage is a queer- and trans-owned auto repair shop founded by CC Haug, a master mechanic with over 25 years of experience. Named after Judy Garland, a beloved LGBTQ+ icon, the shop offers a welcoming space for all customers. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, Good Judy Garage provides honest and reliable auto services in the Denver Metro Area. Their team includes bilingual staff and a shop dog named Nandor, ensuring a friendly and supportive environment for everyone. And where on earth do you find an auto shop with nearly all five star reviews - wow! Transparent and competitive pricing too!
Event space
Creepatorium is a queer- and nonbinary-owned alternative event venue founded by Presley Peach (they/them) and Emerald Boes, co-creators of the "House of Horrors." Located at 1974 S Acoma St, this 4,000 sq ft space hosts a variety of inclusive events, including drag shows, vendor markets, horror-themed book clubs, and live music performances. With a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for the horror, alt, and queer communities, Creepatorium offers a unique venue for those seeking alternative cultural experiences in Denver. Performers love them!
Collective all around Denver
Sapphic Social Club is a queer- and trans-led collective founded by Alayna Shaw and Erica Wilder, dedicated to creating inclusive, community-driven events for queer women, trans women, and nonbinary individuals. Since 2022, they've hosted many sold-out gatherings, including themed parties, art shows, and fundraisers, donating the majority of proceeds to grassroots LGBTQIA+ organizations. Their events, such as "Love Letters" and "Shades of Us," offer a vibrant space for connection and celebration. Stay updated on upcoming events and get involved through their website and Instagram.
Wellness classes in RiNo
Joy Movement Collective is a queer- and trans-owned wellness space founded by Styler Rising and Liv Parvin (both they/them), offering strength classes, self-defense workshops, and community events in an inclusive, community-centered environment. Located in Denver's RiNo district, the Collective has a space where one can experience movement and activity safely and authentically. With offerings like Paragon Wellness classes, Enbodied Fitness coaching, and a Mutual aid Pantry, Joy Movement Collective fosters love and organizes through values, serving as a vital third space for the LGBTQ+ community. They will help you align with your authentic self!
Bar in RiNo
Honey Elixir Bar is a queer-owned lounge and community space founded by Jocasta Hanson, nestled in a colorful alley of Denver's RiNo district. Celebrated for its inventive "potions" (non-alcoholic elixirs crafted with herbs, botanicals, and edible glitter), it also offers a curated selection of cocktails, low-ABV jun, and wholesome snacks. All of their drinks and ingredients are chosen to energize rather than slow you down. Their dedication to creativity and community shines!
Sex and wellness boutique in multiple locations
Awakening Boutique is a queer- and woman-owned, sex-positive shop founded by longtime friends Tory Johnson and Rose Kalasz. With locations on South Broadway and inside Modern Nomad in RiNo, it offers a curated selection of body-safe toys, handmade lingerie, gender-affirming products, and inclusive wellness items. Designed as a welcoming space for all genders and sexualities, Awakening also hosts workshops and events, fostering a community centered on trust, respect, and pleasure.
Hair salon in multiple locations
Above Ground Denver is a queer-owned salon founded by Ashe Bowen, who has been serving the LGBTQ+ community for over 20 years. With locations in LoDo and the Colfax "Gayborhood," the salon offers inclusive hair services for all hair types and styles, including gender-affirming haircuts. Committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment, Above Ground provides complimentary gender-affirming haircuts to individuals under 21, ensuring everyone can express their authentic selves.
Community space in Santa Fe Arts District
Town Hall Collaborative is a queer- and women-owned community space founded by best friends Denise Day and Lauren Beno. It serves as a versatile venue offering a full bar, coffee from Queen City Collective Coffee, and a marketplace featuring women-, LGBTQ-, and BIPOC-owned businesses. With events ranging from queer country dance nights to roller burlesque parties, Town Hall fosters an inclusive environment where creativity and connection thrive.
Are you a queer-owned business owner in Denver and want to be included in this list? Visit our Work With Us page and send us a message!
