Visibility remains a priority for LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere. A resource that meets that need is “Everywhere Is Queer,” an app that spotlights queer-owned businesses across the globe.
Its creator, Charlie Sprinkman, launched it in January 2022, and the platform has grown into a worldwide directory that encourages togetherness, empowerment, and celebration of queer entrepreneurship.
In an era that craves meaningful support systems, it has turned out to be a vital asset. Let’s take a closer look and see what makes this app so special.
Key Highlights
- “Everywhere Is Queer” helps LGBTQ+ individuals find and support queer-owned businesses globally.
- Launched in 2022, now with 17,000+ entries and a mobile app for easy access.
- Boosts queer-owned businesses by driving customers and offering a job board for inclusive employment.
- Includes a private Discord for entrepreneurs, partnerships with healthcare groups, and future plans for mentorship and events.
The Spark That Ignited a Movement
Sprinkman’s inspiration came from extensive trips around 42 U.S. states in 2018. During those travels, a glaring gap appeared: not enough easily accessible information on queer-friendly or queer-owned establishments.
Rather than waiting for someone else to address that challenge, a decision to map those welcoming places led to a digital directory highlighting businesses operated by LGBTQ+ individuals.
That directory was more than a simple list. It represented a broader mission to cultivate safe spaces and promote economic empowerment. By presenting businesses in a convenient format, the platform helps travelers and locals alike find welcoming services.
Many people have been yearning for a solution that fosters immediate connection to queer entrepreneurs. The platform seems to answer that call.
Expanding the Rainbow Directory
Growth happened fast. Initially, it emerged as a website and social media channel, yet momentum soared. According to OPB, by February 2025, over 17,000 entries appeared on its maps and lists.
Think bookstores, salons, therapists, community groups, cafes, and beyond, all part of an ever-growing tapestry of queer-owned ventures.
Key Milestones
- Launched in January 2022: Introduced a digital map highlighting queer-owned businesses.
- Global Expansion: A surge in entries, crossing national boundaries.
- Inclusion of Various Sectors: From mental health services to cozy coffee shops, there’s a broad range of businesses.
- Social Media Growth: Grassroots word of mouth boosted brand awareness.
An interesting aspect lies in the global nature of the directory. Individuals in metropolitan regions, small towns, and even remote locales add their favorite spaces, ensuring broader representation than one might expect.
That sense of breadth is exactly what fosters a feeling of worldwide unity.
From Website to Handy Mobile App
An official app surfaced in February 2024 for iOS and Android, making real-time searches easier than ever. Few people want to scroll through static webpages while out and about, so the app addresses that reality in a straightforward way.
Users open it, plug in their location or the location they plan to visit, and a curated list of queer-owned establishments appears. Might sound simple in theory, yet the result is powerful.
Why Mobile Access Matters
- On-the-Go Convenience: An app is more immediate than a desktop site, especially for spontaneous plans.
- User-Friendly Interface: A layout that focuses on easy navigation, so new users rarely feel lost.
- Global Database: Travelers in distant cities can quickly find local queer-owned spots.
- Evolving Features: The platform regularly updates listings and categories for accuracy.
Feedback from the LGBTQ+ community has been highly positive. Many praise the seamless approach to searching for restaurants, wellness providers, and other crucial services that align with personal values.
Others appreciate that the map fosters a sense of belonging, even in places where queer visibility can feel scarce.
The Real-World Effect on Queer-Owned Enterprises
It’s fair to wonder how a single platform can influence the finances of small operations. Turns out the impact is far from trivial.
According to testimonial on the Everywhere Is Queer official website, “Hair by Sophia,” a salon in Frisco, Texas, gained 15 new clients in a single month after being featured.
Most business owners dream of that kind of boost. A platform that channels enthusiastic clientele in their direction can be a game-changer, particularly in areas where dedicated queer-friendly networks are limited.
Economic Advantages for Businesses
- Increased Foot Traffic: Listings drive individuals actively seeking supportive, queer-owned ventures.
- Targeted Marketing: Visibility often translates into a more loyal customer base.
- Community-Centered Vibe: Establishments become part of a larger LGBTQ+ support system.
Entrepreneurs often feel isolated when they lack local resources or acceptance. The platform helps reduce that isolation by plugging them into a supportive ecosystem.
Some owners report that new connections have boosted their confidence and even shaped future plans, since they realize there’s a larger audience cheering them on.
Fostering Connections Through a Private Network
A public directory is only one part of the story. Another standout feature is a private Discord server. Over 300 queer entrepreneurs gather there to share insights and experiences.
Some swap industry tips; others discuss ways to handle discrimination. It’s a place where individuals with shared challenges and goals can collaborate, celebrate wins, and troubleshoot obstacles.
This sense of community helps cultivate empowerment. People who might feel alone receive a reminder that thousands of peers stand alongside them, spanning various backgrounds and regions.
Those genuine, human connections often spark new ideas or collaborations that might not emerge otherwise.
Job Boards and Employment Opportunities
Entrepreneurship isn’t the only focus. There’s a job board, too. Businesses owned by LGBTQ+ people or strong allies can post openings. That opens the door for job seekers to find employment in environments that value acceptance.
Hunting for inclusive workplaces can be difficult, especially for people who have faced bias in conventional settings.
A consolidated job board reduces guesswork by showing which companies genuinely welcome LGBTQ+ employees.
Benefits of the Job Board
- Safe Employment Connections: A sense of security comes with applying to places that won’t discriminate.
- Economic Empowerment: Stable, inclusive work helps build financial independence within marginalized groups.
- Added Visibility: Employers gain recognition for their allyship or LGBTQ+ ownership.
The platform aims to be more than a directory of businesses. It strives to serve as a comprehensive tool for economic upliftment.
By expanding into employment support, it hopes to bridge gaps that have often resulted in workplace discrimination.
A Lean Team Powering a Global Mission
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One might assume a large corporation steers this operation, but reality suggests otherwise. Charlie Sprinkman oversees day-to-day tasks, assisted by three contracted employees who manage specific roles like admin, graphic design, and social media.
A lean structure can be both blessing and curse. On one hand, it allows for agile decision-making and a genuine grassroots sensibility. On the other, ongoing expansion demands sustainable revenue.
Funding and Sustainability
- Premium Listings: Businesses can opt for added visibility in the directory.
- Job Board Postings: Employers pay a fee to attract prospective applicants.
- Potential Partnerships: Collaborations with supportive organizations bring in financial resources.
Revenue streams keep the platform from running on fumes. The aim is to maintain a free, open-to-all directory, but that requires careful financial planning.
The founder must strike a balance between inclusivity and the realities of business expenses like software upkeep and staff compensation.
Collaborations That Benefit the Whole Community
Partnerships bolster the platform’s reach and credibility. OutCare and GLMA, both known for championing queer-affirming healthcare, teamed up with the app’s leadership.
That union attempts to offer a unified approach toward comprehensive support: users can locate not only shops and cafes, but also affirming medical providers who value a patient’s identity.
Through those alliances, the platform aspires to broaden its scope. No one wants to scramble for a reliable healthcare professional who respects LGBTQ+ concerns. A single, integrated resource cuts down on the guesswork and leads users to providers who show genuine support.
Future Goals
Global reach remains a clear objective. Many users already log in from countries spanning multiple continents, seeking something as simple as a café to meet new friends or a safe place to shop.
Plans to expand feature sets continue, possibly by introducing new categories of services or more interactive elements.
Aspirations on the Horizon
- Enhanced Search Filters: City-specific tags, niche categories, and user-friendly sorting.
- Community Events Calendar: A function that highlights local queer-focused gatherings.
- Mentorship Programs: A structured way for experienced entrepreneurs to guide newcomers.
- Further Global Penetration: Spotlights on underserved regions in dire need of inclusive resources.
Summary
“Everywhere Is Queer” stands as a testament to the vitality of LGBTQ+ innovation. It isn’t just about generating lists of shops or cozy cafes. It’s an act of solidarity, a demonstration of how digital communities can uplift people who deserve fair opportunities to thrive.
By focusing on queer entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, the platform reminds the world that genuine inclusion fosters stronger, more vibrant local economies. For anyone seeking a supportive network of businesses, the app delivers an invaluable service.
For queer business owners eager to reach new clientele, it’s a powerful tool for growth. One might call it a digital map that merges commerce with community-building, bridging gaps that have lingered for too long.
Maybe no single platform can solve every issue, yet the unstoppable rise of “Everywhere Is Queer” shows that resourcefulness, powered by authentic voices, can bring about tangible change on a global scale.
