The Resilience of LGBTQ+ Businesses: A Community Rebuilding Together

In September 2023, Hurricane Helene severely affected DayTrip, a queer bar and event space in Asheville, North Carolina, owned by husbands Brandon and Davie Davis. Having opened just a month prior, DayTrip quickly became a vibrant community hub, hosting fundraisers, burlesque shows, and dog adoptions. Following the hurricane's devastation, the couple received overwhelming support, raising over $190,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. Brandon Davis expressed gratitude, stating, “Thousands and thousands of queer people from all over the world have been donating,” highlighting the global solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.

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The recovery of DayTrip underscores the importance of queer-owned businesses in fostering a supportive economy. Charlie Sprinkman, founder of Everywhere Is Queer, emphasized the significance of investing in LGBTQ+ spaces, noting that successful queer establishments can inspire neighboring businesses to adopt inclusive practices. Sprinkman created Everywhere Is Queer, a directory of over 20,000 queer-owned businesses, after recognizing the need for safe and affirming spaces during their travels across the United States. They shared that many individuals from regions where being openly queer is illegal have expressed appreciation for the visibility and representation provided by such platforms.

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In addition to community spaces, professional networking is vital for LGBTQ+ individuals. Cat Perez and Marianna Di Regolo launched Famm Connect, an invite-only social network designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. They noted that traditional professional environments often overlook the needs of queer individuals, stating, “It’s not just about being ‘included’ as an afterthought. It’s really about belonging somewhere built for us by us from the start.” Famm Connect allows users to connect, find job opportunities, and support one another in a safe environment, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation in professional settings.

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The resilience of LGBTQ+ businesses like DayTrip and the creation of platforms such as Famm Connect reflect a broader movement towards building inclusive communities. These initiatives not only provide safe spaces for social interaction but also empower individuals to thrive professionally. As Sprinkman articulated, the goal is to create a global network where queer individuals feel alive, seen, and heard every day, not just in special circumstances.

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The founders of Famm Connect highlighted the necessity of their platform amid rollbacks in diversity and inclusion initiatives in larger corporations, asserting that their app serves as a vital resource for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking community and support. They emphasized the importance of creating spaces that prioritize safety and celebration within the LGBTQ+ community.

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• “Thousands and thousands of queer people from all over the world have been donating,” — Brandon Davis, Co-owner of DayTrip

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• “It’s not just about being ‘included’ as an afterthought. It’s really about belonging somewhere built for us by us from the start.” — Cat Perez and Marianna Di Regolo, Founders of Famm Connect

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• “I wanted to build that to a global scale — allowing our community to feel that way on a day-to-day basis, not just at these extremely special places.” — Charlie Sprinkman, Founder of Everywhere Is Queer

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The collective efforts of these businesses and platforms illustrate the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing how solidarity can lead to recovery and growth in the face of adversity.

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