LGBTQ+ Businesses in Salt Lake City
Photo courtesy of @paulbryan_dev
During Pride month, it’s easy to get caught up in the exhilarating parades and festivals and forget that for the LGBTQ community, Pride is year long. So, why not continue to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community all year long by supporting local businesses.
Luckily, we have dozens of LGBTQ+ friendly businesses in Salt Lake City that are not only fun to shop at but also support great causes. Whether you are looking for a new book to read or need to get your hair trimmed, Salt Lake City’s queer community has got you covered!
LGbTQ+ Friendly Hair Salons
You can ensure that you are looking your absolute best with these two Salt Lake based queer businesses. One focuses on barber services, while the other offers hair and beauty products. Let’s take a peek at the details.
Friar Tuck’s Barbershop
Friar Tuck’s is described as “Utah’s Queerest Barbershop.” They are said to specialize in gender affirming haircuts, and their mission is to provide a safe space for people to express themselves.
If you’re not in the market for a haircut right now, but still want to support the queer community, they have a Give Back section on their website that gives a list of different LGBTQ programs that you can donate to.
You can find Friar Tuck’s Barbershop’s location on 11 West 1700 South, and their information can be found at their website.
Cult + King
Cult + King makes sustainable hair and shave products for the entire gender spectrum. Their best selling product is a pink Himalayan texture infusion for hair called “JELLY”. It amplifies natural texture, keeping your hair weightless while still moisturizing.
That’s not all they have though. They have shaving products, brushes, and much more. Their mission is to provide products that anyone and everyone feels comfortable using, no matter their gender.
Cult + King does not have a physical location, but you can order products from their website.
Pantry Products
Pantry Products is another queer Salt Lake based company that sells beauty and skincare products. One of their most popular featured items is a face wash made with honey and jojoba oil (it even comes in travel size).
Another fan favorite of theirs is their natural bug repellant that is DEET and citronella free. Not only is it better for the environment, but it smells better too. This bug repellant is made from lavender, lemongrass, cedarwood, lemon, and peppermint essential oils.
Worried about your furry friend’s beauty? Well, Pantry Products also sells grooming products for your pets! They offer dog wash, paw protector, and dog deodorant. In addition, all of Pantry’s products are 100% natural, so you can feel safe about putting these onto not only yourself but also your furry friend.
All of the Pantry Products are available online at the Pantry Product website or you can check out their Find Pantry Near You! map to see which retailer sells Pantry Products near you.
Queer Friendly Bakeries in SLC
Who doesn’t need some good carbs and sugar once in a while? Well, what if you could get some while supporting a local LGBTQ business? Luckily for you, there are some wonderful queer friendly bakeries right here in Salt Lake City.
Beehive Charcuterie
Before we dive into the delicious bakeries in the city, there is another tasty queer owned business that deserves a shout-out, Beehive Charcuterie. Owner and Salt Lake City local, Kimo Pokini, launched Beehive Charcuterie in 2023 and his gourmet and artistic boxes have quickly become favorites around the city.
From beautiful picnic boxes that can feed 2-6 people to large wood grazing boards for parties of 30 people, Beehive Charcuterie will provide the perfect taste and aesthetic for any celebration. Not only that, but they also have BARKuterie treat boxes. That’s right, you can have Kimo and his team make a special charcuterie box to celebrate your favorite furry friends.
We love a business that celebrates everyone, and every pup! To order a charcuterie (or barkcuterie) box or board for your next special occasion (or just to pair something tasty with your favorite wine), visit Beehive Charcuterie on Instagram or message Kimo at Beehivecharcuterie@gmail.com
Forty Three Bakery
Forty Three Bakery describes itself as a “minority owned business that prioritizes helping marginalized communities”. They specialize in both sweet and savory baked goods, and their products are described as “sinfully delicious”. You’ve certainly got us intrigued!
While everything on the menu sounds delicious, the menu is seasonal. So, if you see something you want to try make sure to stop by sooner rather than later (or at least before the new season starts). They also have limited hours so make sure you plan your visit for between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday.
To take a look at their current menu (including their croissant donuts which sound absolutely heavenly), waltz on over to their website or swing by the shop on 67 West 1700 South in Salt Lake City.
Sweet Hazel & Co. Vegan Bakeshop
Sweet Hazel & Co. is owned by Chef Fee, an LGBTQ woman. While she specializes in candy bar making that is not all you will find at the bakeshop.
On top of their candy, they have a bistro, a bakery, and a brunch menu. Sweet Hazel & Co. also caters, so if you’re looking for a vegan and LGBTQ friendly bakery to cater an event, they have got you covered.
Take a look at their menu to see what speaks to you!
LGBTQIA+ Social Spots
Going out to grab food or drinks is a wonderful way to socialize in Salt Lake City, whether that be grabbing brunch, coffee, or a margarita. Whatever your meal or drink of choice, Salt Lake’s LGBTQ community has us covered in terms of tasty drinks and eats served in a friendly environment.
Sugar House Coffee
Sugar House Coffee is an inclusive space located in, you guessed it, Sugar House! Not only do they have a great drink menu, but they have a genuinely fantastic food menu as well.
In addition to their regular cafe hours where you can enjoy sipping coffee while socializing or working, the shop also hosts monthly events. This includes queer friendly events like queer mingle nights in addition to open mic nights.
All of these events can be found on their calendar and by following them on social media.
Tsuki Sake
Tsuki Sake is a Salt Lake queer based sake company. Founded by two Japanese-Americans and their Utah friend, their goal is to create domestic sake that pairs well with Japanese cuisine.
They exclusively sell sake made in Utah, which comes in three flavors: Junmai Daiginjo (which has aromas of banana, melon, and white flower), Citrus Prickly Pear, and White Peach Nigori. If you’re not sure which sake is right for you, take a look at their Sake 101 section.
To get a hold of their delicious sake, head to their website to order, or visit Squatters & Wasatch Taproom at 1763 South 300 West.
WB’s Eatery
WB’s Eatery is a woman, LGBTQ+, Latina owned cafe in Ogden, Utah. In addition to their wonderful food selection, they are also well known for their specialty cocktails.
While they specialize in cocktails, they support the sober curious movement by offering a non-alcoholic option for any of the cocktails on their menu. Additionally, they host fun events like DJ brunches, pole dance performances, and drag brunches.
Check out their calendar and menu to see what they are up to and plan a drive north to Ogden.
WHY KIKI
Why Kiki is one of the newer LGBTQ+ friendly spots on the block. Since opening in 2021, this downtown bar has become the hot spot for everything from drag shows to silent discos.
Home to some of Salt Lake City’s most well known Drag Queens, this fabulous bar is the perfect place to start or finish the weekend. Add to your night out on the down with a sit down dinner and drag show on Saturday nights or close out the weekend with a bang on Sunday morning at Drag Brunch.
Take a look at their calendar to plan a fun and LGBTQ+ friendly outing downtown.
Local LGBTQIA+ Stores
While we have already looked at a bunch of LGBTQ businesses, there are still a couple more to highlight. Moreover, these next ones may be the best queer businesses of the bunch.
Genderbands
Genderbands is an organization that sells LGBTQ products whose profits go to funding transgender people’s transition-related costs. They sell wristbands, stickers, flags, and so much more.
Instead of waiting for Pride to come around in June, why not get yourself or a friend something to support the transgender community all year long?
You can grab yourself a mini pride flag or other fun item to show your support by visiting their website.
Under the Umbrella Bookstore
I saved the best for last, folks. This is an LGBTQ owned bookstore that exclusively sells books that are written by queer authors or are about queer topics. Beyond books, they host queer poetry nights, queer romance book clubs, and drag open mics nights.
Located downtown, their little shop is quaint and welcoming. I bought my favorite Mary Oliver poetry book there, which s my most prized possession.
Stop by the Under the Umbrella Bookstore next time you are downtown near 511 West 200 South.
Support Local LGBTQ+ Businesses
Salt Lake City has a lot to offer when it comes to LGBTQIA+ businesses, and we only covered a handful of them. While it’s great to support them during Pride Month every June, it is even better to support these businesses all year long because they are actively doing good in the community and providing a safe space for LGBTQ members.
Also, remember to remind the queer people in your life that you love them every day, all year long!