How to Celebrate and Support the LGBTQ+ Community in and Around Seattle
PRIDE MONTH IN SEATTLE
Seattle's PRIDE month has a lively history that kicked off back in the 1970s - starting with the first official PRIDE march in 1974, a modest but powerful gathering that set the stage for future celebrations. Over the years, PRIDE in Seattle has grown into a month-long festivity with parades, festivals, and all sorts of events lighting up the city. It's a time when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate diversity, equality, and the LGBTQ+ community. Each June, Seattle bursts with color and energy, truly embodying the city's inclusive and vibrant spirit.
This year, like every year, you can celebrate the LGBTQ+ community by checking out the PRIDE events happening around the Seattle area or stopping by some of the fantastic LGBTQ+ owned small businesses.
Whether you’re attending a parade, joining a festival, or looking to shop local, there are plenty of ways to get involved and show your support... this month and beyond:
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL EVENTS
PRIDE Month Events to check out:
JUNE 6 | Seattle Pride Art Walk
JUNE 12 | GSBA's Pride Luncheon & Pop-up Market
JUNE 26 | Pride Market Event at Stoup Capitol Hill
JUNE 28 | Queer/Pride Festival
JUNE 29 | PrideFest - Capitol Hill
JUNE 30 | Seattle Pride Parade
JUNE 30 | PrideFest - Seattle Center
See a more extensive list of events on our Pride Community Calendar
EAT, DRINK AND SHOP
Some of our favorite establishments:
In the heart of the Pike/Pine corridor, The Gemini Room is where your day starts with locally roasted espresso and ends with signature cocktails that'll transport you back to '73. Owned by the dynamic duo Tanner McLaughlin & Jackie Proctor, backed by Burgess/Hall, this café and bar offers fresh bites and retro vibes that'll have you feeling like you've stepped into a time warp!
Moon Village Bakery is South Seattle's go-to for all-natural bread, donuts, cakes, and more. Culinary Academy grads Miles and Naomie Ztanberry, who opened the bakery in 2016, split duties like a well-baked croissant: Miles masters the bread and fermentation, while Naomie whips up cookies and sweet treats.
Tricia Arcaro Turton packs a punch not just in the ring, but also in community building. As a former pro boxer who started her journey in the Central District, she's the knockout founder of Arcaro Boxing. With gloves on and heart open, she's on a mission to spar with stereotypes and help folks achieve their personal best in a ring of inclusivity and camaraderie.
In 2021, Nat Stratton-Clarke sprinkled some baking magic to the Cafe Flora family, unveiling The Flora Bakehouse on Beacon Hill. With a whisk of passion and a dollop of creativity, Nat's serving up a smorgasbord of freshly baked delights, from flaky croissants to heavenly vegan cinnamon rolls. Just like a perfectly risen dough, Nat's poured his heart into The Flora Bakehouse, evident in its charming decor and warm, buttery service.
In 2021, Robyn Emlen ignited Electric Kitten Tattoo, boasting 15+ years of ink-sperience. With a crew dedicated to fun and inclusivity, this purrfect parlor welcomes everyone under the sun, from first-timers to seasoned ink aficionados. ADA-accessible and community-driven, they're not just inking skin; they're lighting up lives, one design at a time!
Elliott Bay Book Company, a beloved Seattle gem since '73, got a new chapter in June 2022 when Tracy Taylor, Murf Hall, and Joey Burgess stepped in. With over 150,000 titles tucked into its cedar-shelved nooks, this Capitol Hill haven hosts author events galore, making sure readers always feel at home. Plus, dive into a literary feast with Little Oddfellows café nestled inside!
Union is the life of the party, proudly serving Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community since 2018. With a trio of seasoned bar owners—Nathan Benedict, Mark Engelmann, and Steve Nyman—at the helm, Union offers a full bar, a tasty menu, a cozy fireside lounge, and a fabulous patio perfect for any bash.
PS... Every Tuesday is “Team Tuesday,” where $1 from every Tito’s drink supports local LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Cheers to good times and great causes!
After 20+ years in the floral biz, the pandemic gave Tino Umali a bloomin' brilliant idea: why not work for himself? Always a fan of flowers and hospitality, he opened Florentino’s Fine Flowers in 2021. Now, he's on a mission to deliver fresh, handmade bouquets that’ll make you and your loved ones stop and smell the roses.
See a comprehensive list of LGBTQ+ owned small businesses on the Intentionalist website
