austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Chicago

Keep It Local

Keep It Local spotlights local businesses we love with personal, curated, and neighborly recommendations to help you live your best Chicago life. So, if you’re ready to ditch the national chains, e-commerce giants, and big box stores,

 sign up now for the new weekly newsletter from City Cast Chicago

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

Kayleigh Padar

Seeing Chicago’s vibrant queer community come out in full force as the whole city launches into summertime always reminds me why I love living here.

I’m especially looking forward to the Pride Parade on Sunday. This year is particularly special because it falls on my birthday! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than putting some glitter on my face and soaking up thousands of people’s sheer joy.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite LGBTQ+ owned businesses that keep Chicago bright and colorful all year long. For even more recommendations, check out City Cast Chicago contributor Anna DeShawn’s 

Iced coffee, bagels, and tarot, oh my! This community-centered coffee shop has quickly become a staple in the neighborhood. I swear, every time I walk by, there’s a line out the door. It offers a wide range of pastries, including vegan and gluten-free options, and they create a new zodiac-themed drink every month. The cafe hosts a slew of community events, from crafting meetups to comedy shows to tarot readings.

Open since 1980, it’s one of the city’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstores and a place that’s easy to get lost in. Its multiple rooms of winding shelves are home to an unparalleled collection of LGBTQ+ literature, plenty of fiction and poetry, and an extensive section on sale. This 

 shows how the bookstore has evolved in the last 45 years.

This vintage shop has been “making Bridgeport weirder since 2022,” with its wide selection of clothing, art, and everything in between. The owners remake, remix, and repair antiques to give new life to timeless treasures. New items drop in-store every week, and you can also buy 

On a quest to increase the dwindling number of lesbian bars throughout the country, one queer couple opened a neighborhood cocktail lounge “for every friend of Dorothy.” The subterranean, 70s-inspired speakeasy is known for its arts-focused events, including silent reading nights, open mics, movie nights, and more. It’s a little tricky to find the first time, but don’t let that deter you. Look for the unmarked red door on Chicago Avenue just west of the “2500” painted on the building.

LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses in Chicago

Keep It Local with City Cast Chicago

 became the local chain of thrift stores we know today, it took shape as a series of garage sales created in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Howard Brown Health founded the organization because so many people were dying and leaving behind entire homes full of belongings. Many families refused to take their things due to the stigma surrounding the disease, so the LGBTQ+ clinic stepped in.

Brown Elephant moved into its first storefront in 1982, and is now located in Northalsted at 812 W. Belmont Ave. and Andersonville at 5404 N. Clark St.

“Our name comes from the Brown in Howard Brown Health, and at the time, AIDS was known as the elephant in the room, so that’s why we’re Brown Elephant,” said Northalsted store manager Matt Talaga-Roman.

Ever since then, Brown Elephant has sold donated furniture, clothing, and household decor to raise money for Howard Brown Health, which serves more than 40,000 people each year.

“There have been times throughout Howard Brown Health’s history when funding from the Brown Elephant was the reason the organization survived,” Talaga-Roman said.

In the past fiscal year, Brown Elephant has provided more than $100,000 in vouchers for clinic patients and young people experiencing homelessness who visit Broadway Youth Center. The vouchers are exchanged for items at the store.

“It’s our way of giving back directly to our local community,” Talaga-Roman said.

Plus, as a shopper, there’s a lot to love. Brown Elephant accepts and sorts more than one million pounds of donations, making it the perfect place to find an emergency dress or a housewarming gift.

New items are added to the stores every day. Both locations run a “Monday Mayhem” sale every week, when all clothing is 50% off.

All this to say, you can feel good when you pick up that new-to-you crystal dish you don’t really need.

Before Brown Elephant became the local chain of thrift stores we know today, it took shape as a series of garage sales created in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Keep It Local with City Cast Chicago

LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses in Chicago

Brown Elephant’s Legacy of Giving Back