Seattle is a city known for its inclusivity and vibrant culture, and during my recent visit I got a firsthand look at how it celebrates its LGBTQ community. My visit began with a unique experience aboard a boat with Rupaul Drag Race star BenDelaCreme, where I witnessed dozens of LGBTQ couples renewing their vows and setting a world record!
The Love For All event was a heartwarming start to my Seattle adventure, showcasing the city’s commitment to love and equality. The vow renewal extravaganza was a spectacular event, featuring Pride-themed drinks, a photo booth, and a buffet dinner. The top deck of the boat had stunning views of the city, and the Deputy Mayor even proclaimed the day as “Love For All Day”. Justice Mary Yu, the first LGBTQ member of the State Supreme Court, officiated the event and the first couple ever to get married in the state of Washington was even in attendance. Watching the couples renew their vows was a beautiful and touching moment.
My exploration of Seattle certainly didn’t stop there though. I also visited several LGBTQ-owned small businesses in they city! Cafe Flora, a transgender-owned establishment and one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in the US, was a great spot for brunch. Bloom Bistro, a lesbian-owned bagel shop, was perfect for a quick snack, and Fats Chicken and Waffles offered a great lunch with their honey butter chicken biscuit sandwich.
For dessert, I headed to Intrigue Chocolate Co, a gay-owned shop with a variety of interesting flavoured chocolates and cocoa mixes. Shopping at Sergius and Bacchus Menswear (also gay-owned) allowed me to find some unique clothing items, like a nice shirt that I bought. I even took a pottery class at Saltstone Ceramics, a queer-owned studio, where I created two ceramic bowls.
Wine lovers would appreciate Footprint Wine Tap, a gay-owned bar with the only keg wine on tap in Washington State, serving Pacific Northwest wines. I also visited Aluel Cellars, the only tasting room in Seattle’s Gayborhood (Capitol Hill) offering award-winning wines from top vineyards in the state. For dinner, Terra Plata, a lesbian-owned restaurant, impressed me with its tapas-style dishes made from locally sourced organic ingredients.
All of these businesses, and many more LGBTQ-owned ones, can be found on the Intentionalist website.
Visiting Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market was another highlight of my trip, where I found even more LGBTQ-owned businesses. Leolo Handmade Shoes and Leather Goods, owned by a bisexual shoemaker, offers custom-made shoes crafted with an artistic flair. Bite Society, a lesbian-owned business, had beautifully designed tins filled with delicious cookies, and over at Bonnie B’s Peppers I met their drag queen owner, Aunt Flo ( or Dylan IRL) where I got to experience their pickled peppers on a hot dog.
At Pike Place Pigs, a lesbian-owned business, the “pig crafter” has been there, making ceramic pigs, for 18 years. And at CMS Ceramics there’s a local artist doing his craft and selling his works. He’s a gay owner who spent 11 years getting a BFA & MFA in ceramics!
I had a memorable few days in Seattle, filled with diverse and welcoming LGBTQ-owned businesses that showcase the city’s inclusive spirit. As someone living in Vancouver BC, Seattle is just a short trip away, making it an ideal destination for a quick getaway!
This experience was provided by Visit Seattle, but they had no input on my writing.