In the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, the COVID-19 pandemic and Michigan’s reopening plan, don’t forget it’s Pride Month and time to support LGBTQ-owned businesses in Detroit.
Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, numerous events are held throughout the month as a way of recognizing the influence LGBTQ people have had around the world. Although Pride Month may look a little bit different this year due to the pandemic and cancelation of the parade and many events in the Detroit area, you can still support the LGBTQ community.
Here is a list of LGBTQ-owned businesses in Detroit that you can support now:
AVALON INTERNATIONAL BREADS
Avalon International Breads, a bakery whose flagship location resides at 422 W. Willis, Detroit, MI 48201, offers a wide variety of baked goods, including breads, rolls, pizzas, cookies and pastries, as well as sandwiches and coffee. The LGBTQ-owned bakery, now with various locations in Detroit and Ann Arbor, was established in June 1997 by Ann Perrault and Jackie Victor in Detroit’s Midtown/Cass Corridor neighborhood. According to PrideSource, an employee shared insight on working for Ann and Avalon International Breads, stating “It’s a breath of fresh air to work for someone that plays such a major role in the LGBT community. There is no hiding here. I am openly gay and around here that is OK. At Avalon, you can be yourself, gay or straight. The company does not want you to lose your sense of self.”
DETROIT VEGAN SOUL
Kirsten Ussery and Erica Boyd, owners of Detroit Vegan Soul, have put together a classic, soul-quenching vegan menu at Detroit Vegan Soul. The couple found their beginnings in creating scrumptious vegan dishes for themselves after adopting a vegan diet in 2010. Two years later, with a shared entrepreneurial spirit, Erika’s culinary creativity, and Kirsten’s marketing acumen, the couple opened Detroit’s first 100% vegan soul food cafe in historic West Village.
The menu is 100% plant-based, trans-fat free, made with organic Ingredients , no hydrogenated oils, dairy/egg/lactose free, naturally cholesterol free and contains natural sweeteners agave nectar & maple syrup. The LGBTQ-owned restaurant is located at 19614 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223.
GERARD + BELEVENDER
Michelle Gerard & Jenna Belevender are freelance photographers living and working in Detroit. Gerard + Belevender are commercial and editorial photographers that recently opened a studio in Detroit. The photographers created the space to ensure clients safety, confidence, and the ability for them to open the door to endless creative opportunities in the studio. For more information on the studio, services and to contact the team, visit the Gerard + Belevender website.
HUGH
Hugh opened in 2009 as Southeastern Michigan’s first pop-up retail store and after tremendous success, and winning the Hatch Detroit retail prize, the store opened a permanent location in Midtown, Detroit in 2012. Hugh is rooted in a classic modern aesthetic, but caters to contemporary lifestyles, selling an always rotating selection of housewares, personal accessories, design-oriented books and gifts, as well as furniture and lighting. Hugh is located at 4240 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, in Midtown Detroit.
Let us know your favorite LGBT owned businesses in Detroit in the comments below!
