You’re standing in the middle of downtown Madison, Wisconsin and wondering if there are any LGBTQ+-owned businesses to support. Maybe you’re planning a trip across the South and want to visit LGBTQ+-owned restaurants along your way. Or you’re in your town looking for an LGBTQ+ doctor or service person. Everywhere is Queer can help.
The website and subsequent app were created by Charlie Sprinkman (he/they) after a trip across the country, visiting 41 of the 50 states.
Sprinkman, who now lives in the Pacific Northwest, grew up in a rural conservative Catholic home in the Midwest. In the closet until he was 21, Sprinkman wished for a place to go and see other LGBTQ+ people.
“This is why I have created a worldwide map of queer-owned businesses,” said Sprinkman. “To connect the queer, trans and ally community with queer-owned spots locally or globally!”
The recently released app version of Everywhere is Queer connects users to thousands of LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Users can find LGBTQ+-owned businesses in their location or search other areas of the country or internationally.
“Our platform is a worldwide map of 11,500+ queer-owned businesses so it is very easy to find amazing queer-owned spots locally or globally,” said Sprinkman. “As well, we have an online business section that allows you to find online businesses.”
The app is free for iOS and Android users. LGBTQ+-owned businesses can also list themselves on the site and app for free.
“We do have an opportunity for $49/month to have a ‘Featured Listing’ in app if a business would like to put their organization at the top of the list in their area,” said Sprinkman. “There are MANY other perks to signing up as well.”
Since Everywhere is Queer launched in early 2022, Sprinkman said the response has been very positive.
“So many businesses have shared that they are receiving new orders/clients via our platform, which makes my heart so happy!”
Want to learn more about Everywhere is Queer? Get to know them here.