This Pride Month, you can support these queer-owned businesses in the Des Moines area
It's Pride Month across the U.S., a time to uplift and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. There are plenty of ways to support queer folks locally, here in Des Moines.
Here are just some of queer-owned bars, storefronts and online shops in Des Moines to support this month.
Dapper DSM
This queer-owned barber shop in downtown Des Moines specializes in short hair of all textures, with hairstyles ranging from conservative to wild. You can call to make an appointment, find the shop on Facebook or visit in-store to check out its camo-themed merchandise.
Location: 204 Fourth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-280-3171
More: Des Moines celebrates Pride this weekend, but there are events all June. See the list.
Jovisuals
Jo Allen, a 26-year-old Des Moines native, is the founder of Jovisuals, a photography company with a focus on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation. Jo's work showcases the beauty and resilience of their own communities. Jo has collaborated with organizations like One Iowa, the Queer Youth Resource Center, and continues to cover social justice issues for Little Village. You can find them on Instagram or online.
The Garden
The Garden Restaurant & Show Lounge is an LGBTQ+ owned and operated business in the East Village that is home to talent and legacy, according to its website. The Garden offers a variety of shows to enjoy, in addition to a full kitchen.
Location: 525 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-3965
The Legendary Blazing Saddle
The Legendary Blazing Saddle was opened in 1983 by Bob "Mongo" Eikleberry and bills itself as Des Moines' oldest gay bar. While things have changed over the years, its website says its motto and atmosphere remain the same, "We accept everyone as long as they accept and respect us."
Location: 416 E. Fifth St., Des Moines
Contact: 515-246-1299
The Slow Era
The Slow Era is an online shop highlighting slow fashion, slow-made items, and slowing down while promoting mental health and sustainable practices. The owner, Malena, curates 1940s-1990s vintage clothing with bold colors, fun prints, and feminine details with a side of rock ‘n roll. You can shop online at theslowera.com, on Instagram or shop in person at various vintage markets in the Des Moines metro.
Thistle's Summit
Thistle’s Summit began as Iowa’s Queerest B&B in Mount Vernon, according to their website. A turn of events including a derecho, a global pandemic and the health issues of her former partner led owner, Marti Payseur, to transform her business into Iowa’s first gluten-free and vegan bakery, located in downtown Des Moines.
At Thistle's Summit you can grab a classic, like the vegan oatmeal cream pie, or order catering for local events. The menu rotates, so find the bakery on Instagram, @thistlessummit, for the latest goods.
Location: 340 SW Fifth St., #122, Des Moines
Contact: 319- 535-3832
Satxrn Arts
Find this queer-owned business online or in-store at Jade Rabbit Studio in Des Moines. Satxrn Arts sells resin art consisting of jewelry and trinkets. Its products are handmade and always changing, so check out its account to see what's new. You can also find its products at the People's Pride event on June 15 at Water Works Park.
Location: 4944 Franklin Ave., Suite K, Des Moines
xBk Live
A concert venue in Des Moines, xBk Live is queer-owned and "the owners and staff at xBk strive to create a safe, diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for everyone that walks through our doors," according to its website. You can find plenty of queer celebrations at xBk not only during Pride Month but all year round.
Location: 1159 24th St., Des Moines
Contact: [email protected]
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 8 Des Moines, queer-owned businesses to support this Pride Month