The Movement to Build a Queer + Sober Community
As Cheri and I wrote last November, queer, safe spaces are becoming a more in demand. Especially so for those spaces that serve the queer community while also maintaining an alcohol-free environment.
The number of queer sober spaces is growing at such a rate that mainstream media is beginning to pick up on the movement!
Recently, NBC covered Queer Chocolatier, Sis Got Tea and even more businesses and organizations that are aiming to fill the gap in local scenes. I was fortunate to express my thoughts on how vital spaces such as ours is to the social fabric:
For Roddy, keeping Queer Chocolatier alcohol-free is a commitment to keeping the space accessible to patrons of all ages and those recovering from substance abuse. She also believes it will foster a better environment for political discourse and community activism.
Me, queerly dunking a palmier in a queer cup of coffee while wearing an orange queer t-shirt, with a bunch of photos queer folx on our Family Wall in the background.
Cheri and I recently traveled to Louisville, KY to meet and partner with Arielle Clark, who owns Sis Got Tea for an event hosted by Trouble Bar to pair her tea-infused mocktails (and, for some, cocktails) with a selection of our truffles. Arielle and I have had opportunities to discuss the importance of queer, sober spaces and we share the same passion to serve our communities. In supporting one another, we increase each other’s chance to support their local residents.
From left to right, Cheri Madewell, Morgan Roddy, and Arielle Clark at an event “Sis Got Tea in Trouble.” Madewell and Roddy are co-owners of Queer Chocolatier in Muncie, IN and Clark is the owner of Sis Got Tea in Louisville, KY
It is my hope that 2020 is a big year for building the movement for more queer and sober places. And, as LGBTQIA+ youth become more aware of themselves at younger ages, there needs to be spaces for them to interact with other queer individuals. Queer bars absolutely are still incredibly important to the LGBTQIA+ population, but it is nice to see a burgeoning development of options available for folx that meets the needs for all ages and for those in recovery.
Join this movement!
Find the local queer businesses in your community and support them.
Especially if they are sober spaces.
More especially if the owners are multi-marginalized. Not just because it is "the right thing to do" but because you'll be pleasantly surprised with how much thought and care is put into their spaces and products to make them as accessible and enjoyable as possible which, as it turns out, has a lot of costs and not much profit margin associated with creating that space or product.
But these queer pioneers are passionate about their craft and their commitment to community and are willing to work hard to build these businesses!
Here’s a way to support Queer Chocolatier: consider shopping with us for your Valentine's Day chocolate gifts! Valentine's Day is an important milestone holiday for our business and if you only shop with us once, this time of year has the most positive impact for us!