Inside Some of the LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses in Grand Rapids

By Ella Ware Pride Month may be over, but Grand Rapids is a lively hub for LGBTQ+ friendly businesses all year long. I wanted to find out more about these safe spaces, so I compiled a list of them and set out to find out more about each one. During the summer, fellow Collegiate feature editor Karalynn Davis and I visited souvenir shops, coffee shops, thrift shops, and support centers. Helping Hands Mission Store, at 1008 Leonard St. NW, is a local thrift shop that's been serving both housed and unhoused people in the Grand Rapids area for more than a decade. They primarily sell women's clothes, men's clothes, kids' clothes, baby clothes, and shoes. They partner with local community health organizations in the area to offer clothing support through a voucher program. Helping Hands takes donations of clean, gently used clothing and home goods. The Operations Manager, Mindi Ketchel, talked to us about what she wants her space to be for the queer community. 'For queer people, but for everyone, really, I want this space to be like, free of drama… and safe. We have a sign on our door that says, 'We are intolerant of intolerance.' It is not welcome here, and mean people are also not welcome here,' Ketchel said. 'It's very important to make this whole block safe. I want the sidewalk to be safe, I want the parking lot to be safe, I want the whole of Grand Rapids to be safe. But we'll work on our block first.' Ketchel recognized that queer youth are especially vulnerable. She has also seen that more and more young people are taking up thrifting as a low-cost hobby that gives them a reason to get out of the house, so she wanted it to be abundantly clear that everyone is welcome at Helping Hands. 'We just need to make this a safe space for everybody, especially, you know, the young people who don't have anybody to talk to. A place to go without spending a bunch of money,' Ketchel said. 'We are a very inclusive thrift shop. We​​ try to have something for everyone. We've worked hard for almost 11 years to curate a really good collection of (donors) who give us everything that we need.' The next business on our list was Transfigure, a trans-owned and operated screen printing collective at 2221 Plainville Ave NE in Unit 107. When we walked in, we immediately saw a wall of t-shirts, stickers, and pins. With 10% of all monthly sales going toward a different organization benefiting the trans community, the business has raised over $118,000 in support of LGBTQ causes since they opened their doors in 2019. They also have the Trans Fund, which is a mutual aid fund that helps trans people in the community access things like gender affirming surgeries, accessories, and supplies. We spoke to Bailey Sell about his art and what the vision for his business was. 'I really wanted to be a space where queer people could come and shop a bunch of queer trans makers in one spot. We have a lot of local makers, as well as people from all over the U.S.,' Sell said. 'I wanted to do pop-ups and events where I could bring the local trans community together outside of …bars and clubs and stuff like that. Creating another space where people can come together.' Sell also gave advice for queer college students who want to pursue art. 'Speaking to young and queer artists, I mean, when I started out making my art and stuff, I was a little bit nervous to put it out there,' Sell said. 'But, I think you've got to start somewhere, and I love what I did because if I was too scared and never did it, then I wouldn't have got to where I am. So I think getting your art out there also can help with… reaching community and meeting other queer people that might do the same things as you. Get your art out there, get yourself out there, even though it's scary and can be hard sometimes, it's worth it.' The last business of the day was The 12th House, a gift shop that offers pride merchandise, tarot card readings, henna tattoos, intuitive astrology readings, home items, and more. It's located at 8 Jefferson Ave SE. SJ Cash, the owner of The 12th House, told us what they would like GRCC students to know about their business. 'I want this place to be a safe place, a sacred place. Anyone can come in and not be judged, and be themselves. And we will celebrate you however we can,' Cash said. 'We have a lot of local handmade artists, local queer artists. I try to keep the cool things in stock. This is just a safe space, and it's a gift shop, and you know, if they need something made in Michigan to take home, this place is kind of perfect. And we're like, two blocks from campus.' Safe spaces for the queer community are essential year-round. These businesses are a place where LGBTQ+ folks can find reprieve from the tumultuous atmosphere in our country right now. It's invaluable to have places to shop and eat where you don't have to question whether you'll be respected on the most basic human level. Something as simple as walking into a business and seeing Pride flags is a comforting reminder that the queer community isn't going anywhere, and there are businesses willing to fight for our right to simply exist.