27 Jun What Pride Means to Us (And the Local LGBTQ+ Creators We’re Celebrating This Month)
At The Better Bar, we believe that showing up matters. Pride Month isn’t just a celebration, it’s a commitment. It’s about honoring the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing fight for equity, visibility, and joy. For us, that means taking the values we hold—kindness, authenticity, nourishment, and community—and putting them into practice.
From the beginning, we’ve worked to create a brand that reflects the real people behind it and the diverse, inclusive community we want to be part of. Food is personal. It’s how we take care of ourselves, how we connect with others, and how we express love. We believe everyone deserves to feel welcome and supported in those moments, whether you’re grabbing a bar before your hike, stocking up at a market, or stopping by to say hi at an event.
This Pride Month, we’re not just celebrating from the sidelines. We’ll be right there in the heart of it, supporting and showing up for our LGBTQ+ neighbors in person.
What Pride Means to The Better Bar
Pride is about visibility, safety, joy, and love. It is about standing with our LGBTQ+ team members, customers, friends, and fellow small business owners. It is about choosing to show up, not just in June but throughout the year, in ways that reflect the values we believe in.
We want every space we are part of to feel welcoming and nourishing. Whether it is our table at the market or our tent at a festival, we hope it is a place where people feel comfortable being themselves. That is our goal, not just as a brand but as people.
This month, we are proud to show our support openly. We are proud to be part of a community that values equity and care. And we are proud to celebrate Pride with you, the way we always do: with real food, open hearts, and a whole lot of good energy.
But this year especially, Pride also calls us to pay attention. There are so many people who are being made to feel like they shouldn’t exist and are living in fear, especially our trans community. Comradery and support make a difference.
And beyond acceptance or visibility, can we encourage each other to actively share love and speak out in support? To be proud in how we show up for others?
We believe in loving your neighbors, friends, and community members. We believe in showing up for each other. We believe in supporting the right for every person to exist fully and joyfully. That’s what Pride means to us. And that’s the kind of world we are trying to help create, in every space we show up.
Come find us at an event, grab a bar, share a moment, and celebrate with us. We cannot wait to see you out there.
LGBTQ+ Creators and Small Businesses We Love
One of our favorite parts of being a small business is getting to collaborate with and support other makers in our local community, especially those using their platforms to push for change and make space for others. Here are just a few LGBTQ+-owned brands and creators we admire:
Wildfang
Wildfang is a bold, values-driven fashion brand that has helped reshape what style can look like in Portland and beyond. Known for their gender-inclusive designs and fearless messaging, they have built a loyal following by standing firmly for progressive causes and living their values out loud. From suiting to slogan tees, Wildfang proves that fashion can be both expressive and impactful. We love how they lead with purpose and create space for everyone to show up as they are.
Prism Moves
Prism Moves is a queer- and trans-led movement studio in Portland that centers joy, community, and accessibility in everything they do. Whether you are showing up for a yoga class, a dance session, or a strength workout, Prism creates a truly welcoming environment where all bodies and identities are celebrated. Their approach to fitness is grounded in care, not comparison, and their presence has become a bright spot in Portland’s wellness scene.
Tin Shed Cafe
Owned and operated by Christie Griffin and Janette Kaden, Tin Shed Garden Cafe is a cozy, eco-conscious gem on Portland’s east side. This dog-friendly, community-centered spot has become a staple for locals and visitors alike. Known for its hearty brunch menu—ranging from breakfast burritos to biscuits and gravy—Tin Shed has earned national recognition from the Food Network and the New York Times, all while maintaining its warm, neighborhood charm. We admire their commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and creating a space where everyone feels at home, pups included.
Common Grounds
Common Grounds is more than just a coffee shop. It is a community hub and safe haven, proudly LGBTQ-owned and deeply rooted in Portland’s values of inclusion and equity. Known for its cozy vibe, rotating local art, and strong cold brew, Common Grounds is a place where people gather to feel seen, supported, and caffeinated. Whether you are stopping in for a morning pick-me-up or joining a community event, the energy is welcoming, intentional, and filled with pride. We love how they bring people together and use their space to uplift voices that deserve to be heard.
These are just a few of the amazing LGBTQ+ businesses that inspire us. We hope you’ll check them out, support their work, and keep finding ways to show up with love, intention, and pride in your own community.
