Isaac, He/They. . “I’ve been out of the closet for about 25 years and lived in many different communities. None have been nearly as cohesive and diverse as the queer community here. I am joyful and grateful everyday for that. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life it is the importance of showing up and Portland Queers certainly show up.” . @cocktail_mary
Hope of Little Chair Printing, She/Her. . Little Chair Printing is a Queer owned and operated screen printing shop based in Portland, screenprinting for the people with a strong focus on social justice! “Helping the community and trying to change the world one T-shirt at a time.” . @littlechairprinting
John of Plant Office, He/Him. . “It's strange to be running a business when you're not sure capitalism is a great idea. So in order to stomach the whole thing I try to use my visibility as a business-owner and artist to promote social justice issues. Helping create a safer space for all sorts of people is a major goal for Plant Office. It brings me so much joy to share this special place with everyone." . @plant.office
Blackstones. . From left to right— Jeff Kramer (he/him). Nick Steele (he/him). Chelsea Discatio (she/her). Keith Bennett (he/him). Nick Marketta (he/him). Kevin Norsworthy (he/they). Danielle Dior (she/her). Gigi Gabor (Gordon Renell) (“feminine and masculine pronouns interchangeably”). . “Without its patrons, Blackstones is nothing but four walls and a sketchy bathroom. It’s our vibrant community that makes it the lively, familial watering hole that it is. We’ve all made due with phones, social media, and small gatherings for the past 4+ months. But at a time we need our chosen families most, our staff, performers, and patrons are longing for that true togetherness once again. Hang in there, Queer Portland! We love you!” . @blackstones207
Jo, They/Them. queer, non-binary/trans. Former restaurant worker turned welder. . “I spent the majority of my industrial welding career as a boilermaker. There I found all the excitement, travel, adrenaline, accolades and money I had ever wanted. However, in the Spring of 2020 a veil was lifted, and I had to remove myself from the toxic environment I had so deeply embraced and adapted to. The racism, sexism and homophobia was rampant, and I suddenly realized how complacent I had become. I had taken on a mask of toxic masculinity as a survival mechanism, and not only that but I had subconsciously become a raging capitalist. When I left, I took time to heal. I began working on identifying how I had allowed myself to fall so deeply into this harmful culture. As I began studying my own racist and sexist tendencies, I was suddenly awakened to the fact that I had been able to blend in so easily because I myself identified as one of the boys, one of the straight white males who coasted through life with all the privilege in the world. And this was in fact how I discovered my transness. Eventually I came to the realization that the only way to make the trades a safe place would be to dilute the current demographic. People's Inclusive Welding was established with the hope of creating a new wave of tradespeople, one that does not participate in the gatekeeping and toxic behavior of the current skilled trades industry. I am so lucky to have found an amazing team to support me and my dream of creating an inclusive welding school in which ALL demographics of folks can feel safe. PIW is the program I wish I had had as a queer person. It's my reparation for the complacency I adopted, and it's my version of mutual aid to folks who want a leg up into a new career. It's a dream come true to see it come to fruition, and I can't wait to see where we go from here.” . @peoples_inclusive_welding @joey_hussey42069
René, She/Her . “I am a queer, black, indigenous, South African, activist who has been living on stolen Wabanki Land for 31 years. I serve as Founder and Lead consultant of Embodied Equity, a small local LLC and Healing Arts Center, founded in 2018. As well as Lead Designer for The Ensemble of Color, a local nonprofit theater and performance collective, found it in 2015. I have always been a standard in this community. Very ecstaticly in my Black Femme Queerness. I am a walking demonstration of self love, of joy, of freedom. I am changing the world every day by changing myself.” . @renegoddessonstolenland
Allison (She/Her) & Matthew (He/Him) Of Quill Books & Beverage. . “We so dearly miss gathering together with our community in safety and caring. Though we are distant that community will hold together. We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Quill as soon as we may safely do so. Be safe and take care. We love and miss you all!" . @quillbooksandbeverage is doing subscription boxes filled with books, beverages, and treats. Check out their IG for more info!
Sierra (She/Her) and Ash (She/Her). . Ash is an editor who volunteers with prison writing programs and Sierra is a student midwife and full-spectrum doula serving oppressed communities. “Black birthing people die in birth at 3-6x that of their white counterparts and more than half of queer people who visit doctors report facing discrimination due to their sexuality. 1 in 100 American adults is behind bars, many without access to writing and educational materials even though books reduce recidivism rates. Here are some places you can go to learn, donate, or advocate: @penamerica @prisonbirthproject @sistersong_woc @blackmidwivesalliance @blackmamasmatter @queerdoulas @mainetransnet .” . @allbodiesbirth
Nyssa (She/Her) & Raine (They/Them) . "I’d cut my soul into a million different pieces just to form a constellation to light your way home. I’d write love poems to the parts of yourself you can’t stand. I’d stand in the shadows of your heart and tell you I’m not afraid of your dark." - Andrea Gibson Raine and Nyssa have been celebrating love together for the past five years and many more to come ❤️ Nyssa is a queer hairstylist in South Portland and welcomes all queer people to come and explore expressive and gender affirming hairstyles. Check her work out at @nysstique
Rachel (She/Her) & Mel (She/They) from Pageboy Studios. . “Pageboy is a queer owned and operated space. Inclusion, community, and individuality are at the top of Rachel and Mel's goals for the studio. No one fits a perfect mold, your hair should help represent your vision of who you are and it is up to the stylist to help you articulate that goal. In an industry that is woefully outdated, we know it is our responsibility to educate ourselves and be active listeners for our community and our clients. By offering gender-free haircut choices, creating a community funded, sliding scale payment option (details coming soon!) and actively expanding our knowledge of all hair types/textures, we aim to be in tune with our clients needs, as well as the needs of the greater community. We stand in support of Black lives, survivors, and queer and trans community.” . @pageboystudio @haircuts.for.humans
Rachel (She/Her) & Mel (She/They) from Pageboy Studios. . “Pageboy is a queer owned and operated space. Inclusion, community, and individuality are at the top of Rachel and Mel's goals for the studio. No one fits a perfect mold, your hair should help represent your vision of who you are and it is up to the stylist to help you articulate that goal. In an industry that is woefully outdated, we know it is our responsibility to educate ourselves and be active listeners for our community and our clients. By offering gender-free haircut choices, creating a community funded, sliding scale payment option (details coming soon!) and actively expanding our knowledge of all hair types/textures, we aim to be in tune with our clients needs, as well as the needs of the greater community. We stand in support of Black lives, survivors, and queer and trans community.” . @pageboystudio @haircuts.for.humans
Andrew, He/Him. . Andrew Zarro (he/him) owns Little Woodfords, a coffee shop recently relocated from Woodfords Corner to Downtown Portland. As a small business owner, he believes queer spaces matter in all facets of our community, public and private. Andrew is running for City Council District 4 in hopes to bring LGBT+ voices to the table in our local government. We have not had an openly Queer person elected to the Portland City Council in over a decade, and we are past due for adequate representation. As a Millennial, he believes it is time to demand a generational transition of power and responsibility to govern as we forge a path towards a kinder, more diverse and inclusive tomorrow. . @andrewzarro @littlewoodfords
Heather Rose (she/her) and Camden (he/him unless he decides otherwise💗) . Heather is a Queer momma and small business owner in Portland. She launched Local Babe Food in May as an inclusive opportunity to provide the community with healthy local farm grown food in reusable packaging. . “Local Babe Food is for babes of all ages! We are here to connect folks with healthy, organic, creative takes on some traditional favorites to start sparking conversation, connection and a sense of community around food, farmers and chosen families. What better way to do that than over breakfast? Our products are versatile so that everyone can enjoy - purées are great for babe’s first bites or added into a morning smoothie to get you through your day! Baked beach rose glazed donuts, mashed potato flatbreads even herbal simple syrups packed with local flavor. Handmade reusable packaging, eco-friendly initiatives, lots of love for our Maine farm growth - we are Local Babe Food.” . To find Heather’s products, you can order online for Curbside/Delivery through Fork Food Lab at https://fork-food-lab.square.site/ 72 Parris St. Portland, Gorham Farmers Market Saturdays 8:30 am-12:30 pm, Scarborough Farmers Market Sundays 9:00 am-1:00 pm, and Yarmouth Farmers Market Thursdays 3:00-6:00 pm . “Check out @localbabefood to place an order and support queer local small business 💚”
Priscilla, She/Her. . “A few things. I am a proud pansexual, a 1st generation Cuban-American, a fat woman, and a small business owner. I have anxiety, depression, PCOS, HS, hypothyroidism, and Hashimotos. I take pride in putting myself out there in the hope that someone will feel seen. My ultimate goal is to help folks understand others' experiences and different point of views, in turn, making it a better world for all of us! I also want to take this chance to let folks know that I co-own a marketing and business consulting company, EID Visions (@eidvisions_), with my partner, Orlando. It doesn’t matter whether you are a small business, a budding entrepreneur, working on your startup, or anything in between; at EID Visions, we will put in the work as if you were the largest company in the world. At EID Visions, we don’t just have clients, we have family! Whether you want to talk life or business, I would love to have a conversation with you. Message me @pudgyalpaca” . @pudgyalpaca @eidvisions_
Chelsea, She/Her & Laura, She/Her . Chelsea: “I believe in taking risks, and that you can reinvent the path of your life- even though it’s scary to do it. My wife and I fell in love over 10 years ago- which made us change the paths we were on to create our new happy life! This spring I overcame my fears and created a plus size consignment boutique. I launched @artemisplussize, a resale shop/co-op where you can sell and buy affordable plus size thrift. The shop is going strong with diverse styles and celebrates all plus sized bodies! I’m really excited to grow on this new creative path!” Laura: “There is no discovery without risk and what you risk reveals what you value” - Jeanette Winterson . @artemisplussize. @chixxie
Jess, She/Her . “I’ve been doing a lot of learning and unlearning about myself and who I want to be in the world. In the last year or so, I’ve gotten myself quite comfy with the fact that I am queer, polyamorous, and definitely still a work in progress.. which is totally okay, because I get to make my own timeline in life. I have an adorable polycule and I feel immensely lucky to surround myself with so many lovely people. I took time during quarantine to get certified as a realtor, and I’m excited to be in a “professional” career where I can still have purple hair and swear a lot in front of clients (hit me up on @jessgrayrealtor if you need a sassy queer pro who will work exceptionally hard for you). I’m just trying every day to be authentic and loving, to others AND to myself. And I’m also doing things like baking all the time, questing for tiny Miller High Life bottles, and trying to force my dog to snuggle with me. TL;DR Life is a lot but it can be pretty lovely sometimes.” . @uhhhhhhokaybye @jessgrayrealtor
Sam, She/They & Airynn, She/Her . “‘We are two hearts but with one beat. Two brains but with one thought. Two souls but with one… shoe.’ - Alfalfa” . @samibtattoos @tattoosbyairynn
Mat, He/Him . “I’ve always been a very curious person, motivated by the feeling of awe. Not just thrill seeking but rather the connection between myself and the world around me, a connection that intensifies every time I lose myself in wonder. So, I suppose that’s how I like to live my life, in search of wonder and awe – whether that be in people, places, experiences or more often than not, the natural world. Someone recently described me as an experience collector, and that resonated with me greatly. Since a young age I’ve recognized the danger in sacrificing experiences and what our soul needs now, by banking on the idea we could get to it later. It seldom seemed to work out for anyone, as the future is wildly unpredictable. I understood who I wanted to be and how I wanted to live by observing so many adults I never wanted to become. I hope that doesn’t sound cold but it’s true. As a people we’ve become horribly disconnected from the natural world and forced into a system often designed to dim our light – and I’ve never wanted anything to do with that. So I try my best to live intentionally, kindly and with passion. I have travelled the world, embarked on unbelievable adventures, and met the most beautiful people along the way. It’s not been easy and at times its been incredibly messy, but I’m happy. Not that I want to leave this world tomorrow – but if I did, I am content. Seriously. Everything past this moment just seems like a bonus round. And who knows, perhaps when it’s my turn to be an old man, a young queer kid will look at me and say – hell, that’s someone I’d like to be someday. . Proudly helping queers buy/sell homes Mat@sellingmainehomes.com *Your local Queerestate Agent*” . Adventures, travels & other shenanigans: IG: Viva.la.aventura TikTok: MadeinMaine
Roux, He/Him . “My philosophy on business is to be serious about what you do but have fun doing it. Let it live in the part of you that you love, that you look forward to seeing every day. That’s where you will find creativity, inspiration, and motivation to keep doing what you do best.” . @thepinkwaffleme @_r0ux_
Connor, He/Him . “Home grown Portlander and Hair stylist at the Raven salon. Hair is my art and I love making people feel beautiful, and confident. I enjoy helping people express their individuality with unique styles.” . @connorboulaystylist
Em, She/They . “My magical practice is rooted in the alchemy of queerness, the ability to shape shift on a whim and thrive in a world that is often hostile to many aspects of my identity. I feel like "outing" myself as a witch has been similar to coming out as a queer femme, it's always been a core part of my soul, but I felt afraid to embrace it because of the violence and misogyny associated with witchcraft. I prioritize authenticity above all, and use my learned and intrinsic power as a healer to help clients reclaim themselves as sovereign beings. I use esoteric tools like tarot and energy work to gain clarity on what would serve their needs best. I believe that healing magic should be accessible to all, and would love to help support folks on their journeys! Feel free to reach out if my work resonates." . @west_end_witch
Hedda Campbell, She/Her, will be leading our flower crown making workshop this Saturday June 11th at @brunswicktopsham land trust! The event is fully booked, but reach out to be added to the waitlist. We can’t wait to see all those who have registered there! . Hedda is the person behind Primal Blossoms landcrafting & plantcare based in Southern Maine. In her work she strives to take an integrative approach to blend the needs of local flora and fauna with site specific preferences, giving outdoor spaces freedom to thrive long term.
Raven & Crow Co LLC, Brunswick ME . Raven & Crow Co LLC is a Queer owned and operated metaphysical shop and espresso bar in Brunswick, ME. Raven & Crow Co. was founded on the principle of providing a space where members of pagan religious groups, magickal practitioners, and creatives could gather and be surrounded by likeminded, welcoming individuals. Founded by an LGBT team, Raven & Crow Co. is more than a metaphysical shop: it's a place where new and old alike can come to learn, grow, and bring new life to the Southern Maine magical community. . @ravenandcrowco
Higher Grounds @highergroundsme, Mark. . "It's no secret that the cannabis industry is dominated by cis white male culture, a lot of it pretty toxic. Coming into the Higher Grounds of Maine project six years ago as a queer- and woman-owned effort I had two options: play by the rules of the industry (a path I've tread too often), or build something authentic to who I was and hope that in Portland our community would find us and resonate with it. I wanted to fight for space and provide jobs for queer and trans people who would otherwise face a lot of obstacles entering it as well. I knew it would be tough...cannabis is also a hyper-political industry and frankly to succeed one needs to be in front of politicians. That's also a very conservative and straight male space. I certainly have my own share of privilege and that helped me opt for kicking the door down, growing my hair out long and unabashedly queer, and putting together a completely different kind of cannabis concept, nothing like I've ever seen and have yet to discover anywhere else in the industry. It's been a huge help connecting with other queer business owners, LQBTQIA+ workers and customers here in Portland and sharing that struggle. It's a work in progress. But being true to this project has helped me be true to myself and own the queerness that I put away to fit in at a young age. I feel like I've grown immensely as a queer person over the last six years and a lot of that's due to this community, for which I am truly grateful." . @highergroundsme
The Lucky Fox Bookshop is a safe place for everyone—the voracious readers and the casual browsers, the canonical literature lovers and the high-fantasy dragon slayers, those with their heads in the clouds and those with their feet planted firmly on the ground. No matter who you are, you’ll find much more than just your next read at The Lucky Fox. You’ll find community, education, and inspiration. And if you look closely between stacks and sentences, you just might find yourself. . “I started this pop-up and online bookshop in 2021 with the firm belief that books are connective tools that nurture empathy, imagination, and curiosity. Starting this shop was also a declaration to myself that walking the paths your passions lay for you is always worth it. When I’m not popping up around Maine, I’m working as an editor, roller skating around town, rock climbing, or hanging out with family: my wonderful wife, our energetic pup Roland the Gunslinger, and our grumpy cat (and Lucky Fox mascot) Captain Fantastic.” . @theluckyfoxbookshop
Gaby, She/Her . “I’m Gaby, and I’m a car girl.” . Though officially retired, Gaby is an experienced car mechanic in Lisbon Falls, ME. offering repairs to LGBTQ+ folks through her shop. Keeping car costs affordable for the community and mentoring LGBTQ+ folks looking to enter a historically cisgender heterosexual male dominated field, she hopes to create a space where LGBTQ+ can feel empowered in their craft, and welcome. . g-procustoms.com
Em/Emmet, They/Them . “These past few years I have spent settling into my body and learning to feel good in it. Yoga and breathwork help, as does living with two cats and a very cuddly pitbull. I’m learning that asking for help is also a form of giving. Shameless plugs: My business is @loud.and.local and you can sometimes find me keeping shop @heritage.seaweed (come visit)! Hello to all friends who love Good-Bad Movies and plant medicine :)” . @e.c.plausible @loud.and.local
Regan, She/They . “I came to accept that I am pansexual fairly late in life and in a heterosexual relationship. It was a rocky road at first grappling with what exactly it means for me to be "out" in a straight, monogamous partnership. Imposter syndrome galore. Straight privilege guilt galore. Thanks to a lot of therapy and a supportive partner, though, I feel like I finally understand and accept myself in my heart and not just in my head. It's an absolutely radical feeling that I wish upon every single human being on this earth. Please just love yourselves!” . @reganemilybell @mainephotoworks
Dakota, He/Him . “When I was a teenager, I often cut and colored my hair as part of my journey in self creation. I found it to be a soothing but radical act, to change my hair to better reflect how I wanted to be perceived by others. Over the last 14 years since I started cutting hair, I’ve found a specific joy in helping others shape their hair to create the image of how they want to be seen in the world. It means the world to me to be trusted with that job and to give back to my community in such a personal, and intimate way. We all deserve to feel our best selves, and often, that starts with a good haircut.” . @shag.e.coyote
Amanda, She/They . “It’s beautiful out today or maybe they just how I walk through this world. My authentic code comes from my childlike curiosity. I obsess over ans gravitate toward things that bring me joy and comfort. My curiosity makes me want to experience all of the things, travel, good food, warm waters, 360 views. Maybe it’s because I am searching for my passion, or maybe my passion is just doing all the things. I was scared, fearful a lot growing up. I build a coping strategy to optimize my life to get to that comfort zone. I prepare for everything, every second of every day. Turning 40 I’ve realized this comfort has taken me out of the moment. Maybe now I’m trying to be a little less prepared, a little less predictable. I live in Dayton with my wife, Kristin, and our teenager 50% of the time. Traveling, exploring, and experiences are important to us. Beyond family and work, my friend and co-founder are close to launching a marketplace connecting consumers to queer brand and services. We want to make it easier to find and buy from our queer family. It’s time to lift each other up.” . @ablake528 @pinkrobinshop pinkrobinshop.com
Ari, She/Her . “My name is Ari Leach and I am a second generation registered Maine Guide. I grew up on the coast of Maine in Blue Hill and attended Unity College for both my undergrad and graduate degrees. I hold a BS in Wildlife Biology with a minor in Botany, and an MPS in Sustainable Natural Resource Management, completing my thesis on the softshell clam and marine bait worm conflict dynamic here in Maine. I have been deeply connected to the outdoors and nature since childhood and have continued to seek out ways to engage with my surroundings and share my passions with others. When I'm not working as a marine biologist for the state of Maine or wearing my Maine Guide hat, you can find me with my eyes glued to the skies in search of birds, on my mountain bike trying out new trails, or on the water wetting a line in hopes of a wild fish fight. I love any activity that gets me outside and closer to nature. I am also passionate about wilderness survival and ancestral skills, maintaining a wilderness first responder certification for over a decade. My hope is that I can impart a bit of knowledge, curiosity, and sense of adventure to those who join me in the wild, creating space to explore and ask questions in a safe and encouraging setting. Nature is for all, and we are all of nature.” . Ari will be leading our Owl Prowl this June, which sold out within hours of our announcement yesterday, with a quickly growing waitlist. We can’t wait to learn about and hopefully spot some owls! . @themaineari @blackbirdguideservices
Lauren, She/Her . “I joke that I had to come out twice: first as queer, then as an artist. I was entering college as my family was losing my childhood home in the midst of the last recession, and I felt the pressure of needing to provide for myself without any safety net. So I majored in business analytics and got a typical corporate job — I spent 5 years in the management consulting world, but had a creative energy inside me that was bursting at the seams. Coming out showed me that the world isn’t black and white. One of my favorite parts of being queer is that you can “choose your own adventure” — the typical societal expectations and timelines seem far less important. That helped me gain the confidence to quit my corporate job and pursue a more artistic life. First came @spacetothrivedesign, my interior decorating business. The silver lining of losing my family home was learning how to make any space feel like home. The outside world doesn’t always feel like a safe place as a queer person, so having a home where you feel safe & where you can fully express yourself is super important. Then came @underdogcandles, which started as a few Pride-themed candles that I sold to raise money for the LGBTQ+ Freedom Fund, but has now turned into a line of 20+ candles and reed diffusers! Whether it’s coming out or pursuing a new career, life feels so much more authentic when you’re following your own intuition and living for yourself, not just what others want for you. It’s been a difficult, up-and-down journey, but coming out has really helped me come home to myself.” . @laaauuuren
