With the cancelation of pride this year, many LGBTQ+ businesses in the Tampa Bay area are experiencing economic hardship. In the spirit of Pride month, here are a few Tampa-based businesses and organizations that you can support right now:
Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
This community celebration of LGBTQ+ films centers around a 9-day festival. The owners say “it is one of the largest and longest running of its kind in the world.” Traditionally, the premier begins on the first Thursday in October and “includes 30-40 film screening events, plus several cornerstone parties used to help raise operating funds.” Click on the link to learn more about what events and films are being showcased this year.
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Bradley’s
This is one of Tampa’s favorite gay bars. They’re known for their two-for-one happy hour on Mondays, amature strip contests on Thursdays, and Friday night drag shows. Best of all, they are open every day of the week from 4pm to 3am.
Honey Pot
One of the most popular weekend gay clubs in the Tampa Bay area. Known for their live DJs, drag queens, and a fun crowd. You can dance with them on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm to 3am.
Southern Nights
This is another one of Ybor City’s favorite gems. Be sure to check out their lively drag shows often featuring some of Tampa’s greatest performers. Stop by for a good time every night of the week except for Mondays.
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City Side Lounge
As the only gay bar in Tampa that isn’t located in Ybor, City Side Lounge is a great location to experience wine, beer, and cocktails. They strive to create “a fun, relaxing environment and offer great drink specials along with unmatched guest satisfaction.”
VKNG Row
This is Tampa’s only indoor rowing studio. Their methods involve a whole body, but low impact, HITT workout. They also have fundraised for diversity organizations such as Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce. So check them out if you’re looking for a new way to workout your body.
Metro Inclusive Health
One of the best quality health and wellness service providers in Tampa Bay. They offer support in numerous areas such as, “comprehensive HIV services and medical care, social activities, classes, support groups, counseling, health and fitness programs, youth programs, substance abuse programs, older adult programs, behavioral health services and free HIV testing.”
Diversity Health Care
This is another one of Tampa Bay’s inclusive health centers. As primary care specialists for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, they focus on general primary care, primary care for HIV, and transgender care.
Shangri-La Bath and Sauna
If you’re looking for a relaxing massage or sauna, this korean-inspired, gay-friendly location might be what you need. Most excitingly, they are open 24/7.
Tribeca Salon
With locations in South Tampa and Ybor, Tribeca Salon believes they create “an exceptional salon experience in a fashionable yet friendly environment.” In addition, they say, “we are proud to use only the best hair products” and “all of our hair stylists have received ColorConstruct training.”
Seaduction Yacht and Casa Puente Guesthouse
Martin and Eric started their own business taking adventurers on their 39ft Yacht to explore the gulf. They can accommodate up to 12 passengers on a four-hour journey during the daytime or an evening experience. The typical cruise costs between 200 and 350 dollars in fuel, and they only require that donation to cover fuel costs. They have also opened their guest house for visitors for 120$ per night and their spare rooms for between 75$ and 85$ a night.
Tampa Pride Band
This wind band gathers LGBTQ+ members and allies in the Tampa community to create music. If you are looking for a new hobby, you can register (without an audition) for their concert and marching band.
If there are other LGBTQ+ businesses that you love and support, please share them with us in the comments below.
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