By Shelby Faulkner
Photos by Whitney Young and Travis Young
When you’re LGBTQ+ or part of another marginalized community in the Midwest, it can be hard to feel truly safe in public spaces—especially now. After coming out as a trans woman, one of the first places I began to feel safe was my local coffee shop. Soon, I became a regular, and grabbing my daily caffeine fix was my sacred ritual. What’s gayer than iced coffee after all?
As the self-proclaimed coffee queen of Catcall (re: I tried every Chappell Roan-themed drink when she played KC in October), I’m rounding up some of my favorite inclusive coffee shops in the hopes it’ll help folks feel a little safer choosing their next spot. Whether you’re looking for great coffee, a sense of community, or just want somewhere new to chill, one of these places is sure to be your vibe—plus you’ll be supporting some pretty awesome local businesses.
