Our favorite local businesses and non-profits in Fort Collins, Colorado!
Part coffee house, part bookstore, and part printing press, this nonprofit is the space to go for artists of all kinds. Enjoy a beer on their patio after buying a book from Perelandra, get some writing time in, or center yourself in their all poetry reading room. With open mics and writing workshops through GuloGulo Poetry and other local authors, this is definitely the space to go. ððŠķ
The newest bookstore in our book-loving Old Town community, this space focuses entirely on romance. From LGBTQ+ love stories to dark academia, there's something for everyone with a romantic heart. While you're there, don't forget to check out their reading corner, a plush red couch highlighted with photos of powerful women, their plethora of merch, and of course, their photo booth. ð
This is a harder one, but if you find this secret gem open, stop what you're doing and go inside! The owner is retired, and so doesn't have a set schedule, but this is one of the finest collections of used books you'll ever come across. Even cooler? All of the books inside the shop are from the owner's personal collection. A wonderful conversationalist who we're pretty sure has read everything in the world, head up the stairs to be greeted by a poster of Emily Dickinson, turn right, and be prepared to spend the next few hours of your life here. ðđ
This sex-positive shop caters to sexualities and genders across the board, including a space specifically for trans folks. Outside of play, this boutique also carries books, t-shirts, and stickers by local artists. ð
This LGBTQ+ friendly pinball arcade is welcoming to all. Atop the stairs, you'll be greeted by an All Are Welcome flag, along with an Abolish ICE flag above the bar. They host two leagues, including their newest WTF group, a league made of Women, Trans, and Femme members. While they primarily focus on pinball, this arcade also has air hockey, skee-ball, Pac-Man, and more. And even better? We're neighbors! Pinball Jones is right next to us here on the square. After getting a book, hop on down and blow off some steam, 80s style. ðū
Part bar, part venue, this space holds a plethora of concerts throughout the week, including drag and burlesque shows. On the front of their door hangs a giant progress flag, making it clear before you even step in that all are welcome. They are also the host of Shit Show Karaoke, a popular event here in Old Town every Wednesday night at 9:00pm. Don't drink? Their mocktails are both accessible and extremely delicious. ðĪ
This local brewery has a beautiful stained glass progress flag atop its door frame. Dedicated to bettering the planet, you'll see them delivering beer to local restaurants and bars via their keg trike, ensuring their beer remains local and of the highest quality. Their beer garden is flush with greenery, and is a local favorite reading spot for book lovers. Their side patio is surrounded by a rainbow clad fence, and their mural by local artist Shiv Tuck features a woman in pink softly beckoning an all blue peacock, the words, Trans Lives Are Limitless front and center. They are host to the FOCO Reading Club on the first Wednesday of every month, where book lovers around town join together in silent reading from 6:00 to 8:00pm. You don't have to be a drinker to spend time here. Enjoy their kombucha, locally made by Three Kings, their THC infused drinks, or their root beer and cream soda, made in house. ðŧ
Below is a list of our favorite LGBTQ+ resources in town. ð
A support group for transgender and nonbinary adults
The Colorado Name Change Project
Resources & instructions on making legal name changes and gender markers for the transgender community
SPLASH Youth of Northern Colorado
Events, meetups, and more for local queer youth
A peer support group focused on mental health, addiction, and recovery
A space for parents of LGBTQ+ children & their families
Community events & LGBTQ+ inclusivity training
LGBTQ+ centered therapy for all ages
LGBTQ+ empowerment through activities, programs, and education
Increasing access for LGBTQ+ communities in Colorado
Focuses on advocating for policies that directly affect the LGBTQ+ community
Healthcare and support services for those living with HIV
A resource guide to all upcoming events here in Old Town, Fort Collins