Narrowing down Austin’s hotspots for inclusivity.
By Hannah Nuñez
Austin prides itself on being a hub for inclusivity. Regardless of gender, race or age, you will always find a community willing to welcome you with open arms. The trick is knowing where to look–and where to find some of the best women and queer-friendly places in the city. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new favorite coffee shop or looking to go for a night out, the city provides.
Cheer Up Charlies
Drag, drinks and DJs. Cheer Up Charlies has all the essentials for a great night out. What began as a food truck on 6th St. in 2009 has flourished into a Red River District hotspot–accepting of all. While the club has faced hardship in the past, owners and partners Tamara Hoover and Maggie Lea, have worked hard to sustain the vibrant culture that fills the dance hall.
“Mostly the culture of our space is about connecting with others in a free and relaxing way–our favorite stories are the ones that folks tell us about how they met their life partner on an off-night, or how they are still best friends or bandmates with someone they connected with at our space years ago.” says Lea. “The foundation of cheer ups is built on a vision of love and a network of multifaceted partnerships of all kinds.”
YTX
If you’re looking for good vibes and vinyasa flow, the YTX yoga studio is the perfect place to leave worries on the mat. Formerly known as Wanderlust Yoga Austin, the studio encourages people from all walks of life to join as one within their practice. The company’s Summer Sunset Series has gained a reputation for filling Republic Square Park with yogis looking to connect under the golden hour rays.
Revival Coffee
From its walls to its conchas, this coffee shop is sure to have you seeing life through rose-colored glasses. Revival Coffee is a part of Latina entrepreneur, Gabriela Bucio’s pink empire. Bucio reflects her feminism and culture throughout the entirety of the shop, encouraging folks to come exactly as they are. The eye-catching murals, neon signs and lush plants create a chic atmosphere; plus the perfect photo op, for your coffee experience
The Little Gay Shop
Since its opening during the pandemic, The Little Gay Shop has gone above and beyond for LGBTQ+ representation. Founded in 2019 by partners, Justin Galicz and Kirt Reynolds, The Little Gay Shop is a treasure trove of all things queer art. Selling art made exclusively by queer artists, not only uplifts independent creatives but sets a standard for the future of artistic representation. The shop also hosts The Little Gay Book Club, giving guests the opportunity to have meaningful conversations over queer literature.
Cute Nail Studio
Founded in 2019 by couple Jason Darling and Maria Russo, Cute Nail Studio is reimagining the salon experience. The rainbow-painted bungalow on East 7th St. adds a pop of color to East Austin and embodies a safe place where inclusivity is prioritized. For Cute Nail Studio, beauty service is viewed as an experience for all bodies. Stepping outside of societal gender beauty norms opens opportunities for creativity and results in nail sets that give your common manicure a run for its money. This multifaceted nail studio provides nail services, brow and lash services, tooth gems, tattoos and waxing to leave all customers feeling empowered
Coco Coquette
Coco Coquette is a wig store where more is more and less is out of fashion. The shop’s large personality is held within a quaint boutique sitting on E Cesar Chavez, providing all things glitz and glamour. Self-expression is celebrated in the shop through its large array of wigs, jewelry and vintage clothes. Coco Coquette provides makeup services that educate clients on how to feel euphoric in their own skin. The shop is also well known for its Wig Party’s where groups are encouraged to let loose while finding the hair for them.
“Coco Coquette is more than just fake hair, sparkly makeup, and over-the-top accessories; it’s an opulent parlor that invites guests to step outside of their “comfort zone” and try on a different version of themselves in an environment that celebrates self- expression, in whatever form that might take,” says Coco Coquette Founder, Allyson Garro. “Wigs can be different things to different people, and the right wig can tease out a side of ourselves that has maybe been lying dormant, waiting for the right moment to shine…”
Pot Daddy
Pot Daddy Studio embodies the ability to use art as a tool to connect with the present moment. The donation-based pottery studio allows folks to let go of control and focus on the process of creation rather than restriction. Putting art at the forefront of their value creates a safe environment for any and all artists, searching for inclusivity. The shop itself is accented by the company’s signature joyous yellow and surrounded by lush trees, creating the illusion that you’re further from the city than you truly are.
“To inspire creativity and connect with nature, I built a wooden geodesic dome, which has become a sanctuary for our growing community,” says Pot Daddy Founder, John-Davis Rutkauskas. “In this safe space, we are proud to offer everyone the chance to explore the oldest craft known to civilization. We strive to keep the atmosphere mellow and… yellow!”