Growing up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin–a small Midwestern town steeped in conservative values–my queerness often felt like an invisible weight. I attended Catholic school, where conversations about queer identities were hushed or nonexistent. These formative years in a space where I rarely felt seen planted a seed in me–a desire to create a world where queer people didn’t just survive, but thrived in spaces that celebrated them. Little did I know that my experience would one day lead to me running my own business called Everywhere Is Queer, a global platform connecting LGBTQIA+ and allied folks to queer-owned organizations and safer spaces.
From personal exploration to a global mission
In 2019, I embarked on a year of full-time travel as part of my job. It was a whirlwind of corporate life and personal exploration, from bustling cities to rural towns. On this journey, as a recently out individual, I was constantly seeking queer community while on the road. At each stop, I searched online for resources that would connect me with queer spaces and organizations. But I found very little.
A few years later, I had a profound experience volunteering with Brave Trails, a queer youth leadership camp for 12- to 18-year-old youth. I felt a strong sense of belonging, and witnessed the youth experiencing the power of connection.
I wondered how I could recreate the euphoric experience I had at Brave Trails on a global scale.
My answer was to connect LGBTQIA+ people with queer-owned spaces that will see them as their most authentic selves. That’s how the idea for Everywhere Is Queer was born: a worldwide map of queer-owned businesses.
From a simple map to a thriving business
Bootstrapping a business comes with its own set of challenges. As a solo founder, juggling multiple roles has been overwhelming at times. I manage everything from approving every single listing to writing newsletters for our 65,000 email subscribers. Along the way, my experiences have taught me that for bootstrapping entrepreneurs, focusing on authenticity, prioritizing high-impact tasks and leveraging organic growth opportunities can be the most effective ways to build a sustainable and meaningful business.
Starting simple
I launched Everywhere Is Queer on January 2nd, 2022 with a web-based map on our website. It was simple, and it worked. The project quickly gained momentum, and after an Instagram post went viral, a queer developer reached out. They offered to transform my scrappy web-based map into a professional app. Just two years after launching that first simple website, on February 20, 2024, my developer and I introduced the free Everywhere Is Queer app. Today, it features over 15,600 queer-owned organizations across more than 26 categories that users can explore. And as of the end of last year, we’re celebrating over 160,000 app downloads!
Starting with a simple map, what some might call a minimum viable product, minimized upfront costs and allowed the platform to prove its value.
Outsourcing Selectively
One of the best decisions I made was hiring a bookkeeper—someone I discovered through my own platform who also happened to be local! Having a bookkeeper has freed up the time I used to spend organizing my finances, allowing me to focus on growing my business in ways I never could before. So if you're managing everything yourself, prioritize tasks that directly impact growth, like user engagement or product development. Outsource areas outside your expertise, even if it's just on a project basis–like hiring a bookkeeper or developer.
Leveraging organic growth
I had zero professional social media experience before building my own brand. But I’ve learned plenty of tips and tricks. The most important thing I’ve learned is to be authentic and show up as your true self–both in your content and behind your content. When I say, “behind your content,” I’m talking about how you respond to the messages and comments you receive; these are important touch points from users of your platform. Encourage users to share their success stories with your product or service–it builds trust and inspires others to engage with your platform.
Maintaining work-life balance
My last tip is to take breaks throughout your day. At the beginning of my journey, I spent way too many hours sitting at one time. I now prioritize eating my meals not at my computer and taking a minute away from my computer screen. These small changes not only help me recharge but also allow me to return to my work with a clearer mind and renewed focus. Remember, building a business is a marathon, not a sprint—taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business.
A global community emerges
Today, Everywhere Is Queer is more than just a map; it’s a lifeline for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies. Everywhere Is Queer is a global community of millions of people. The app empowers both business owners and users, creating a network that fosters economic opportunities and community connections.
This community-led approach is especially crucial for reaching smaller, underserved areas. In places like Frisco, Texas or Bend, Oregon, Everywhere Is Queer acts as a beacon for queer individuals seeking connection and affirmation. It’s not just a directory; it’s a symbol of hope and visibility.
One of the most humbling aspects of this journey has been witnessing organic growth. With over 160,000 app downloads and a combined social media following of 250,000 across Instagram and TikTok, our reach is expanding faster than I ever imagined. The platform has taken on a life of its own, driven by a community that sees the value in amplifying queer voices and spaces.
The real-world success stories are what really inspire me. Hair by Sophia, a salon in Frisco, Texas, reported gaining 15 new clients in a single month through our platform. Similarly, a trans nephew visiting central Oregon discovered affirming spaces for the first time, transforming a visit filled with apprehension into a joyful experience. These stories fuel our mission and remind us why Everywhere Is Queer is essential.
Every email from a business thanking us for helping them grow, every message from a user finding a safe space, reminds me of how important Everywhere Is Queer is. Building Everywhere Is Queer has not just been about creating a business; it’s been about fostering a global movement.
As I look to the future, I’m filled with excitement about the possibilities for growth. Expanding our offerings beyond the map and job board is a priority. My ultimate goal is to build a passionate team to help scale our initiatives, ensuring that Everywhere Is Queer continues to be a resource created by and for the queer community.
But more than anything, I want to see Everywhere Is Queer become a household name—a trusted resource LGBTQIA+ people and allies worldwide. I want it to become a tool that empowers individuals to live authentically and to support businesses that align with their values.
Everywhere Is Queer started as a simple idea–to connect people with businesses owned by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Today, it’s a thriving platform with the power to change lives.