H-Town Businesses are ‘Open to All’

Although Pride Month may be coming to an end, Huntington is home to a number of queer-friendly businesses that you can support year-round.

In 2018, the City relaunched its “Open to All” campaign, reaffirming its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in Huntington. Businesses, nonprofits, churches and more were encouraged to take the “Open to All” pledge, and this encouragement was met with an overwhelming number of responses.

Those who took the pledge promised to “maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all employees, visitors, customers, vendors and clients, regardless of race, religion, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or income status” and not discriminate based on any of these. 

Here are a few who took the pledge and proudly show their support to marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, all year long:

Full Circle Gifts and Goods

Located in Heritage Station, Full Circle Gifts and Goods is a one-of-a-kind gift shop that offers a diverse range of thoughtfully chosen items, handcrafted art, plants and more.

While the gifts stocked on the shelves may be ever-changing, Full Circle’s commitment to the ‘Open to All’ campaign never wavers, as you can find the progressive flag displayed on the sign outside their door 365 days a year.

“No matter what happens in the city, the state or the world, we see you, we love you and we will always be a safe space,” the owners recently shared on Full Circle’s social media. 

Nomada Bakery

After spending at least a couple of hours making sure you’re coming home with everything you want from Full Circle, you will have most likely worked up an appetite. Luckily, Nomada Bakery is just steps away.

Recently voted the #1 Cake Shop in the U.S. by USA Today, Nomada is a queer-friendly and queer-owned bakery and café that makes all pastries and sandwiches in-house. From savory empanadas to sweet, chocolate-filled croissants, their menu has a variety of items that are sure to please customers at any time of day. 

Cicada Books & Coffee

Now that you’ve done your shopping and satisfied your sweet tooth, it’s time to relax your mind. Why not head down to 14^th St West, pick up a book, and kick back at Cicada Books & Coffee?

Cicada is a family-owned, independent, new and used bookstore and café located in the heart of Central City. The store’s comfortable atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon – plus, if you didn’t get your coffee fix at Nomada, Cicada’s experienced baristas have you covered.

Cicada features an extensive collection of books that span across genres, with many focusing on Appalachia and LGBTQ+ themes. 

While these three businesses are certainly spotlight-worthy, they are joined in their “Open to All” campaign membership by over 100 other businesses and organizations in the Huntington area. Whether you’re shopping, sipping coffee or simply strolling through town, you’ll find places that don’t just welcome you – they celebrate you. And all you have to do is show up.

View the full list of “Open to All” campaign members here.  

---