ShoppinG

Funky gift shops including gay-owned mainstay Mongrel scatter Richmond’s iconic shopping district Carytown. Spend an afternoon walking this mile of style and exploring toys for kids of all ages at World of Mirth, finding new and gently-used reads at Chop Suey, shopping natural foods at Ellwood Thompson’s, and indulging For The Love of Chocolate. In Richmond’s Downtown Arts District, shop hip thrift boutiques like Blue Bones Vintage and galleries like Quirk. Don’t miss out on bargain hunting at Diversity Thrift where proceeds benefit Richmond’s LGBTQ community. Richmond is also home to LGBTQ makers including Double Denim Dude apparel and accessories, homemade foods by Dayum Jam, and skincare and essential oil blends by Maven Made.

Blog

Making the Yuletide Gay: Holiday Shopping According to RVA's Queer Santa

Well, Ho Ho Ho, and Happy Holidays from yours truly, Santa! As I gear up for another season of spreading joy, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in Richmond with all you good little boys, girls, and non-binary folks out there.

“Honor The Past and Celebrate the Present” with Fort Mosé 1738 Clothing Line

Maurice Gattis is a social work professor from Richmond, Va., who never saw himself as someone who would go into the textile industry. But with a trip to Ghana and the help of some wonderful locals there, Fort Mosé 1738 became his reality.

Local Love

Blog

Enrique Mendez

It's incredible to see how much Richmond has changed in the past few years. We have so many LGBTQ focused groups and activities and that's not where it stops.

Read More →

Hayden Muller

Richmond is a very special place to me. As a trans person I am happy to be out because of the teaching opportunities I have.

Read More →

Ariane Swift-McKeller

The LGBTQ community here in Richmond is inviting and there is always something to do whether it’s social and fun or helping others within the community. Richmond is a great place to live with pride and purpose.

Read More →

Charles Western

I love Mongrel in Carytown. There are so many crazy, fun things to see in there. I get the most unique cards from them for all occasions.

Read More →

Meet Our Locals

More Ways To LIVE Out

See All Posts In Live Out

Blog

Making the Yuletide Gay: Holiday Shopping According to RVA's Queer Santa

Well, Ho Ho Ho, and Happy Holidays from yours truly, Santa! As I gear up for another season of spreading joy, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in Richmond with all you good little boys, girls, and non-binary folks out there.

“Honor The Past and Celebrate the Present” with Fort Mosé 1738 Clothing Line

Maurice Gattis is a social work professor from Richmond, Va., who never saw himself as someone who would go into the textile industry. But with a trip to Ghana and the help of some wonderful locals there, Fort Mosé 1738 became his reality.

Five Local LGBTQ Vendors To Shop Any Time of the Year

Between the twinkling lights, the lively holiday music playing, and the festively decorated cookies in every bakery window, the holidays are a magical time in RVA. But let’s be honest, a little retail therapy is always in season.

Safe Space Market Celebrates Black, POC, and LGBTQ+ Makers

The Safe Space Market Pop-Up will celebrate and promote the visibility of Richmond’s Black, POC, LGBTQ+ and other minority makers, artists, and small business owners.

Haircuts That Help the Community

The salon has long been a place of comfort, with hair stylists worldwide pulling double duty as both artistic visionary for their client, and support system extraordinaire. Refuge for Men is that and so much more. It’s safe to say Refuge lives up to its name - and then some.