Why stop at a top ten? Here are some other businesses that come Curve-approved.
Curve recently profiled 10 well deserving lesbian-owned business throughout the country. Why would we want to stop there? We’re spreading the love for even more businesses that go leaps and bounds for the LGBT community.
Pearl’s Rainbow Key West Resort
Owners Heather Carruthers and Leslie Leonelli define rest and relaxation with their beautifully renovated 38 rooms located at the southwestern-most tip of the Florida Keys. While the quite neighborhood Pearl’s Rainbow inhibits is the perfect setting for alone time, DJed happy hours and speed dating at the resort may just make you chuck that idea out the window. (pearlsrainbow.com)
Club Skirt’s The Dinah party
How can one miss out on “the oldest and largest annual lesbian party in the county”? Founder Mariah Hanson makes an offer you can refuse and 2010 is the year to say yes as The Dinah will be celebrating their 20th anniversary. Slated for March 31 through April 4, the Palm Springs all-girl party features club nights, comedy performances and even mingling poolside. (thedinah.com)
Rainbow Card
Put your credit where your mouth is. Endorsed by Visa, Rainbow Card credit has already raised $2 million for LGBT awareness and various causes. Portions of your purchases with your Rainbow Card go directly to Rainbow Endowment, a national foundation that awards grant money to LGBT non-profits. Co-founded by Martina Navratilova, Rainbow Card is a painlessly giving gesture to causes that sorely need support. (rainbowcard.com)
15 Minutes, Inc.
Owners Pam Derderian and Nancy Becker want to pimp out your event. The media mavens specialize in creative advertising and public relations specifically for the entertainment industry. If you are looking to get a leg up, these ladies are waiting for your call. Derderian and Becker also have their hands in Greenslam, an environmental group, and Dining Out For Life, an annual fundraiser for AIDS organizations. (15minutesinc.com)
AfterEllen.com
One of the premier Websites for all things ‘L,” AfterEllen.com is a Mecca of entertainment and news for the LGBT community. Editor Sarah Warn invites you to catch your favorite webisodes and keep in the know about the growing presence of lesbians in the media.
Sweet
Travel never tasted so good. Founder Shannon Wentworth not only wants to give you that getaway you always dreamed of, but donate to worthy causes while doing so. Based in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Sweet is a financial donator to such organizations as the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality California and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. (discoversweet.com)
RedBone Press
Working to bridge the gap between gays and straights of color, Washington D.C.’s Redbone Press owner Lisa C. Moore “publishes work celebrating the cultures of black lesbians and gay men.” Lambda Literary Award winning books Does Your Mama Know? and The Bull-Jean Stories can be found under the RedBone label. (redbonepress.com)
Bold Strokes Books
Owner Len Barot knows her books. As a seasoned author of over 25 works, Barot adds more than 20 years experience to Bold Strokes Books, based in Valley Falls, New York. “I am an author, and I know how much more it takes to ‘make a book’ than just placing a cover on a manuscript,” says Barot. “Done with respect and love for the craft, creating a book is a never-ending joy.” (boldstrokesbooks.com)
Bella Books
This publisher has so much taste, they put out our own Diane Anderson-Minshall’s book Punishment With Kisses. Owner Linda Hill certainly picks winners with Tallahassee, Florida’s Bella Books. With a significant focus on lesbian fiction, Bella has published award winners such as Gerri Hill, Jessica Thomas and Claire McNab. (bellabooks.com)
Alpha World Press
Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, owners Peggy and Tracey Vandeveer have published several renowned lesbian authors including Curve contributing writer Lyndsey D’Arcangelo. “We are committed to promoting positive, affirming communications and networking with authors and readers worldwide to leave a legacy of quality lesbian literature,” say the Vandeveers. (alphaworldpress.com)
New Moon Bar
Only a stroll away from the beach, Fort Lauderdale’s New Moon Bar is no dive, offering 16 wines by the glass every day. New Moon also features events such as Flashback Friday and wine tasting for Equality Florida, an advocacy organization dedicated to ending discrimination. Owner Carol Moran also invites you to get your sports fix with New Moon’s Softball Sundays. (newmoonbar.com)
Aqua Nightclub
Co-owner Jill MacDonald presents Aqua Nightclub in Key West, Florida. Aqua is where it’s at with events like Aqua Idol, which raised over $8,000 for local theater The Waterfront. Aqua also offers four weekly poker tournaments that will award various prizes to the best of mavericks. When not practicing their poker faces, patrons can also enjoy the fun and flair of Dueling Bartenders every Monday. (aquakeywest.com)
Wild Rose Tavern
Seattleites Martha Manning and Shelley Brothers own the comfy Wild Rose Tavern. Welcome to both men and women, this low-key establishment is perfect for casual socializing or a chill evening with your honey. (myspace.com/wildroseseattle)
Novak’s Bar
Nancy Novak’s namesake Novak’s Bar & Grill is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and has come a long way since starting out of Novak’s own home over 10 years ago. “It had a sign and everything,” says Novak. “We like to keep that house party feeling alive in the bar today. As I often say, I throw a party for a living.” Novak also owns Nancy’s Place also located in Saint Louis. (novaksbar.com)
GirlBar
Celebrating almost 20 years, GirlBar founders Sandy Sachs and Robin Gans present an upscale chain of clubs exclusively for lesbians. Located in both West Hollywood at Ultra Suede and Chicago at Circuit Nightclub, GirlBar is in the works for Las Vegas and Phoenix spots as well. Keep an eye out for this expanding franchise and also the annual GirlBar Dinah Shore Week. (girlbar.com)
MoonShadow Lounge
Owners Sharon Pfeiffer and Cindy Heberling acquired this dreamily atmospheric lounge about seven years ago and since have turned into a choice lesbian hangout of North Hollywood. Events that include Sunday brunches, weekly karaoke and Thursday night meet and greets keep the patrons rolling in. But don’t confuse MoonShadow for a snobby “it” club. Games of beer pong and darts keep the setting down to earth and welcoming. (moonshadownightclub.com)
My Sister’s Room
Recently renovated in July, My Sister’s Room is back in action in Atlanta. Fourteen years in the running, My Sister’s Room is under the careful ownership of married couple Susan Musselwhite and Patryce Yeiser. Complete with regular talent shows and $10 Long Island pitchers, My Sister’s Room is the place to toss a few back and get loose with your girls. (mysistersroom.com)
Cubbyhole
In the West Village of New York, owners Tanya Saunders and Jacque Piazza present fusion bar Cubbyhole. Instantly disarmed by decorative piñatas and Christmas lights, patrons will be in store for an uproariously good time, especially if in attendance for weekly “Sunday Drunch.” Welcome to people of all preferences, Cubbyhole is simply a great place to let your hair down and make some friends. (cubbyholebar.com)