Coffee and Community

As a lesbian business owner, having been able to experience the warm and positive feelings of our LGBTQ community, I was drawn to create a space in which we could be ourselves, where we would always feel safe and welcome. I, along with two other business partners sought out to create that environment at the Fair Trade Café & Gallery. In return members of our community have shown their support for the café and have continued doing so even through a recession and light rail construction. I have no doubt we are still here and continuing to grow because of the strong support of the LGBTQ community.

Coming out at the age of twenty-five, I didn’t have to go through my family disowning me, at least the ones I care to claim, through it all I had the support of amazing gay and lesbian friends who overall made me feel welcomed and valued within the LGBTQ community. Shortly after coming out, I met my fantastic and caring partner who I am completely committed to and in love with and who always supports me in all of my endeavors, no matter how crazy they are. My life took an unexpected turn a month after finishing my Masters in Social Work, I mortgaged my house and bought a coffee shop that was in serious financial trouble.

I don’t think that being a gay business owner makes my life any more exciting
than that of a straight business owner, but one thing I do know is that it gives
a sense of purpose will beyond selling coffee.

The Fair Trade Café supports local and global organizations who provide services for those in need, create sustainability, protect the environment and more. If you would like to learn more about Fair Trade please visit www.azfairtrade.com/cafe. The café has allowed me to make a much bigger impact than I would ever have been able to as a single individual.
Our relationship with the LGBTQ community is very symbiotic, we support each other and hopefully will keep continuing to do so. I have not yet encountered any difficulties brought on by my being gay and I know because of that I am incredibly lucky. I know that even just a few years ago, this could have easily made us a target. But today, thanks to the work of Equality Arizona, we hold our place within the community with pride.

Speaking of pride….

The Fair Trade Café will be partnering with Equality Arizona to raise some funds at Pride this year. We will be selling our coffee, tea and other goodies Saturday and Sunday. So if you are going to be there, please stop by and visit us! Let’s continue to support each other. Together we can only grow stronger.

Thank you for everything you have done to support us. It allows us, in turn, to continue to support our community,

Michele White