Honoring inclusion, identity, and the strength in our stories is at the core of what we do at RTB, so the community and voices Pride celebrates, of which we’re both part of and deeply connected to, are especially meaningful to us.
This month celebrates and honors the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community while recognizing the ongoing fight for rights, visibility, and equality worldwide.
Pride and drinking culture have long been intertwined - for decades, bars and nightclubs were among the few safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ folks, especially in times and places where being themselves was dangerous. These venues became central to queer community and connection, with alcohol often used both to bond and to cope with the stress of a world that too often invalidates LGBTQIA+ identities and bodies.
Today, a new wave of queer-owned and operated zero-proof spaces is shifting that narrative and inspiring people to show up exactly as they are. And to no surprise, they’re some of the most inclusive spaces around!
While we're here, we also wanted to share a few brands, creators, and organizations that inspire us. These are just a few of many.
BuzzCutt
The ultimate app to connect you with NA brands and show where their drinks are served. You can filter by beverage type and alcohol content - super helpful for anyone who likes to feel prepared when going out.
Tawny Lara
Writer, editor, and longtime voice in the sober curious space, Tawny Lara is the author of Dry Humping and co-author of The Sobriety Deck. She co-founded the non-alc spirit (parentheses), co-hosts the Recovery Rocks podcast, and teaches virtual courses on writing, PR, and storytelling.
Cuties LA
A Black and queer-owned community space in LA offering virtual and in-person events and resources focused on building truly inclusive environments for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Gay & Sober
A nonprofit that creates safe, fun, and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ folks in recovery, offering wellness programs, educational resources, and community events to uplift and connect sober journeys.
Jamie Windust
Non-binary writer, editor, model, and speaker who’s all about LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. Author of In Their Shoes: Navigating Non-Binary Life.
Minus Moonshine
A queer-owned, independent NA bottle shop in Brooklyn, New York - now with a second location!
Mick Resendez
Queer sobriety coach and host of the Virgin Vodka Soda podcast - such a vulnerable and worthy listen!
Spark Social DC
Washington, D.C.’s first non-alcoholic LGBTQ+ bar and café, offering a vibrant, inclusive spot to connect, work, and socialize.
Queer Sober Atlanta
A queer-led collective creating alcohol-free events and supportive spaces for LGBTQIA+ folks exploring sobriety and recovery.
Sober Gay Podcast
A podcast based in the UK, sharing authentic stories and conversations with everyday people living alcohol-free.
Work For Your Beer
A wellness and travel platform that promotes balanced living, diversity, and giving back - with tons of great resources.
Ever AFter
A queer-owned hub for the NA community in Portland, Oregon, bringing people together through alcohol-free events, pop-ups, and an online bottle shop coming soon.
A spotlight on Modica
We had the pleasure of partnering with Modica in one of our boxes last year and loved getting to know more about their delicious range of cocktail mixers.
We later sat down with founders Eric and JD to chat about what inspires them, the journey behind Modica, and the role inclusivity plays in everything they create.
Read the interview here, then take a peek at their incredible range. Cucumber marg? Espresso Martini? Spiced Cherry Old Fashioned??? We'll take one of each, please.
Here's to showing up exactly as you are. To listening, lifting each other up, and celebrating our stories, this Pride Month and every month after.