The roots of the Pride movement extend back to 1969, ignited by the Stonewall Riots in New York City. In the wake of this pivotal event, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies rallied, culminating in the inaugural “Gay Pride March” just a year later. What began as a local act of resistance burgeoned into a global phenomenon, with Pride celebrations spanning cities worldwide. While we honor Pride year-round, Pride Month holds a special significance, providing a dedicated space for amplifying the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
NYC Ferry proudly joins in this celebration by spotlighting local LGBTQ+ businesses near our routes, championing inclusivity and diversity every nautical mile of the way.
Safir Mediterranean
Route: Astoria
Landing: Long Island City
Where Istanbul meets Long Island City, Safir Mediterranean presents a fusion of luxury and affordability. This establishment promises a dining experience characterized by comfort, showcasing a harmonious blend of authentic Turkish flavors, ingredients, and cultural influences.
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Hardware Bar
Route: St. George
Landing: Midtown West
In Hell’s Kitchen, HARDWARE stands as a vibrant bar and lounge, boasting an award-winning design reminiscent of its former hardware store roots. Centrally located in midtown Manhattan, HARDWARE, a gay-owned establishment, features dazzling drag performances by local and guest queens alongside top-notch DJs, drawing crowds from across the nation.
Vers NYC
Route: St. George
Landing: Midtown West
From drag nights to piano parties, Vers serves craft cocktails, elevated bar snacks and unique entertainment in a beautifully designed space.
Bliss Bomb
Route: St. George
Landing: Midtown West
BlissBomb founder, Dan, a food branding enthusiast with a background in consumer marketing for major food brands, including Clif Bar and Chiquita, transitioned into culinary success after winning the DONUT CHALLENGE on Food Network’s CHOPPED Sweets Tournament in 2019. As an LGBTQ-owned business, BlissBomb is proudly certified by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
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Isle of Us
Route: Soundview
Landing: East 90th
Isle of Us, founded by restaurateur Lisle Richards, embodies a vision of conscious living, empowering individuals to make informed food choices while fostering sustainable habits and community dialogue. Isle of Us operates as both a marketplace and café, providing nutrient-rich, made-to-order foods alongside consciously crafted home goods.
Kirrin Finch
Route: Astoria
Landing: Brooklyn Navy Yard
Kirrin Finch, founded by the Brooklyn-based couple Laura Moffat and Kelly Sanders Moffat, addresses the need for gender-defying fashion with menswear-inspired apparel tailored for female and non-binary bodies, inspired by their own struggle to find clothes that reflect their personal style.
Strutting Mutts
Route: East River
Landing: North Williamsburg
Strutting Mutts, established in 2014, passionately delivers top-tier pet care to the Williamsburg and Greenpoint communities, led by a team of devoted dog enthusiasts dedicated to ensuring every furry friend’s safety, happiness, and comfort, making every walk and daycare session a highlight of their day.
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Brandy’s Piano Bar
Route: Soundview
Landing: East 90th
Serving NYC for over 40 years, Brandy’s Piano Bar is an intimate spot showcasing live talent every night. Come out for a drink and enjoy the live music.
Gay Pride Apparel
Online NYC-Based Company
Gay Pride Apparel, founded by two first-generation Mexican-Americans in 2019, empowers and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through high-quality clothing and accessories. With a global reach of over 100,000 and featured in numerous publications, they champion authenticity, empowerment, and pride.
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Cherry Bomb
Route: Soundview
Landing: Stuyvesant Cove
Cherry Bomb prides itself on fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring that clients from diverse backgrounds feel at ease. Their team comprises skilled tattoo artists, each with their own distinct styles and specialties.
Housing Works
Mulitple Locations
Housing Works has a bookstore and several thrift locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Community Healthcare is accessible at these Manhattan and Brooklyn locations, with pharmacies throughout all five boroughs.
Dyke Beer
Available at Multiple Locations
Loretta Andro Chung and Sarah Hallonquist, the founders of Dyke Beer, celebrate LGBTQIA+ spaces and history through their product and host events across New York City, including Queeraoke, Dyke Cookouts, and Self Defense classes.
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