The LakewoodPride.com directory is intended to be a directory of local businesses in Lakewood, Ohio who are proud to say that they welcome their LGBT customers. There are three main reasons we decided to launch this project:

1. Small businesses need your support - now more than ever. In today’s economy and world of mega-stores, small businesses are having a rough go of it. There are lots of reasons for this situation, but we think the basic solution is to support the small and locally owned businesses as much as we can. We’re hoping that we can offer a small bit more exposure for small businesses in our hometown of Lakewood, Ohio with this directory.
2. It’s important that your money goes where you want it to. Though many advances have been made, there is still a lot of ground to cover in the fight for civil rights for LGBT folk. We think it’s nice to know that a purchase of goods and services that you need doesn’t contribute to the fight against us - but instead helps to further a business that accepts us and appreciates us. All businesses listed at LakewoodPride.com have consented (and in some cases asked) to be listed here. With this they have stated that they appreciate our community, so this is how we’re demonstrating our appreciation of them.
3. We want to recommend businesses we have faith in. While working in the store, we are frequently asked where to go in Lakewood for various goods and services. Even though Lakewood is quite well known for being a LGBT friendly area, that doesn’t mean that everyone in town thinks that way. We’d like to be able to suggest patronizing businesses we know are welcoming to our customers and friends. We’re sort of funny that way.

Our intention is not to divide our communities any further than they are - we only want to help to support those who support us.

And we want your feedback!

As we’re getting revved up, we need your help in identifying businesses that will want to be listed here. If you know of one that should be here, or you’re part of a small business that should be featured, contact us and let us in on it. We’ll get back to you with the information we need to set up a listing.

Anyone with comments, suggestions, or questions is welcome to contact us as well.

We look forward to hearing from you!