Last year, Cat and I launched Famm, a platform designed to bring more visibility and support to LGBTQ+ owned brands and service providers. Since we started, we’ve focused on creating a virtual space where people can easily discover and support these businesses. Our journey so far has been filled with incredible and meaningful connections. We host virtual networking events for our Famm service providers, we interview the founders of these brands and businesses, we’ve shared our story on podcasts, plus so much more. However, as much as we love our virtual community, connecting locally and in person is really important, too, and creates a different type of magic. So this year, we have prioritized meeting, connecting with, and supporting other local queer businesses while also participating in more local events.

We kicked off Pride at the Glitter & Grit Business Bash. At this networking event, we connected with so many incredible queer-owned business owners, including Mari Dominguez, the owner of Les Tattoos, who hosted the event, Caroline Sailor, the new owner of Bear Dive, where the event took place, and Da'Reen Reichenberg, the owner of Poppy & Pot, who furnished the event with beautiful flowers.

We also attended the Big Queer Cookout during Sacramento Pride, where we had the opportunity to connect directly with our community. This event was extra special because we partnered with Brit Spencer, a local photographer and the Founder of Safe Space Photo, who also happens to be one of our wonderful service providers on Famm.

At the event, we brought our brand new Famm-branded backdrop (which we’re really excited about) and Brit captured some truly amazing photos. She also made the entire experience feel casual, fun and welcoming, so everyone seemed really comfortable, which shows in the photos. Here are some of our favorite shots:

These moments at the Big Queer Cookout, and others like it, remind us that Pride is more than just a celebration; it's a powerful reminder of our resilience, diversity, and unity. It started as a protest and remains a fight for equality. With many anti-LGBTQ+ bills being passed and hate crimes increasing, our fight is far from over. Through events like the Big Queer Cookout and the Glitter & Grit Business Bash, we are not only celebrating who we are but also fostering a stronger, more connected community here in Sacramento and beyond.

Thank you to everyone we met at these Sacramento Pride events. Your presence and support inspire us to keep pushing forward, both virtually and locally, to support and celebrate the incredible LGBTQ+ community. A special thank you to Brit from Safe Space Photo, for capturing such amazing memories. Here’s to many more moments of pride, joy, and connection!

Check out all of the photos Brit took at the Big Queer Cookout here. Learn more about Safe Space Photo here.