A Unique Coffee Shop that offers more than just lattes and comics.
I’ve never been much of a volunteer. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve donated time and money in the past. But with several projects of my own, there seems to be no time to help. So when I saw the add on facebook for Comic Girl Coffee and Books asking for more volunteers, I felt it was kismet. Comic Girl had been on my radar and was already one of my favorite queer spots in Charlotte, but I have to say, even after only a couple of months volunteering, it’s become a second home. A place I want to be and a community I want to see thriving in this all too suffocating atmosphere we live in.
Safe Spaces.
Charlotte is what I’ve always dubbed a ‘gay’ city, but it’s never really had the opportunity to be the ‘queer’ city that I know it can be. However, there is one spot in the area that is trying to break that mold and bring about a safe space that doesn’t necessarily include drinking copious amounts of booze. (Granted, I’ll never say no to a lesbian bar.) Enter Comic Girl Coffee and Books; A comic book/bookshop that boasts amazing coffee/tea beverages, vegan treats from around the city, and a community that is welcoming, humble, and courageous.
I was reading an After Ellen article the other day that talked about the erasure of (specifically) Lesbian hangouts. It was a refreshing, urgent call to action for our community. Inviting us to become more involved in accepting queer spaces so they don’t disappear forever. Although I have my qualms with this particular blog, I couldn’t agree more with what the article was trying to convey. The erasure of queer and specifically lesbian spaces is a real issue. I’ve watched on more than one occasion LGBTQ+ spaces fall short and have to close up shop. It’s a heartbreaking reality in a world that is having more than its share of trials and tribulations.
Comic Girl boasts itself as a place to get away from those tribulations. A queer safe space, Comic girl is known for its extremely inclusive array of comics. (most of which are pay what you want!) CGC specializes in queer and minority culture, and their book selection is just as diverse. Add in a couple of ‘Make America Gay Again’ bags, ‘Queer Cats’ Pins, local artwork, popular pop toys, some squishy stuffed Gamoras, and you might be able to envision what this little coffee shop looks like.
The drinks.
Now, I am no latte artist, but with beverages like the gay pride glitter bomb, the moon girl, and numerous humorously named lattes of the day that are made with edible glitter and sprinkles; who needs a fig leaf made of foam? We even offer up a super secret iced chai beverage lovingly dubbed the LCM; a concoction created after reading The Lesbian Sex Haiku Book (With Cats!) by Anna Pulley found at the shop.
Comic Girl isn’t just known for its delicious coffee, vegan treats, snazzy merch, and queer comics. Oh no, they run special community events, such as game nights, queer speed dating, D/s support groups and so much more. The one thing that is missing from this space is additional volunteers. That After Ellen piece was right; without people willing to make a difference in this community, it’s going to be increasingly difficult to maintain these safe spaces for others like us. It’s imperative that we take action. That we volunteer. That we go out and support local queer businesses as much as we possibly can.
So stop by! If you catch me, be sure to ask for the LCM!
Live in or visiting Charlotte or Charleston and want to find the cool places to hang? Check out our Off the Beaten Path series HERE!
Keep up with Comic Girl Coffee on Facebook and Instagram.
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