Out and Proud in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa: A Welcoming and Inclusive Community
Sonoma County is the second “gayest” metropolitan area in the nation. That’s according to a demographer at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), who crunched census numbers to find areas with the highest percentage of residents living in same-sex relationships. Not surprisingly, our Bay Area neighbors to the south, San Francisco, led the list with 12.4 same-sex couples per 1,000 households.
The Santa Rosa Metro area — in effect Sonoma County — was No.2 with 7.63 gay couples per 1,000 households, a rate 56 percent greater than the national average. Sixty-three percent of Sonoma County’s same-sex couples were men.
Here in Santa Rosa, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community where citizens and visitors alike feel safe, respected, and comfortable in being themselves and expressing all aspects of their identities. It is a place where each person shares a sense of belonging with each other.
All that is to say that Santa Rosa and Sonoma County is a top LGBTQ destination that celebrates openness and pride — our entire destination is renowned for its welcoming and accepting attitude.
 | If we could but recognize our common humanity, that we do belong together, that our destinies are bound up in one another’s, that we can be free only together, that we can be human only together, then a glorious world would come into being where all of us lived harmoniously together as members of one family, the human family. – Bishop Desmond Tutu |  |
What follows is a sampling of several outstanding Santa Rosa LGBTQ-owned and operated businesses and organizations.
Brew Coffee and Beer House
BREW Coffee and Beer celebrates all things brewed. Brew's vision is all things craft! They want you to hang out, relax, unwind, and make a new friend. Savor the art on the walls, listen to a record, or play a game. They won't say no if you bring an instrument and decided to play. There are 10 rotating taps with all craft beers and cider from near and far.
Ritual Coffee Roasters supplies the specialty beans, and they work our magic to craft delicious beverages for you to enjoy. Brew has selected a small offering of wines by the glass as well as Mimosas and Lemosas.
Brew offers small plates in-house that range from a full toast menu to a turkey panini, to a garden salad, Vegan Wrap, Grilled Cheese many different ways, including vegan. They source many local, and organic ingredients, and work with partners that they are proud to represent and support. Their comfy couches welcome you to stay and enjoy a coffee or a beer with your friends, the Brew Crew.
555 Healdsburg Avenue | Santa Rosa| 707-303-7372 | brewcoffeeandbeer.com
Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar
"Noble Folk was founded by Life partners and entrepreneurs Ozzy Jimenez and Christian Sullberg, They opened Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar in Downtown Healdsburg in 2010 and then opened up their Downtown Santa Rosa location in 2018! Noble Folk specializes in local handcrafted ice creams in unique, fun flavors and always made from scratch desserts.
The Noble Folk storefront on 4th Street proudly flies the rainbow flag and transgender pride flag and displays a Black Lives Matter poster to signal to our community that their business celebrates diversity and inclusion and Downtown Santa Rosa welcomes all!
Noble Folk has been recognized by the San Francisco Business Journal as one of the top LGBTQIA+-owned businesses in the Bay Area for the last six years. This year, they were named one of the 12 best ice cream spots in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Chronicle.
539 4th Street | Santa Rosa | 707-978-3392 | thenoblefolk.com
Sonoma County Pride
Sonoma County Pride is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives and well-being of the LGBTQIA++ community throughout Sonoma County. Sonoma County Pride works to promote equality for all, to be a liaison within the community, and to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions made by the LGBT family and friends.
Under the leadership of Executive Director, Christopher Kren-Mora, Sonoma County Pride produces signature events such as Pinot on the River on Courthouse Square, the June Pride Parade and Festival, including the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, Pride Parade, and Pride after parties.
Join us for the 38th Annual Sonoma County Pride Parade & Festival on June 3, 2023.
Visit Santa Rosa is a proud supporter of Sonoma County Pride.
Recommended LGBTQ-Friendly Accommodations
Santa Rosa has well-established street cred as one of the country's most gay-friendly destinations, with a wide array of gay-friendly accommodations. Let our recommendations help you decide where to spend your LGBTQA-supporting dollars on Santa Rosa lodging—and safely, proudly, and happily enjoy your stay.
Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine County
Visit Santa Rosa is a proud member of
 LGBT Meeting Planning Association |  |
