Queer Spirits plans ‘first’ LGBTQ+ cooperative distillery
UK-based Queer Spirits is aiming to raise up to £300,000 (US$402,360) to build the world’s first LGBTQ+ community-owned distillery.
Founded in 2022 by husbands Oli Powell and Jon Gronow, Queer Spirits made its debut with a gin.
Following the ‘sell-out success’ of its Queer Gin pilot, the company has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to build a dedicated production facility in London.
The campaign seeks to raise a minimum of £100,000 (US$134,190) to create a ‘vibrant new queer space where spirits can be made, stories shared, and community celebrated’.
The funds will also be used to fit out the venue, purchase distilling equipment for small-batch production (including a 100-litre still) and expand the company’s product line to include alcohol-free ‘spirits’ and ready-to-drink cocktails.
There are plans to launch a vodka, rum and Tequila, with the latter in partnership with a female-led distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
The company also aims to expand with outposts in Manchester, Brighton, Glasgow and beyond. These sites would operate as retail and tasting hubs,event and fundraising venues, and as platforms for queer talent, nightlife and culture.
Powell said the business was started to “make a difference”.
“Queer spaces are more vital than ever, and by giving the community real ownership and a say in how we operate, we’re building something we can all be proud of,” he continued.
According to the company, more than half of LGBTQ+ venues (such as G-A-Y) have closed in the UK since 2006.
Queer Spirits is aiming to offer a member-owned business that sells spirits to both venues and consumers.
Revenue from the venture will be put towards sustaining the venue and directly support LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and community spaces that have been hit by rising rents, gentrification, and underinvestment.
Queer Spirits hopes to create a ‘self-sufficient way to reinvest in queer nightlife, protect historic venues, and nurture the next generation of grassroots queer culture’.
“Queer Spirits is about building community power to celebrate our queerness all year round,” added Gronow. “With investment, we’ll be creating the world’s first LGBTQ+ co-operative distillery, helping to bring bold new community spaces to life.”
The company is targeting an annual return of 6% to investors from year three onwards. Each investor will receive one vote that can be used at the company’s annual general meetings.
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