Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Charlie Sprinkman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Charlie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I came up with the idea for Everywhere Is Queer in mid 2021 after spending years traveling and constantly searching for queer-owned spaces wherever I went. I was always looking for queer-owned coffee shops, gyms, clothing stores, you name it. As a queer person, I wanted to support my community and also feel safe and seen in the places I spent my time and money. But what I realized was that there wasn’t one centralized, easy way to find those spaces. I was always piecing it together through Instagram tags, word of mouth, or Google Maps deep dives. I have been to 47 of the 50 states and wish I had our resource before I traveled to all of them!

The real turning point came during a job I had in 2019, which was 100% travel. I visited 41 of the 50 states in 2019 alone. I was recently out, and eager to be around queer people! I found myself asking, are there queer-owned spaces here? Are there other people like me building community in places that aren’t necessarily known for being queer-friendly? That curiosity and longing for connection sparked the first seed of the idea.

I started imagining a digital map where you could open your phone anywhere in the world and instantly see every queer-owned business around you. Queer community saved my life and knowing how important it is to me, I know that feeling resonates with other queer people. When you see yourself reflected in your community, you feel a sense of belonging that’s powerful and affirming (life-saving).

There were directories for women-owned, Black-owned, and sustainable businesses but nothing like that existed for queer-owned spaces on a global scale. With zero tech background, it all started on Google MyMaps, which is a free resource to map places. It was a Google Form overlayed on Google MyMaps. I was DM’ing outwardly queer-owned organizations asking them to fill out the short application to be listed.

I never thought EIQ would become what it is today. Every dot on that map represents a story, a person, a safe space. Watching my little idea grow to be the world’s largest directory of queer-owned organizations has been surreal. It’s a constant reminder that when you build something rooted in authenticity and community, it resonates.

Charlie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Charlie Sprinkman (they/he), the founder of Everywhere Is Queer. EIQ is the world’s largest global directory of queer-owned businesses. I started this project out of my own lived experience, as someone who has always been passionate about community organizing. After years of traveling, I realized how hard it was to find queer-owned spaces unless you already knew someone local. That feeling of isolation and the desire for connection became the heart behind EIQ.

Everywhere Is Queer is a free mobile app (available on iOS and Android, globally) that helps people easily discover and support queer-owned businesses all over the world. 26 different categories from coffee shops and yoga studios to tattoo artists and hair salons. Beyond just being a directory, it’s become a storytelling platform and a movement centered on visibility, community, and belonging.

What sets us apart is that we’re not just listing businesses, we’re helping people find safety, connection, and joy. For queer travelers, allies, and locals, our app becomes a tool for empowerment. Each listing represents a space where you can show up as yourself and know you’re welcome.

I’m most proud of how grassroots this entire journey has been. I built the first version of EIQ with no tech background, just a Google Form and a lot of DMs. Since then, it’s grown into a global resource with over 20,000 listings, 250,000 app downloads, and partnerships with major tourism boards and queer-led organizations.

At its core, Everywhere Is Queer is about creating belonging. It’s about showing that queer people exist and thrive everywhere, in big cities, small towns, and across the world. My hope is that people see our global movement and feel both proud and inspired. I hope people are proud to support queer-owned businesses and inspired to continue building inclusive, visible, and affirming spaces for all of us.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

EIQ has been completely self-funded. I have always been extremely inspired by boot-strapped organizations and wanted to try to do that myself (which I have!). I had a full-time corporate job and was building EIQ on the side for 1.5 years. October 2023, I took the jump and went full-time with Everywhere Is Queer. February 20th, 2024 we launched our app and that is when I was able to monetize our business in sustainable fashion. Beyond grateful for anyone who is subscribed to EIQ (organizations are only available to subscribe right now. They earn a Featured Listing in-app + so much more!).

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Being authentic and true to yourself. I have responded to EVERY single DM EIQ has ever received (100’s of thousands at this point). I built a community! Community is everything. I couldn’t be more grateful for the EIQ community and what we are ALL building together. I am helping facilitate the growth of EIQ, but I am not EIQ. EIQ is the entire community and everyone that follows, share, and supports the queer-owned organizations listed on our app!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.everywhereisqueer.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everywhereisqueer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-sprinkman-b9ba05107/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@everywhereisqueer/shorts

Image Credits

@ivylanephotocompany – for photos attached here (besides screenshot of our app)